Florida: Hernando County Rejects STR Ordinance as Citrus County Moves Ahead with Similar Proposal

8/4/2026

Hernando County, Florida, rejected a proposed short-term rental ordinance after commissioners deadlocked 2-2, ending efforts to establish countywide rules for vacation rentals. The proposal would have required registration, occupancy limits, parking standards, emergency contacts, safety inspections, and enforcement measures aimed at addressing complaints about noise, parties, and neighborhood disruptions. Opponents argued the regulations represented unnecessary government interference with property rights, while supporters said local rules were needed to protect communities. Meanwhile, neighboring Citrus County moved forward with a similar ordinance, scheduling a public hearing for August 11. The debate reflects broader statewide tensions as Florida communities seek to regulate vacation rentals while facing limits on outright bans.

WTSP 10 News (Florida) (07/28/26) Andy Paden

Why It Matters: Florida is a core vacation rental market, and two counties moving in the same week shows the pattern of layering local registration and standards inside the state’s preemption guardrails. Members should watch whether either ordinance overreaches the preemption line.