City Ordinances 21-5353 and 24-5506 collectively require registration of qualifying vacation rentals within the Coastal Islands Overlay District, as well as all 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-family dwelling units operating as vacation rentals within the Residential Single and Multi-Family Zoning Districts. These property owners must obtain a vacation rental certificate of registration to advertise or operate as a vacation rental. Owner occupied vacation rentals, condominiums, cooperatives, or properties rented for 30 days or more are exempt from the registration. Further, according to the City of Sarasota Zoning Code Sections II-304(b)(1) and VI-202(b), the applicable properties must maintain compliance of the minimum stay requirement (7 Full Days and 7 Full Nights) for any short-term vacation rental unit.
The registration deadline is Thursday, October 31st, and if not completed by then, late fees may incur. The final deadline for vacation rental registration is Tuesday, December 31st. Upon January 1, 2025, operating a vacation rental without a certificate when one is required will violate the City Code, potentially resulting in fines and penalties being assessed. Applications can be submitted online via the city’s online portal or in-person at 1575 2nd Street, Third Floor.
The vacation rental certificate of registration application process involves (i) submitting an application for review, (ii) timely paying the application fee, (iii) scheduling an inspection, (iv) obtaining a certificate of registration, (v) maintaining compliance with ordinance standards, and (vi) renewing the certificate of registration annually.
Although the City of Sarasota has conducted informational outreach regarding registration requirements over the past six months, including mailing letters, posting on the City of Sarasota website and social media, and issuing articles and news releases, the City has recently calculated hundreds of vacation rental property owners on the mainland who have not yet begun the registration process.
We highly encourage those who have not started the registration process to begin so immediately to avoid the consequences. If you require assistance in this process, please reach out to our office to speak with an attorney.