Gov. DeSantis Vetoes Controversial Florida SB 280 Vacation Rental Bill

Some agree with the governor’s decision, arguing that passing the bill would have negatively affected the state’s tourism industry. But others are disappointed, as the bill would have given more power to local governments to ensure their neighborhoods stay resident-friendly.

Now, more than a decade later, another bill (SB 280) was proposed and passed in both the Senate and the House that finally implemented stricter rules for short-term vacation rentals. However, DeSantis has vetoed the bill.

It even included a clause that would allow local governments to completely ban short-term rentals in their counties if they preferred.

There were, of course, two sides to the debate: One side felt that vacation rentals have become a real problem throughout the state of Florida, while the other argued they provided necessary income for thousands of residents and generally improved the state’s overall economy.

These Floridians were thrilled with the proposition that would limit the number of short-term rentals throughout the state, increase regulations for homeowners, and even offer them the possibility of voting to ban vacation rentals in their country.

And, to be fair, that is absolutely correct. Florida has an almost unbelievable 830,000 vacation rental properties, which make residents millions of dollars every year.

In fact, visitors contribute $333 million to Florida’s economy every day. In 2022 alone, travelers, both foreign and domestic, spent a whopping $124.9 billion in the Sunshine State.

Small businesses, restaurants, cafes, and even gas stations all thrive when Florida’s tourism is booming. Therefore, it’s crucial that the state remains as tourist-friendly as possible.

Vacation rentals are great for families, groups, and even couples who prefer the privacy of a home. More often than not, vacation rentals are more affordable and have more to offer. Without them, there could very well be fewer Florida visitors.

But it’s also important to note that DeSantis argued the bill was too simple in its approach to vacation rentals. He argued this is not a “one size fits all issue” as the bill proposes. DeSantis hopes his fellow lawmakers can find a way to make all Floridians happy with the regulations for vacation rentals.

Although DeSantis is certainly a controversial leader, hardly anyone can argue that the governor hasn’t improved the state’s economy over his two terms. In fact, according to Bloomberg, Florida’s economy has boomed under the current governor.

It’s highly likely that DeSantis will run for president in 2028, so the nation is watching closely to see how he handles situations like the vacation rental debate and decide if he is fit to take on the White House.