SARASOTA, Fla. — The registration window for owners of vacation rental property in the city of Sarasota's mainland area has opened. City officials are encouraging homeowners to register on the city's portal by Oct. 31 to avoid any late fees.
In February, city leaders expanded the short-term rental ordinance earlier to include vacation rentals currently operating on the mainland or any homeowners who may want to join the program.
The cost to register is $500 which includes inspection with an annual renewal of $350. City staff are expecting to register around 650 properties.
"So any single two-, three- or four-family dwellings within any residential single or multi-family zone district in the city limits will be required to obtain the certificate of registration. That certificate will need to be renewed each year," Hannah Chibica, the supervisor of vacation rental compliance for the city, said.
So far, city officials said around a dozen homeowners have applied for registration in the past two weeks since the registration phase opened. They want homeowners not to wait till the last minute to prepare their homes for future renters or to register.
Inspections are also happening and homeowners have been asked to make sure they meet a checklist of items required with the application for quick approval.
Code compliance inspectors will be looking for guest information binders or a visible board with the home's address, various emergency contacts, and the location of the nearest hospital.
The homes will also need to meet various safety requirements including having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and the necessary pool safety mechanisms as required under the law.
"The pool safety is probably the biggest hurdle that some people have to go through to achieve compliance, especially if the pools were built at a time when obviously the ordinance wasn't in effect so they need to bring their property into compliance with current building codes," Chibica said.
"The owner is encouraged to research and contact us and read the ordinance before completing that inspection," she added.
On the city's barrier islands, there are around 140 properties already registered as vacation rentals. Those properties will be due for renewal again next year and if re-inspection is required, it would cost $100.
City officials are encouraging homeowners to research and study the ordinance before completing the registration application. They are also asking anyone with questions to visit their website or come into their office for direct assistance from a staff member.
The city has also hired personnel for the new position of vacation rental compliance specialist and an administrative assistant for the vacation rental program.