Cocoa Beach New Rental Assessment for Airbnbs

[Normal]

Cocoa Beach has found a solution to curb Airbnb’s,

Cocoa Beach is raising short-term rental fees, increasing application costs from $525 to $2,500 and annual renewals from $325 to $1,500.

City officials say the fees will shift regulatory costs from taxpayers to rental owners and fund more code enforcement.

While some property owners object, many residents support stricter oversight to curb noise and disturbances.

That would be the case here also. The fees would discourage people renting out for short term. Living next to revolving door is no picnic.

Cocoa Beach rental property owners frustrated over sharp increase in fees | FOX 35 Orlando (https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/cocoa-beach-rental-property-owners-frustrated-over-sharp-increase-fees)

[asianthree]

Depending on the location highest fee is sometimes less than a day rental for something like our 3/3 on the beach. Or on a smaller unit block or two from the beach, a week rental depending on the time of year. Never a fan of short term, but as long as developers allow VLS agents to buy multiple houses then rent out short term to make as much money as possible, then sell at one year for more profit. Nothing is going to change

[justjim]

Bottom line we need something similar in The Villages. No thought that we could be living next door to a motel. Good luck getting this changed.

[BrianL99]

Cocoa Beach has found a solution to curb Airbnb’s,

Cocoa Beach is raising short-term rental fees, increasing application costs from $525 to $2,500 and annual renewals from $325 to $1,500.

City officials say the fees will shift regulatory costs from taxpayers to rental owners and fund more code enforcement.

While some property owners object, many residents support stricter oversight to curb noise and disturbances.

That would be the case here also. The fees would discourage people renting out for short term. Living next to revolving door is no picnic.

Cocoa Beach rental property owners frustrated over sharp increase in fees | FOX 35 Orlando (https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/cocoa-beach-rental-property-owners-frustrated-over-sharp-increase-fees)

First off, I agree wholeheartedly with the entire premise.

Where I think folks who complain about STR's are missing the boat, the solution lies with the various towns/counties that make up The Villages.

Every County would love some extra revenue, at the expense of The Villages. I think it would be a fairly easy matter, to get municipal government to go along with local ordinances, that would make Short Term Rentals, less attractive for owners & renters.

Folks seem to be centered on complaining about The Villages not stopping it or not enforcing Deed Restrictions (that really don't prohibit STR's, per the rulings of most courts in the USA)... the municipalities can do it.

We all seem to forget about the governments that actually hold the power and focus on TV or the Developer. How about a movement to have our Elected Officials do something about it?

Added taxes, permitting costs, occupancy standards & more regulations are the answer.

[tophcfa]

First off, I agree wholeheartedly with the entire premise.

Where I think folks who complain about STR's are missing the boat, the solution lies with the various towns/counties that make up The Villages.

Every County would love some extra revenue, at the expense of The Villages. I think it would be a fairly easy matter, to get municipal government to go along with local ordinances, that would make Short Term Rentals, less attractive for owners & renters.

Folks seem to be centered on complaining about The Villages not stopping it or not enforcing Deed Restrictions (that really don't prohibit STR's, per the rulings of most courts in the USA)... the municipalities can do it.

We all seem to forget about the governments that actually hold the power and focus on TV or the Developer. How about a movement to have our Elected Officials do something about it?

Added taxes, permitting costs, occupancy standards & more regulations are the answer.

That would be great, but it’s not happening for two obvious reasons.

1) Making short term rentals less attractive would have a negative impact on the demand for new home sales.
2) A certain entity, that benefits greatly from new home sales, has a very heavy hand when it comes to local government.

[BrianL99]

That would be great, but it’s not happening for two obvious reasons.

...

2) A certain entity, that benefits greatly from new home sales, has a very heavy hand when it comes to local government.

There you go.

[shut the front door]

That would be great, but it’s not happening for two obvious reasons.

1) Making short term rentals less attractive would have a negative impact on the demand for new home sales.
2) A certain entity, that benefits greatly from new home sales, has a very heavy hand when it comes to local government.

Bingo. If it doesn't make $$ for the developer, it ain't happening.

[CarlR33]

And think about that if you (as a prospective buyer) want to stay in TV to get a feel for the flavor you cannot do that in a motel. Second, where are the motels around here? Many of the rentals here are stepping stones to purchasing unlike Coco Beach. All night parties at rentals are a rarity around here.

[BrianL99]

That would be great, but it’s not happening for two obvious reasons.

1) Making short term rentals less attractive would have a negative impact on the demand for new home sales.
2) A certain entity, that benefits greatly from new home sales, has a very heavy hand when it comes to local government.

Bingo. If it doesn't make $$ for the developer, it ain't happening.

The Developer may control the local elected officials, but not the voters.

I'm sure there are plenty of folks in The Villages who have experience with Voter Initiatives.
Curbing STR's & generating tax revenue from the ones that remain, seems like it would be a fairly easy sell to John Q. Public.

[MX rider]

And think about that if you (as a prospective buyer) want to stay in TV to get a feel for the flavor you cannot do that in a motel. Second, where are the motels around here? Many of the rentals here are stepping stones to purchasing unlike Coco Beach. All night parties at rentals are a rarity around here.

