Well, after several hours of work just researching what to do, I can assure you, if it's a room, or small situation you are renting - it's a daunting amount of work, and agencies to deal with. You are treated like any other motel or hotel, which means really - they have not caught up with "reasonable" sharing of space requirements to be safe, without considering your bedroom and full blown Hilton. We are all treated the same.
Some good news - starting in May of 2017, the Fort Lauderdale Commission lowered prices specifically to encourage renters to follow the law. I can honestly tell you - when you reach their offices, I had the nicest and helpful phone calls with 2 different code enforcement officers. I was not expecting to be treated well, or to get real help. They will help you - and from what I can guess from my research - they want more renters to follow the law and are flexible on deadlines - but don't push them - that's the idea I got. People who ignore this will get the full anger of the city, but those that try to do what's right will get assistance.
In two years, the basic registration went from $1,750, to $750 to $350. Other fees for inspection and yearly renewals also reduced. For homeowners who live in the same house, it's even lower.
One last thing. As I was getting really positive help, they were pulling up AirBNB listings within 10 seconds that matched your address, and *were reading every detail you wrote* about your property. Space descriptions, amenities, ALL of it. THEY KNOW you are listing. It's just a matter of time. For those of you thinking it's only when a neighbor reports you - NOPE - They are actively on top of all BNB type sites. I think my estimates tell me it's going run about $800 total the first year, and TONS of paperwork to comply, but subsequent years only about $300 a year (total of different agencies estimated). Review your financials and make your own decision if it's worth it for you.
OK ONE more IMPORTANT last thing!!! YOU MUST select the BNB payment option to "add occupancy taxes" IMMEDIATELY or you will be further in problems with them. The fact that we were already doing it meant AirBNB was AUTOMATICALLY paying Broward County (not the City of Fort Lauderdale), and we didn't start out in a deep hole to begin with.
GOOD LUCK. If you can message me, let's network Fort Lauderdale and exchange info, and help each other. We could all win/win here.
In Miami the hosts came together for a commission meeting, and the city USED THE SIGN IN LIST TO GO AFTER THE HOSTS. AirBNB SUED MIAMI and WON.
