Hundreds of vacation rentals still not registered with the city

Owners of vacation rentals within the Sarasota city limits are reminded to register their properties by Oct. 31 to avoid late fees. The registration period began on July 1.

The final deadline for vacation rental registration is Dec. 31. As of Jan. 1, 2025, operating a vacation rental without a certificate will violate city code. It is estimated that more than 600 vacation rentals on the mainland have not yet been registered. In February, the city expanded the vacation rental properties policy citywide. It was originally instituted on the barrier islands. 

“We want to make sure that owners don’t feel uninformed or blindsided as these deadlines approach,” said Hannah Chabica, supervisor of vacation rental compliance, in a news release. “Informational letters were sent to vacation rental owners in both April and June, and additional information has been shared on the city’s website and social media pages.”

The registration requirement applies to single-, two-, three- and four-family dwelling units operating as vacation rentals within Residential Single and Multi-family Zoning Districts. Owner-occupied vacation rentals, condominiums, cooperatives or properties rented for 30 days or more are exempt.

Applications may be submitted online via the city’s website at SarasotaFL.gov or in-person at 1575 Second Street, Third Floor. Questions about whether registration is required should be directed to [email protected] or by calling 941-263-6623.