I would disagree. Most STR are not prospective buyers. That's what lifestyle visits are for.
Plus there are plenty of hotels close by, some actually in TV, like at LSL.
We lived in a neighborhood that had a couple of rental homes that took short term renters. Needless to say, I'm glad I didn't live nextdoor.

[BrianL99]

... Second, where are the motels around here? Many of the rentals here are stepping stones to purchasing unlike Coco Beach. All night parties at rentals are a rarity around here.


Do you live in the same Villages as most of us?

[Papa_lecki]

I would disagree. Most STR are not prospective buyers. That's what lifestyle visits are for.
Plus there are plenty of hotels close by, some actually in TV, like at LSL.
We lived in a neighborhood that had a couple of rental homes that took short term renters. Needless to say, I'm glad I didn't live nextdoor.

We were short term renters before we bought. We did 3 or 4 1 week visits over 15 months
The advice given in every thread about newcomers is rent for a month - they would rent via STR.

Now, I agree, STR should be controlled.

[FredMitchell]

In order to have a solution, you must start with a problem. "Curb Airbnb" is not a problem. It is a goal of the poster and obviously others.

People who have visited more than once, might very well wish to buy a home in The Villages before they are ready to move here. Short and long term rentals are a way that they could lock in a desired home today, postponing their personal move.

People who want to avoid location-based buyer's remorse might well want to try out multiple locations before purchasing. Long term rentals would be a costly way to avoid that.

The pejorative "snow birds" appears often on TOTV. It probably is used the most by the same people who want TV to be fully occupied by eliminating short term rentals - but they are not thinking that way, of course. That seems inexplicable, unless both positions come from those with a tendency to complain.

[NoMo50]

We all seem to forget about the governments that actually hold the power and focus on TV or the Developer. How about a movement to have our Elected Officials do something about it?

In order to do that, and maintain consistency across the whole of the Villages, there would have to be a coordinated effort from three counties (Sumter, Lake & Marion), as well as two municipalities (Wildwood and Leesburg). Probably never happen.

[BrianL99]

In order to have a solution, you must start with a problem. "Curb Airbnb" is not a problem. It is a goal of the poster and obviously others.

People who have visited more than once, might very well wish to buy a home in The Villages before they are ready to move here. Short and long term rentals are a way that they could lock in a desired home today, postponing their personal move.

People who want to avoid location-based buyer's remorse might well want to try out multiple locations before purchasing. Long term rentals would be a costly way to avoid that.

The pejorative "snow birds" appears often on TOTV. It probably is used the most by the same people who want TV to be fully occupied by eliminating short term rentals - but they are not thinking that way, of course. That seems inexplicable, unless both positions come from those with a tendency to complain.


Where do you live?

Did you rent various homes in your neighborhood before you bought, to make sure it was "right neighborhood for you"?

If you interviewed a 1000 people on the street anywhere but in TV, if they "rented a few homes in their neighborhood before they bought their house", 999 would say .... "huh? Of course not, who does that"?

[kayak]

We did a one month rental twice before buying in The Villages.

[westernrider75]

And think about that if you (as a prospective buyer) want to stay in TV to get a feel for the flavor you cannot do that in a motel. Second, where are the motels around here? Many of the rentals here are stepping stones to purchasing unlike Coco Beach. All night parties at rentals are a rarity around here.

Totally agree. We were still working full time and could only take a week of vacation at a time when we first came here. If it weren’t for a short term villa we would never have moved here. You don’t get a feeling for life here staying in a hotel and we did not know about lifestyle visits until after that first stay. Not everyone can take a month off for vacation.

[DarrenandKathy]

It’s a giant house of cards. If there were no STRs or rentals the Villages infrastructure would collapse.
The reason there are so many restaurants, golf courses and venues is because of the demand that cycles through and money that it brings.
Without that demand this place would become just another seniors subdivision.

[merrymini]

When we came for our lifestyle visit, we stayed at a hotel, visited squares and open houses, etc and got a golf cart. Got a great taste for the villages without renting a bnb. Anyone who is doing short term rentals is doing it for the income and the higher risk of people who are undesirable because what do they care, they will be gone in three days! Who cares about your neighbors!

[justjim]

That would be great, but it’s not happening for two obvious reasons.

1) Making short term rentals less attractive would have a negative impact on the demand for new home sales.
2) A certain entity, that benefits greatly from new home sales, has a very heavy hand when it comes to local government.

You can bet Properties of The villages will still have rentals for their lifestyle programs.

[bonbonn]

Cocoa Beach has found a solution to curb Airbnb’s,

Cocoa Beach is raising short-term rental fees, increasing application costs from $525 to $2,500 and annual renewals from $325 to $1,500.

City officials say the fees will shift regulatory costs from taxpayers to rental owners and fund more code enforcement.

While some property owners object, many residents support stricter oversight to curb noise and disturbances.

That would be the case here also. The fees would discourage people renting out for short term. Living next to revolving door is no picnic.

Cocoa Beach rental property owners frustrated over sharp increase in fees | FOX 35 Orlando (https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/cocoa-beach-rental-property-owners-frustrated-over-sharp-increase-fees)
short term rentals SUCK. they ruin neighborhoods. Thats why there are motels and hotels. We had to move from Fort Myers Beach because of short term rentals. Loud parties screaming kids ignorant people.

