Indian Rocks Beach leaders to consider loosening vacation rental rules
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. - Leaders in Indian Rocks Beach plan to once again take up an issue on Tuesday that's at the center of a years-long battle: rules for short-term rentals.
Backstory: In 2023, city commissioners passed an ordinance regulating vacation rental properties, commonly listed for use on mobile apps like Airbnb and VRBO.
The rules required owners to register their rentals with the city, capped occupancy at ten guests for units in residential areas, set parking and noise restrictions, and required annual inspections.
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Those changes came after homeowners argued that vacation rentals were disrupting the beachside community with loud parties, speeding drivers and other issues.
Rental property owners, however, filed a response criticizing the ordinance as an unconstitutional overreach, with many seeking compensation for revenue they say was lost due to the rules.
Last August, the city hosted a workshop and heard from people on both sides, but ultimately decided to keep the rules in place.

Short-term vacation rentals have been the subject of debate for years in Indian Rocks Beach. (Courtesy: Lan Vaughan.)
What's next: Amid the ongoing legal fight, the city will consider an updated ordinance on Tuesday that would strip away many of the rules and restrictions passed nearly two years ago.
It's the first reading of the new ordinance, meaning it would need another vote to become official if it moves forward Tuesday night.
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. in the Pelican Sand Piper Room at the Holiday Inn Harborside off 2nd St.
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