Bradenton wants to put new limits on short-term rentals like Airbnb. Here’s what to know
Big changes could be on the way for short-term rental offerings in Bradenton as city leaders consider implementing new rules and regulations meant to protect guests and neighbors.
Short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and Vrbo listings, allow visitors to rent a home for less than 6 months, but the Bradenton City Council says it has received numerous complaints about guests who disrupt neighborhoods with noise, parking and occupancy violations.
City officials discussed the issue last year before directing City Attorney Scott Rudacille to create a licensing program that aims to resolve some of the main problems that neighborhoods face.
Florida law prevents Bradenton from banning short-term rentals or limiting where they can operate, but new regulations could be the answer, said Mayor Gene Brown.
“99% of the people that do this do it correctly, but there’s a small percentage that abuse the system and make us create these rules,” Brown said. “The ones doing it correctly, it’s not going to affect at all, but the ones who aren’t will need to come into compliance. We’re just trying to manage and protect the quality of life for our residents.”
Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey described some of the complaints she has heard from residents, including too many cars parked on the street, noisy parties that go late into the night and houses that welcome too many guests.
“It’s all fun and games until there’s a tragedy. These people are vacationing and might be overindulging. Anything could go wrong,” Barnebey said. “That’s why the citizens are asking for protection.”
Which short-term rentals will be affected?
If approved, Bradenton’s proposed regulations on short-term rental properties will only apply to those within city limits. Vacation rentals in other parts of Manatee County will not be affected.
What will rental registration cost?
While the final details have not been finalized, City Administrator Rob Perry said he expects the annual registration fee to cost more than $100.
How will I apply to operate a short-term rental in Bradenton?
If approved, rental hosts will need to share more than a dozen documentations and pieces of information in an annual application to the city. That application will ask for the following information:
- Address of the rental property
- Owner contact information
- Contact information for a “responsible party” that is available 24/7 to address complaints
- Proof of ownership
- An annual registration fee
- A tax receipt with the city
- Proof of current account with Manatee County Tax Collector
- An active vacation rental license from Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Number of bedrooms and full bathrooms
Square-footage of temperature-controlled space
Exterior site sketch of the rental
Interior building sketch of the floorplan
A blank sample of the rental lease agreement
An affidavit that states the owner is aware of Bradenton’s vacation rental regulations
A copy of all pre-existing rental agreements for the vacation rental
Will the city limit the number of guests?
Yes, the occupancy limit will be based on the number of bedrooms and square footage.
The new system will limit guests to the smallest number according to the following formula:
- Two guests per bedroom, plus two additional guests
- One guest per 150 square feet of temperature-controlled space
- Up to 12 people
For example, a 2,000-square-foot, 3-bedroom home would be limited to eight guests — two people per bedroom and two other guests. However, even large properties will be limited to 12 guests.
Once a maximum occupancy has been set by the city, it will be illegal for short-term rentals to advertise an ability to host more guests than the city allows.
Owners will also be asked to provide one space of off-street vehicle parking for every four occupants. For example, a vacation rental that houses 12 guests would need to provide three parking spaces.
Several short-term rentals advertise the ability to house more than 20 guests. Bradenton is set to grandfather those existing properties to continue housing two guests per bedroom, plus four additional guests. The grandfathered status requires proof of an existing vacation rental and will last for five years before expiring.
What will Bradenton require in vacation rentals?
Short-term rental hosts will be required to provide certain items and information for guests. The list includes the following:
- Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- A landline that can dial 911
- A properly inspected fire extinguisher in an open common area
- Battery-powered emergency lighting at each building exit
The city will also require vacation rental owners to post useful information for guests. The list includes:
- Location of the nearest hospital
- Non-emergency police telephone number
- Trash and recycling pickup dates
- Street address of the rental
- Telephone number for the rental’s landline
- Name and phone number of the “designated responsible party”
- Emergency evacuation instructions
- Maximum occupancy
- Maximum number of vehicles allowed to park on the property
- A statement asking guests to follow the city’s noise ordinance
- A copy of the Certificate of Registration for the rental
Who will the city call if there’s a problem?
The short-term rental application requires owners to list a “designated responsible party” to manage the property. That person can be the owner or a different individual.
The designated responsible party will need to be available to respond to any “conduct or behavior” complaints. That person should be available 24/7 and is asked to respond to the property within one hour. The designated responsible party is also asked to inspect the rental property once a week.
Bradenton’s rules also require the designated responsible party to maintain a list of the names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses and dates of stays for all occupants.
That information should be kept for a minimum of two years after an occupant leaves the vacation rental and “shall be open to inspection by authorized personnel of the city at all times,” the proposed ordinance says.
Will Bradenton inspect vacation rentals?
Yes, city staff will inspect each vacation rental property before a Certificate of Registration is issued. The inspection will check to make sure the rental meets building and fire codes, as well as the other requirements included in the regulations.
When can I provide feedback on this plan?
Bradenton City Council will discuss the proposed rule changes during a public meeting on Jan. 26. Certain aspects of the short-term rental licensing plan could be modified following comments from the board and local residents.
The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at Bradenton City Hall, 101 12th St. W., in downtown Bradenton.
Do you operate a short-term rental such as an Airbnb or Vrbo property? Are you a neighbor that’s had issues with short-term rental guests before? We want to hear from you. Please reach out to reporter Ryan Callihan by emailing rcallihan@bradenton.com or calling (941) 745-7095.