[MX rider]

short term rentals SUCK. they ruin neighborhoods. Thats why there are motels and hotels. We had to move from Fort Myers Beach because of short term rentals. Loud parties screaming kids ignorant people.

I wonder how many people that are supporting STR actually live next to one?

Imo, anything less than a month should not be allowed.

[Normal]

I wonder how many people that are supporting STR actually live next to one?

Imo, anything less than a month should not be allowed.

I agree, only those that wish to rent or realtors is the answer to your question. Most homeowners don’t. I can see Wildwood passing an ordinance, but see it unlikely that unincorporated Sumter would. The ilk of money grabbers can’t be that large of a group. Of course they all ride on the backs of regular homeowners and residents who aren’t so keen on Airbnbs.

[golfing eagles]

Totally agree. We were still working full time and could only take a week of vacation at a time when we first came here. If it weren’t for a short term villa we would never have moved here. You don’t get a feeling for life here staying in a hotel and we did not know about lifestyle visits until after that first stay. Not everyone can take a month off for vacation.

Let me understand this: You knew enough to find a STR in a villa, but you didn't know about lifestyle visits that are advertised prominently on the Villages website?????? OK.

[golfing eagles]

It’s a giant house of cards. If there were no STRs or rentals the Villages infrastructure would collapse.
The reason there are so many restaurants, golf courses and venues is because of the demand that cycles through and money that it brings.
Without that demand this place would become just another seniors subdivision.

There are about 800 Airbnb listings in TV, and pushing 80,000 homes. Yep, the whole place would collapse without STRs:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Dustybrogan]

When we came for our lifestyle visit, we stayed at a hotel, visited squares and open houses, etc and got a golf cart. Got a great taste for the villages without renting a bnb. Anyone who is doing short term rentals is doing it for the income and the higher risk of people who are undesirable because what do they care, they will be gone in three days! Who cares about your neighbors!
Actually, who cares about the golf courses. Played with a guy this week who was in a rental for a week to play golf. He had no interest in buying anything in The Villages. With (Every) t-shot he took at least a 4”x6” divot and left the old T sticking in the ground. He didn’t try to repair anything, obviously he didn’t care about our courses. Just came here for a week for the free golf that somehow came with a weekly rental. He belonged to a country club in the north east. I’m guessing that he doesn’t get by treating his course that way. Bottom line, if every weekly renter treated our courses this way, they would be in terrible shape for the home owners of The Villages. Free golf included with a weekly rental is quite a perk for the owner and the renters!

[Pairadocs]

[QUOTE=Normal;2411442]Cocoa Beach has found a solution to curb Airbnb’s,

Cocoa Beach is raising short-term rental fees, increasing application costs from $525 to $2,500 and annual renewals from $325 to $1,500.

City officials say the fees will shift regulatory costs from taxpayers to rental owners and fund more code enforcement.

While some property owners object, many residents support stricter oversight to curb noise and disturbances.

That would be the case here also. The fees would discourage people renting out for short term. Living next to revolving door is no picnic.

Agree with everything you wrote, but there is on important caveat that would not apply to Cocoa Beach. Coco Beach is not a for profit business. The Villages is a for profit business, therefore while it might greatly enhance the quality of life here (you are quite right having even one or more of these STR's on your street is a nightmare), curtailing in any way the buying of strings of properties (many by villages employees themselves, perfectly legal of course) would NOT be in the best interests of this for profit business. The Villages is not a charity endeavor like retirement developments built by churches and other NPO's where the primary goal is to provide a quality life for seniors without, of course, loosing money. The Villages stands only to gain from allowing and even promoting investments in building an income steam through property acquisition. Don't think we will ever see that discouraged here in the V's.

[Pairadocs]

Actually, who cares about the golf courses. Played with a guy this week who was in a rental for a week to play golf. He had no interest in buying anything in The Villages. With (Every) t-shot he took at least a 4”x6” divot and left the old T sticking in the ground. He didn’t try to repair anything, obviously he didn’t care about our courses. Just came here for a week for the free golf that somehow came with a weekly rental. He belonged to a country club in the north east. I’m guessing that he doesn’t get by treating his course that way. Bottom line, if every weekly renter treated our courses this way, they would be in terrible shape for the home owners of The Villages. Free golf included with a weekly rental is quite a perk for the owner and the renters!

Seldom a week goes by that we do not see that kind of behavior ! Difficult to pin it all on the AB&B people, but one thing we noticed (it it means anything, who knows ?) is most villagers have their names on their golf carts. We did get curious enough about things like stepping ON the hole around the edges(!), hammering the head of a putter into the green when a putt is missed, never repairing ball marks or divots on tees or fairways, and definitely do never using sand ..... seems to be people in carts that have NO name(s) painted or decal, sooooo that could indicate and support what you suspect. We've heard many comments (one from a guy on the phone last week at the pool, literally calling friends and yelling into the phone "I'm telling you Dave, this is THE best deal you'll find in Florida, yes... again he said YES, ALL included, Yes, all the golf you want to play and about a thousand other activities, I'm telling you, this beats the H--- out of that all inclusive place we went in Cancun" . So, the word spreads fast what a great deal this resort actually is and the demand just keeps growing, and the villages is delighted that buying up income properties is so in demand.

