I’ve lived on St. Pete. Beach since 1979. Our house has been paid for since the mid 80’s and we’ve always welcomed guests into our small in-law unit. Mostly as a run off from a motel my parents owned and then sold when they retired. When Airbnb appeared in the scene, we were happy to open our doors to others as well.
Our guests love the old fashioned feeling of our clothesline for their swimsuits, our outside shower for after the beach, our library with over 50 Florida and Gulf Coast specific titles, the fruit trees and flowers in our yard, and our personable and welcoming knowledge of the area and it’s history. Many of them comment that this is the Florida they remember from their childhoods when they’d come visit their grandparents.
It’s not just a room, but an experience that we provide and now the city is trying to shut me down and is threatening me with a $250 daily fine. It’s my only income - my only livelihood and the visitors have been a blessing in my life. I’m devastated and don’t know what I will do now, financially. This has been my home for decades and without my Airbnb income I’ll be forced to sell my longtime home.
How can the city dictate who I bring into my 3rd bedroom? I don't believe they can.
I have guests who come year after year - as much for me and my knowledge as for the room. Not everyone wants the big, loud, overpriced, overcrowded and impersonal experience that all the hotels on Gulf Blvd. provide. I remember days of family-friendly themed hotels at the beach, back in the days of the Aquatarium and the wax museum... However, these days it’s all bars, bars, and more bars. The beach has changed, and not for the better. There are many people who want to avoid the “Spring Break” vibe that is now prevalent on this beach. Drunks are all over the place, day and night, and many travelers don’t want to see or experience that kind of tourism. There are still those who appreciate quiet, calm, and privacy.
I fill a niche which obviously people want. I pay my taxes and have never had a single complaint from my neighbors. I’ve welcomed guests into my home for years and now the city wants to shut me down. They’re economically murdering me by taking away my only source of income. How can this be allowed...?
I did not purchase my property as an "investment" and once again, I live here full time - I am just renting a bedroom and bathroom in my private home. AirBnB has been collecting and paying the tourist tax. I rely on earnings from my short-term rental to allow me to work from home. I've heard about HR 219, which states that over the last several years, local governments have attempted to restrict or outright ban vacation rentals — and it's in violation of Florida state law. A fundamental principle in America is private-property rights, and people who want to use properties as affordable housing can do so if they choose.
So what do I tell my local city code enforcement when I go to the hearing? Can they fine me or shut me down? I can't afford a lawyer, but state law says the city cannot shut me down.
Help!
