Bipartisan Pool Safety Bill Advances in Florida

2/23/2026

A Florida bill that would require additional safety standards for vacation rental homes that have swimming pools has unanimously passed in the state Senate. The bill would require long- and short-term rental (STR) properties with a pool or body of water within 150 feet to be equipped with at least one safety feature. Such features may include a fence, a pool cover, or an alarm, among other options. The bipartisan legislation would also permit the state to fine a licensee for non-compliance or suspend or revoke someone's vacation rental license entirely. The legislation is the result of separate bills proposed by state Sens. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) and Sen. Danny Burgess (R) being combined.

Scripps News (02/23/26) Lori Jane Gliha