[rustyp]

There are about 800 Airbnb listings in TV, and pushing 80,000 homes. Yep, the whole place would collapse without STRs:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

That equals 1%. Now of that 1% how many have caused a problem ? Only first handers need reply. Have you had a problem ? Did you call the landlord ? Did you call the police ? MY instinct is there are many times more bad neighbors in absolute numbers than bad renters. The problem with that is a bad neighbor stays but the bad renter will disappear in a few days.

[Pairadocs]

First off, I agree wholeheartedly with the entire premise.

Where I think folks who complain about STR's are missing the boat, the solution lies with the various towns/counties that make up The Villages.

Every County would love some extra revenue, at the expense of The Villages. I think it would be a fairly easy matter, to get municipal government to go along with local ordinances, that would make Short Term Rentals, less attractive for owners & renters.

Folks seem to be centered on complaining about The Villages not stopping it or not enforcing Deed Restrictions (that really don't prohibit STR's, per the rulings of most courts in the USA)... the municipalities can do it.

We all seem to forget about the governments that actually hold the power and focus on TV or the Developer. How about a movement to have our Elected Officials do something about it?

Added taxes, permitting costs, occupancy standards & more regulations are the answer.

All for it, where do I sign the petition ? However, I know the truth is the villages development inc. long ago made sure they bought themselves every politician in the area, if not the state. If you are making a million a year from stiff STR taxes and such, and a billion a year from the private business that does NOT want any discouraging taxes, fees, and restrictions... well, think that says it all !

[Pairadocs]

1 That would be great, but it’s not happening for two obvious reasons.

1) Making short term rentals less attractive would have a negative impact on the demand for new home sales.
2) A certain entity, that benefits greatly from new home sales, has a very heavy hand when it comes to local government.

BINGO and BINGO, you take home the grand prize today ! The whole idea is to encourage buying not one home, but several to pay for the initial investment. Had friends who did this very thing, bought a home here, continued to buy one or so a year, made mind boggling profits with their string of rentals, sold everything in year 15 and bought a live aboard boat to sail the world.... everyone has a dream, they saw an exceptional opportunity to make money easily. husband was skilled at doing any repairs and upkeep himself, and they really "cleaned up" as the old saying goes. It's win-win for everyone except those of us who live here full time and our dream was a stable, friendly, street/block/villages of same minded folks. Not going to happen ! Most of the in and outs don't even wave back to you, let alone bother to introduce themselves, chat a bit, etc.

[Pairadocs]

The Developer may control the local elected officials, but not the voters.

I'm sure there are plenty of folks in The Villages who have experience with Voter Initiatives.
Curbing STR's & generating tax revenue from the ones that remain, seems like it would be a fairly easy sell to John Q. Public.

The difficulty is getting those experienced and fair minded individuals to be bullet proof once they get into the swamp ! That's the problem, many a fine, fair minded, sincere individual has gone to Tallahassee, or D.C. to selflessly "serve" his or her country... and stayed for 40, 50 years and became a multi millionaire.... and when the voters get fed up, finally elect another, same thing happens once the lure of the $$$ and the "high" of the high life is introduced.

[gail swanson]

In Fort Lauderdale there is. Bed tax on rentals. Good for the City

[TheDuke]

If you're Familiar with AirBNB, They don't display their addresses, nor their exact location. So, how would this be enforced? I very well know how AirBNB is disruptive, having run a legitimate B&B, they pretty much destroyed that industry.

[Normal]

If you're Familiar with AirBNB, They don't display their addresses, nor their exact location. So, how would this be enforced? I very well know how AirBNB is disruptive, having run a legitimate B&B, they pretty much destroyed that industry.

It can be enforced with almost zero problems. Anytime a neighbor suspects an AirBNB operation they can call the municipal tax authorities. If the place is already registered, no problem. If they aren’t, hammer them with fines and permanent restrictions. You don’t need to patrol the issue. Complaining neighbors will be enough. Heck, even offer a stipend if you turn in someone who is in violation of registration.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Let me get this straight - the people who oppose STR’s are only upset at AirBnB’s? What about rent from a Villager or any of the Realtors who rent out homes?

Let me say right out that I am FOR STR’s. As I’ve said before, if you do get someone next to you that is a problem tenant, be glad they’re short term. They’ll be gone in a few days.

I rented here myself twice, as I expect other homeowners did, and I bought as soon as I found something. Think about residential real estate values.

[Normal]

Let me get this straight - the people who oppose STR’s are only upset at AirBnB’s? What about rent from a Villager or any of the Realtors who rent out homes?

Let me say right out that I am FOR STR’s. As I’ve said before, if you do get someone next to you that is a problem tenant, be glad they’re short term. They’ll be gone in a few days.

I rented here myself twice, as I expect other homeowners did, and I bought as soon as I found something. Think about residential real estate values.

I prefer continuity myself. If a neighbor is doing something wrong we can confer and discuss long term solutions for both of us. Brevity in a neighborhood just means “Who cares, I won’t see you for the rest of my life. I’m on vacation.”

