Sarasota Commissioners Advance Vacation Rental Rules, Proposed Fee Increases

10/27/2026

Sarasota city commissioners have advanced two proposed ordinances to expand vacation rental regulations into the Downtown Neighborhood district and increase fees to cover program administration costs. The expansion could affect approximately 50 properties, requiring registration, safety inspections, and compliance with occupancy and advertising rules. With 660 vacation rental registration records, city staff say two additional positions are needed, and proposed fees would cover about 97.4% of recurring annual program costs. However, industry representatives oppose a proposed 70% annual registration fee increase without clearer cost-saving measures, suggesting less frequent inspections and multiyear registrations. Both ordinances received preliminary approval and return for consideration on November 2.

WTSP 10 News (Florida) (10/19/26) Eric Glasser