THE RESIDENTIAL RENTAL REGISTRY WENT INTO EFFECT ON OCTOBER 1, 2023

General Information and Background

On Monday, March 6, 2023, during the Town Commission Meeting, Chapter 115, Residential Rental Registry, was created.  The purpose of the Registry is to establish minimal requirements to more safely and compatibly address the rentals of residentially zoned properties within the Town.  The intent of the Registry is to preserve the public health, safety, general welfare, and aesthetics within the Town’s neighborhoods where an increasing number of rentals of residences are occurring.

The Town of Longboat Key has had a longstanding and ongoing ordinance dating back to 1982, Ordinance 82-10, that limits the duration and frequency of short-term rentals of residentially zoned properties.  With this new Program, the Town desires to ensure that the rental of residential units: are appropriately managed by property owners; are safe; have negative impacts addressed in a responsive manner; and mitigate adverse impacts on neighboring residential use.

Who Must Register

This Registry is for any Residentially Zoned Property that rents for less than 6 months.  Owners or vacation management companies will now, along with applying for a Business Tax Receipt (BTR), need to register their rental with the Town and meet the various requirements including having a life/safety inspection and including proof of Certification in all future advertising.  Just like the BTR, you can register online or in-person at Town Hall.  Once registered, the Rental Certificate will be valid for two (2) years.

How To Register

1. Complete the application below or call Town Hall at 941-316-1999;
2. Pay the fee with the Town Clerk;
3. Call Code Enforcement at 941-316-1966 to schedule a Rental Safety Inspection; then
4. After an approved inspection, you will receive the Rental Certificate.

Fees

Residentially Zoned Property with a D2-BTR [1]

• $200.00 (Initial)
• $150.00 (Renewal)

Residentially Zoned Property with a D1-BTR [2] and DBPR License [3]

• $50.00 (Initial)
• $25.00 (Renewal)

Key Highlights of the Registry

• Enhanced Rental Safety Inspection.
• Emergency contacts; important information; and other Town Code material required to be posted within the rental.
• Contact information of the owner or a responsible party to respond to violations.
• All advertisements (VRBO, Airbnb, etc.) must include the Rental Certificate Number.
• Emergency communications provided to the renter.

Questions

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Code Enforcement by phone at 941-316-1966 or by email at codeenforcement@longboatkey.org.