Besides, why should landlords benefit from the rest of us? While we all keep a tight ship and landscape etc, an STR tenant may not.

There is a solution, just require landlords to stay at the residence when they are renting their unit out. Make licensing expensive so not everyone will take the leap to decide they want to run a hotel next to all their neighbors.

Some like a stable cohesive neighborhood without the disruptions of renters. I would measure most over age 60 would. Besides, how many buying a home are hoping they neighbor with a rental?

[Bill14564]

I prefer continuity myself. If a neighbor is doing something wrong we can confer and discuss long term solutions for both of us. Brevity in a neighborhood just means “Who cares, I won’t see you for the rest of my life. I’m on vacation.”

Besides, why should landlords benefit from the rest of us? While we all keep a tight ship and landscape etc, an STR tenant may not.

There is a solution, just require landlords to stay at the residence when they are renting their unit out. Make licensing expensive so not everyone will take the leap to decide they want to run a hotel next to all their neighbors.

Here’s an idea - mind your own business and stop trying to take away my property rights.

STRs are bad, but what is a STR?
Short Term Rental? Okay but what is “short term?”
Is one year enough for continuity? One season? Is one month enough? Maybe one week? Who decides who gets to decide?

I talk to two of my neighbors semi-annually, see another maybe monthly (we don’t talk, we just pass by and wave), and wouldn’t recognize the other four. I believe two are renters but really don’t know. I laugh at Gladys Kravitz, I don’t try to emulate her, perhaps more should do the same.

And yes, residents can be annoying. The one in my neighborhood has been here longer than me - I wish they were more short-term than that. We already have rules and laws and enforcement agencies to deal with problems. Perhaps we should use the tools that already exist before we demand new ones.

[tophcfa]

Let me get this straight - the people who oppose STR’s are only upset at AirBnB’s? What about rent from a Villager or any of the Realtors who rent out homes?

Let me say right out that I am FOR STR’s. As I’ve said before, if you do get someone next to you that is a problem tenant, be glad they’re short term. They’ll be gone in a few days.

I rented here myself twice, as I expect other homeowners did, and I bought as soon as I found something. Think about residential real estate values.

Ok, I’ll answer all three of your arguments.

1) The big problem isn’t Villager’s renting out their home for a month or more when they aren’t using their homes. The issue is people living in their homes and renting out one or more rooms to third party strangers while they are concurrently living in the home. That is not in harmony with a single family residential neighborhood or not running a business out of your home. Granted, some Airbnb landlords run a decent operation, but some don’t. Without checks and balances on the industry, Villages residents are exposed to a crapshoot of good and bad landlords.

2) The problem is that bad landlords tent to have predominantly bad tenants. Biting your tongue while waiting for the bad tenants (business customers) to leave doesn’t solve the problem of a revolving door of bad tenants. More will be following.

3) As a resident who isn’t planning on selling I really don’t care about real estate values, I care about the quality of life in my neighborhood. In fact, lower real estate values might help limit increases in both property taxes and homeowners insurance, which is not a bad thing.

[Normal]

Here’s an idea - mind your own business and stop trying to take away my property rights.

No one wants to take anyone’s rights. Many just don't want their rights to live in a residential neighborhood removed for the sake of a couple of greedy landlord wannabes.

Why not have these landlords pay more for amenities, have higher upkeep standards, and live with what they chose?

[FloridaGuy66]

I would disagree. Most STR are not prospective buyers. That's what lifestyle visits are for.
Plus there are plenty of hotels close by, some actually in TV, like at LSL.
We lived in a neighborhood that had a couple of rental homes that took short term renters. Needless to say, I'm glad I didn't live nextdoor.

As a landlord, I would say that the majority of renters that are renting for 30 days or more are at least potential buyers. In the last 4 years we've had a total of 6 couples that rented our place for 1-2 months end up buying.

Many are aware of the lifestyle program, but they want to spend more than a week in TV and they want to stay in a particular area, not necessarily in the villas where the lifestyle people are. Also, people doing the lifestyle visit can't sign up for classes, or water aerobics or book their own golf tee off times.

[Bill14564]

No one wants to take anyone’s rights. Many just don't want their rights to live in a residential neighborhood removed for the sake of a couple of greedy landlord wannabes.

Why not have these landlords pay more for amenities, have higher upkeep standards, and live with what they chose?

You most certainly are trying to take away other’s rights while no one is telling you that you cannot live in your residential neighborhood. (what is a non-residential neighborhood anyway?)

Why should any home be required to pay more for amenities? You agreed to the same deed restrictions they did, why should you be treated differently?

[Normal]

You most certainly are trying to take away other’s rights while no one is telling you that you cannot live in your residential neighborhood. (what is a non-residential neighborhood anyway?)

Why should any home be required to pay more for amenities? You agreed to the same deed restrictions they did, why should you be treated differently?

Why should anyone accommodate…ACCOMMODATE a business entrepreneur’s choice to change a residential neighborhood into a revolving door of constant changes? There is quite a difference between assimilation of neighbors and consistently accommodating for someone else.

