This past Spring, vacation rentals were on the minds of many residents in Lake Worth. Owners of these properties appeared before the city commission wanting the city to change its laws for them. Several commissioners were leaning their way just so they would not get into litigation that was being threatened by these owners. Our laws say no less than 60 days and the commission was even considering 2 weeks in order to appease these people. An estimated 50 properties are being used as vacation rentals and not licensed to do so, competing with legitimate businesses. The commission has been totally silent on the issue ever since--these properties thrive.
Seven months ago, the City said, "The present issue for the City is to decide whether to enforce its current prohibition on short term vacation rentals and begin code compliance proceedings against those establishments advertising themselves as such, which include as many as fifty (50) properties in Lake Worth. Well, guess what? All this capitulation and/or procrastination by this commission which has become the norm in our city (scared of LAWSUITS mentality) might be decided by the Florida Legislature.
New bill targets vacation rentals: Groups of vacationers that each year turn vacation rentals into “mini-hotels” might be out of luck if lawmakers pass legislation filed by a duo of St. Johns County lawmakers. Spearheaded by a Hammock Beach Club Condominium Association in Flagler County, the idea is to again allow local governments to regulate vacation rental laws. A 2011, state law gave that control to state government…Read more.
The law is the law. As the law now stands, these 50 property owners in Lake Worth who are renting their properties for a weekend or a week are LAW BREAKERS and they need to face the consequences. Enforce the law NOW, Madam mayor and city commissioners. Then get to work and change the law if you want, if the community wants. Afraid of lawsuits? Toughen up. Face the bullies down. Start showing some leadership. For Pete's sake.
ReplyDeleteThe law ought to be enforced. These are not just vacation rentals in a vacation town (i.e. Key West - which has its own restrictions on the short leasing of residential homes) these short rentals are in neighborhoods with neighbors who have kids who need to work, etc. having short term rental vacation rental properties is not fair for those that live in close proximity to these properties. Noise, parking, crime, etc. it simply does not belong. Furthermore, it is not fair to the actual inns in our town, those that are licensed, pay bed taxes and the like. You don't have a right to run a business out of residential neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteEnforce the law.
How are we supposed to know who or what is in the house next door? If we had wanted to live next door to a hotel, we would have moved next to one, not bought in a neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThe comment in the article "“We are not sure why they think when they permit seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom homes on the beach that they won’t be rented,” is completely arrogant. Maybe someone built it TO LIVE IN ???
Please protect your residents Commission!
It is really sad that our elected officials are ignoring the wishes of residents and tax payers in this city. Too afraid of a law suit is a lame excuse. Enforce the law.
ReplyDeleteSeasonal rental for three months or so should be about the minimum allowed in residential communities, and they should be licensed and should pay bed taxes.