TripAdvisor recognizes Siesta Key rentals

While Sarasota County code enforcement officers fight illegal short-term rentals on Siesta Key, TripAdvisor has recognized the barrier island for having the most potential for such activities.

“If you happen to own property in the below cities, lucky you — homes here enjoy some of the highest traveler demand on TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals,” said TripAdvisor spokeswoman Laurel Greatrix in a Sept. 22 news release. “This means when you’re not home, either short-term or long-term, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding paying guests.

TripAdvisor this week placed Siesta on a list of 13 locations with “top rental potential.” Marathon, Key Largo and Destin were also included in the list, which is based on the demand for vacation rentals exceeding supply, according to the release.

TripAdvisor cites data that show rental prices ranging from $1,077 to $2,856 per week, depending on the number of bedrooms in the home.

However, it is illegal for property owners outside of areas zoned for residential multifamily use to rent for less than 30 days. If the court finds the owner in violation, the owner can’t get fined for past activity but can get fined up to $250 per day for continued illegal rental, and $250 for not following the court order.

Last year, former code enforcement officer John Lally told the Sarasota Observer that he had handled more than 50 such cases during the summer, which was a 500% increase over the previous year.

“It’s really changed. It started off with monthly rentals, then weekly, and now daily,” Lally said. “Everybody wants to come here.”