I hope they tax the snot out of all AirBNBs. Now if you want to rent out a home for long term, that brings less stress into the personal zone. In the meantime, don’t make others pay the depreciation on their homes because you decided you found a great place for a rental right next to their house.

[mikempp]

I moved here for less regulations and taxes, can't believe people here are all for it. Maybe we need to screen the new buyers? Amazing how people leave because of terrible conditions and move here to get away from them, then vote them in here. I know had I had a lot better and smarter neighbors in 2008 when I moved here than what I have now.

[golfing eagles]

As a landlord, I would say that the majority of renters that are renting for 30 days or more are at least potential buyers. In the last 4 years we've had a total of 6 couples that rented our place for 1-2 months end up buying.

Many are aware of the lifestyle program, but they want to spend more than a week in TV and they want to stay in a particular area, not necessarily in the villas where the lifestyle people are. Also, people doing the lifestyle visit can't sign up for classes, or water aerobics or book their own golf tee off times.

I think the concern is not so much 1+ month renters who are 55+, but 2-7 day renters that are much younger---most Airbnb rentals are much shorter than a month

[d1nod1no]

If you can get it on the ballot.

[d1nod1no]

Exactly. How to enforce?

[Cuervo]

I haven't read all the posts, so I do not know if this approach has been suggested as yet.
I own a condo in NYC, and the board there has had time restriction in place for years now when it comes to rental property. If I remember correctly, it was minimum 3 months. I believe this would be an easier approach to this problem. Now knowing people who own rental properties here I'm not saying 3 months, since the rental situation is different, but maybe 3 weeks. This would mean the renters would actually be here to enjoy The Villages and not use the property for a weekend bash.

[Hplaw]

Actually, who cares about the golf courses. Played with a guy this week who was in a rental for a week to play golf. He had no interest in buying anything in The Villages. With (Every) t-shot he took at least a 4”x6” divot and left the old T sticking in the ground. He didn’t try to repair anything, obviously he didn’t care about our courses. Just came here for a week for the free golf that somehow came with a weekly rental. He belonged to a country club in the north east. I’m guessing that he doesn’t get by treating his course that way. Bottom line, if every weekly renter treated our courses this way, they would be in terrible shape for the home owners of The Villages. Free golf included with a weekly rental is quite a perk for the owner and the renters!

I am not surprised to find yet another "complaint" from many residents. You pay a monthly fee to use all the facilities but it doesn't mean you own them. We rent for a month each year from the Villagers4rent, same house for the past 3 years. We are always respectful, obey the rules of the house and respect the neighbors. I think this is the situation of 99% of renters. If they cause a problem they are. not welcome to rent the property again. We are out and about more than in the house as are most. I am sure if there is a problem renter it is handled quickly. There will always be the few who are disrespectful and act privileged but this is not the majority. Rentals keep the businesses going.

[MX rider]

I think the concern is not so much 1+ month renters who are 55+, but 2-7 day renters that are much younger---most Airbnb rentals are much shorter than a month

Yes.I think it should be a 1 month minimum. Jmo

[golfing eagles]

I am not surprised to find yet another "complaint" from many residents. You pay a monthly fee to use all the facilities but it doesn't mean you own them. We rent for a month each year from the Villagers4rent, same house for the past 3 years. We are always respectful, obey the rules of the house and respect the neighbors. I think this is the situation of 99% of renters. If they cause a problem they are. not welcome to rent the property again. We are out and about more than in the house as are most. I am sure if there is a problem renter it is handled quickly. There will always be the few who are disrespectful and act privileged but this is not the majority. Rentals keep the businesses going.

That probably is the situation with 99% of 1+ month renters, especially those that come year after year or are interested in buying. Do you think the same is true of 6 20-somethings renting an Airbnb for a long weekend??????

[Bill14564]

That probably is the situation with 99% of 1+ month renters, especially those that come year after year or are interested in buying. Do you think the same is true of 6 20-somethings renting an Airbnb for a long weekend??????

What percentage of the <1 month renters do you suppose are 6 20-somethings renting an Airbnb for a long weekend? The Villages is a big place and I spend my time in a small corner of it but my experience would put that percentage near 0.

[JMintzer]

Seldom a week goes by that we do not see that kind of behavior ! Difficult to pin it all on the AB&B people, but one thing we noticed (it it means anything, who knows ?) is most villagers have their names on their golf carts. We did get curious enough about things like stepping ON the hole around the edges(!), hammering the head of a putter into the green when a putt is missed, never repairing ball marks or divots on tees or fairways, and definitely do never using sand ..... seems to be people in carts that have NO name(s) painted or decal, sooooo that could indicate and support what you suspect.

My neither of the carts I've owned had our names, nor any decal.

Yet I'll always fix my ball mark on the greens (and look around for 1-2 to fix) and my sand bottle typically needs a refill after 9 holes...

Broad brushes slop on waaay to much paint...

[JMintzer]

I think the concern is not so much 1+ month renters who are 55+, but 2-7 day renters that are much younger---most Airbnb rentals are much shorter than a month

Agreed. When we first visited TV (over Thanksgiving 2019), we stayed with friends.

A little more than a year later (Jan/Feb 2021), we rented a home for two months. Our neighbors were kind and helpful and we tried to be polite renters.

