It’s no wonder that St. Johns County’s tourism industry is booming. With St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, the PGA TOUR’s presence and the regular influx of tourists headed to the beach, the county has plenty to offer.
When it comes to regulating tourism growth, however, the county is looking to address issues that have arisen from the proliferation of vacation rentals. This is due partly to the rising popularity of Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb, which currently hosts over 2,000 homes in the county, according to the Airbnb website.
On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners will decide the next step regarding a possible ordinance on regulating short-term vacation rentals. The meeting will determine whether a future ordinance will be drafted or if additional research is needed. If the commission decides on enacting an ordinance, another public meeting will be held to discuss the approach before presenting it to the commission again.
According to a St. Johns County growth management report submitted on Jan. 10, there has been expressed concern over short-term vacation rentals in the community. A “predominant concern was the effect of (them) on the traditional character of the neighborhood.” The management report cited a survey that was conducted, in which most residents were specifically concerned with maximum occupancy of rentals, parking, trash and noise.
By looking at other jurisdictions that have implemented a short-term rental ordinance, the meeting will include discussion on registration of rentals, instating occupancy standards, enforcing trash pickup and regulating street parking, which is believed to be a hazard for rescue services. It should be noted, however, that in 2011, the Florida Legislature preempted cities and counties from prohibiting vacation rentals. Because of this bill, the county can only regulate them within certain confines of state law.
Steve Milo, the founder and CEO of VTrips (previously Vacation Rental Pros) in Ponte Vedra Beach, said that depending on the regulation, it could be a potentially positive one for his company. He told the Recorder in a statement that, “a reasonable ordinance is one that protects the rights of all property owners, not just full-time residents.” He added, “As someone who lives full-time in St. Johns County, I hope the commissioners avoid an ordinance like Flagler County, that resulted in litigation and a $26 million Bert Harris claim.” According to a Florida Times-Union article in January 2018, the litigation he cited involved a settlement that included him and 75 other property owners. In it, the rental property owners sued Flagler County over a rental property ordinance, claiming it to be unconstitutional under state law.
It isn’t just rental companies that might be affected, however. Joseph Cearley, special projects manager for the St. Johns County Growth Management Department, said he has listened to Airbnb hosts who depend on their rentals for their livelihood.
“We've heard some things from (hosts) stating that if this was cut from them it would affect them financially,” he said. “That’s why we've looked at potentially (exempting) those who live within the residences.”
Cearley made it clear, however, that right now everything is, “an option that will be presented as a question to the board.”
