Sarasota City Commission Approves Vacation Rental Ordinance Amendments
Sarasota, FL – July 24, 2025 — The Sarasota City Commission has approved a comprehensive series of updates to its short-term vacation rental ordinance, marking the first major revisions since the policy was introduced nearly a year and a half ago.
The amendments, adopted unanimously during Monday’s meeting, include 14 refinements aimed at clarifying existing regulations and improving enforcement citywide. Although the original ordinance was described as “citywide,” it excluded several mixed-use zoning districts, such as Downtown Edge and Downtown Neighborhood. The updated ordinance maintains those exemptions but directs city staff to study the potential expansion of regulations into those areas.
Key Changes Include:
Verification of Owner-Occupied Status: Property owners claiming exemption from the ordinance must now provide documentation such as a Florida Homestead Exemption.
Clarified Tax and Fee Requirements: The city eliminated a requirement for Sarasota County business tax registration and now accepts a broader range of documentation for state and tourist tax remittance.
Stronger Administrative Guidelines: The amendments establish clear deadlines for inspections, enforce non-refundable registration fees, and require timely updates to contact information associated with each rental.
Improved Advertising and Occupancy Standards: All advertisements for vacation rentals must now include specific contact information and comply with updated rules governing occupancy hours.
Enhanced Safety Measures: Properties must now provide hurricane evacuation maps and demonstrate compliance with Florida’s Residential Pool Safety Act.
The updated ordinance is intended to improve transparency, streamline compliance, and enhance safety for both property owners and renters. While the changes do not immediately expand the ordinance’s geographic reach, the commission has instructed staff to evaluate how the ordinance might be extended into mixed-use areas.