It was during that two month rental that we put a bid on a house and settled on our current home...

[golfing eagles]

What percentage of the <1 month renters do you suppose are 6 20-somethings renting an Airbnb for a long weekend? The Villages is a big place and I spend my time in a small corner of it but my experience would put that percentage near 0.

Then let me rephrase: Which would you rather have next to you----a 65 year old couple that rents for 2 months every year, or an Airbnb?

[Bill14564]

Then let me rephrase: Which would you rather have next to you----a 65 year old couple that rents for 2 months every year, or an Airbnb?

I honestly don’t know what I have next to me now. I read horror stories here but too often they sound strikingly similar, as if there was a single (or two) bad event that those who hate Airbnbs have adopted and are now parroting.

Perhaps there are zero groups of 6 20-somethings. Perhaps the groups of 6 20-somethings make up 1% of renters.

As I wrote, the Villages is a big place and I spend my time in a small corner of it so maybe I’ve missed all the action.

[Papa_lecki]

My neither of the carts I've owned had our names, nor any decal.

My wife refuses to but our names on our carts.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The Developer may control the local elected officials, but not the voters.

I'm sure there are plenty of folks in The Villages who have experience with Voter Initiatives.
Curbing STR's & generating tax revenue from the ones that remain, seems like it would be a fairly easy sell to John Q. Public.

Yeah voter initiatives don't work so well in a state that requires 60% of the vote to pass something that the majority of voters want.

[Normal]

Yeah voter initiatives don't work so well in a state that requires 60% of the vote to pass something that the majority of voters want.

State of Florida initiatives are different. Municipal votes can be passed in local elections or your city commissioners can pass a tax. AirBnBs are extremely unpopular. You can’t outlaw them, but several cities have regulated them quite successfully. A neighboring homeowner shouldn’t pay the price of a rent and run AirBnB owner’s impact on their neighborhood with a lower home value, sporadic adaptations and a revolving door of neighboring groups often larger than 2 guests.

[DarrenandKathy]

A bunch of people on here are saying they chose the Villages as a quiet residential neighbourhood to enjoy a quiet life.
That is certainly not what the Villages has been promoting. It has always been sold as “Disney For Adults”
Even have brochures that show you how you can make money renting your place out.
Sorry but without the STR this place would cease to exist as you know it today.
The constant influx of people is what keeps the local businesses, courses and amenities alive.
Make no mistake this place has never been sold as a quiet place to retire. It talks about the vibrant active lifestyle.
Villages love STR as they keep the monster fed.

[golfing eagles]

A bunch of people on here are saying they chose the Villages as a quiet residential neighbourhood to enjoy a quiet life.
That is certainly not what the Villages has been promoting. It has always been sold as “Disney For Adults”
Even have brochures that show you how you can make money renting your place out.
Sorry but without the STR this place would cease to exist as you know it today.
The constant influx of people is what keeps the local businesses, courses and amenities alive.
Make no mistake this place has never been sold as a quiet place to retire. It talks about the vibrant active lifestyle.
Villages love STR as they keep the monster fed.

Wow, just wow. That’s all the TOTV guidelines will allow as a response to that “accurate” post😂😂😂

[Normal]

:1rotfl::1rotfl:Wow, just wow. That’s all the TOTV guidelines will allow as a response to that “accurate” post������������������

Way out from left field. There are also a group of us who remember there would be “no development “ south of 466. To make the case that rentals are for the case of continuing expansion and destruction of the rural life is a positive? That’s just mind blowing? Well I guess not, if you want to sell homes here.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

This is of course besides of which, no one is banning them, they may still be around, it will just cost you a lot more to put your neighbors out with your mini hotel business.

[Bill14564]

:1rotfl::1rotfl:

Way out from left field. There are also a group of us who remember there would be “no development “ south of 466. To make the case that rentals are for the case of continuing expansion and destruction of the rural life is a positive? That’s just mind blowing? Well I guess not, if you want to sell homes here.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

This is of course besides of which, no one is banning them, they may still be around, it will just cost you a lot more to put your neighbors out with your mini hotel business.

If you moved here for a rural lifestyle then you did not do your homework. With five lots per acre this is suburban at best. Who cares if they are building below 466 or below 44 or even below 470? You bought into a packed neighborhood and that has not changed.

You moved to a busy area, a growing area, and an area which advertised a very active lifestyle. To complain now that you see a lot of people you don’t recognize is ridiculous.

[golfing eagles]

:1rotfl::1rotfl:

Way out from left field. There are also a group of us who remember there would be “no development “ south of 466. To make the case that rentals are for the case of continuing expansion and destruction of the rural life is a positive? That’s just mind blowing? Well I guess not, if you want to sell homes here.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

This is of course besides of which, no one is banning them, they may still be around, it will just cost you a lot more to put your neighbors out with your mini hotel business.

I guess the bottom line is this: There will be no restrictions on Airbnb's until the developer gets on board. But for now, as long a homes are selling, they will probably have little interest. However, if they do get involved , rest assured, things will change. But for them to get involved, the reputation of The Villages would have to start to change from "America's friendliest Hometown" to "Take your chances on buying next to an all night party motel", And have an impact on sales as well.

[CFrance]

Judging by responses, I'm thinking there are some airb&b owners on here.

[golfing eagles]

Judging by responses, I'm thinking there are some airb&b owners on here.

Yep, and some of them are blind to reality

[justjim]

I would disagree. Most STR are not prospective buyers. That's what lifestyle visits are for.
Plus there are plenty of hotels close by, some actually in TV, like at LSL.
We lived in a neighborhood that had a couple of rental homes that took short term renters. Needless to say, I'm glad I didn't live nextdoor.

You are spot on. As I mentioned in post #3, who of us bought our home in TV to live next door to a motel? Not in my backyard, next door or across the street.

[justjim]

I guess the bottom line is this: There will be no restrictions on Airbnb's until the developer gets on board. But for now, as long a homes are selling, they will probably have little interest. However, if they do get involved , rest assured, things will change. But for them to get involved, the reputation of The Villages would have to start to change from "America's friendliest Hometown" to "Take your chances on buying next to an all night party motel", And have an impact on sales as well.

Maybe the CDD (district) can make an impact on this issue?

[Bill14564]

Judging by responses, I'm thinking there are some airb&b owners on here.

And others who do not want to see any more of their property rights taken away.

[Normal]

We don’t need AirBnBs. They didn’t even come into comceptionalization until2007, well after the start of The Villages. The developer can go back to its grass roots and have Villa neighborhoods designated for rentals along with their Villages bucks that can be spent in the squares.

STRs need to be scrubbed way back. Again, no one is removing rights, just imposing fees on those who impose their slop on residential neighborhoods with their rental hotel businesses.

[Bill14564]

We don’t need AirBnBs. They didn’t even come into comceptionalization until2007, well after the start of The Villages. The developer can go back to its grass roots and have Villa neighborhoods designated for rentals along with their Villages bucks that can be spent in the squares.

STRs need to be scrubbed way back. Again, no one is removing rights, just imposing fees on those who impose their slop on residential neighborhoods with their rental hotel businesses.

“We’re not taking away your right to do what you want inside your home, we’re just planning to charge you an exorbitant fee to make you not want to do it.” I recognize the argument, I just reject it.

As one of those who has stayed in an Airbnb more than once, I believe I am part of that “slop” you are talking about. I don’t appreciate the insult.

Again, are we talking about that one time in band camp? Whether a single occasion or an ongoing issue, has anyone utilized the available means of dealing with the problem or is it just simpler to sit here and complain?

[justjim]

Cocoa Beach has a number of very nice single family home neighborhoods. The new rules and fees are designed to keep them and their real estate values as single family residential and not busy motel type Airbnb’s. Good for them.

[tophcfa]

And others who do not want to see any more of their property rights taken away.

Exactly why so many Villagers are against AIRBnB’s, because they take away their right as homeowners to live in a peaceful 55+ single family residential neighborhood, free of turnstile short term rentals. Long term rentals of one month or longer, to fellow senior citizens, is not the issue. It’s rentals by the night, while the homeowner is concurrently living in the home, to people of all ages, which has people up in arms. The key litmus test to just about every zoning controversy is that the activity in question needs to be in harmony with the existing neighborhood. Nightly rentals, in a single family residential 55+ retirement community, are most definitely not in harmony with the existing neighborhood.

[Bill14564]

Exactly why so many Villagers are against AIRBnB’s, because they take away their right as homeowners to live in a peaceful 55+ single family residential neighborhood, free of turnstile short term rentals. Long term rentals of one month or longer, to fellow senior citizens, is not the issue. It’s rentals by the night, while the homeowner is concurrently living in the home, to people of all ages, which has people up in arms. The key litmus test to just about every zoning controversy is that the activity in question needs to be in harmony with the existing neighborhood. Nightly rentals, in a single family residential 55+ retirement community, are most definitely not in harmony with the existing neighborhood.

1. What you describe is not a right, it's a preference
2. Your delineation of short/long, occupied/vacant, young/old is arbitrary with no connection to any actual problem.
3. Again (for the 3rd time), is this truly a common problem, is this a "one time at band camp" issue, or is it anticipatory whining?
4. To hear it on these boards, this activity so prevalent that it *IS* the existing neighborhood and so it must be in harmony.
5. Has no one tried solving a real issue through Community Standards or the Sheriff's office or is it more that there have been no real issues to solve?

[michgary]

if you are a renter thru down home properties,, in wildwood,, they are very professional ,, and you pay mucho more per day for a rental until it gets up to 4 weeks,, that has been my experience and it helps keep out the short term rents under a month,,

[Normal]

Taxing an Airbnb business owner isn’t removing anyone’s rights anymore than requiring a person fishing or hunting to purchase a license.

[VAtoFLA]

STR (anything under 181 days) already require a license and there is a 7% tax associated with them. Tax more, tax less, that's up to society to decide.

I do tend to think this is all what my grandmother used to call "Borrowed Trouble". I haven't read any incidents of young people throwing parties at a nightly rental in The Villages. Cocoa Beach, the beach in general, attracts a younger crowd looking to let loose. I think we're imagining that in The Villages, I don't see it happening, but I'm open to be wrong and hear real stories of it.