PUBLIC NOTICE
SHORT TERM RENTALS (30 DAYS OR LESS), ACCORDING TO SARASOTA COUNTY & FLCCE BYLAWS NOT LEGAL IN FLCCE
SARASOTA COUNTY UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE, ARTICLE 8, SECTIONS 124-131, DEALS WITH THE PROHIBIITION OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS OF DWELLINGS, (LESS THAN 30 DAYS TO A RENTER,) AS A BUSINESS. (THIS APPLIES DIRECTLY TO FLCCE AND OTHER COMPARABLY SPECIFIED NEIGHBORHOODS).
A VIOLATION OF THIS COUNTY ORDINANCE, BANNING SHORT TERM RENTALS, WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THAT SECTION.
Forest Lakes Country Club Estates (FLCCE) is a low density, single family, residential community. As such, certain types of activities are prohibited both by county ordinances and the deed restrictions in which all property owners must abide.
With the exception of some homebased activities, running a business is prohibited in FLCCE. This includes running a transient accommodation business. The county defines and taxes short term rentals of dwellings (less than 30 days to a renter) as a business. There are many homes being leased in FLCCE. This practice is perfectly acceptable as long as the length of the lease is at least 30 days.
There are sections in all FLCCE units’ deed restrictions that prohibit any dwelling from being used as anything other than a residence. There is also a section in all units’ restrictions that prohibit illegal activity. A violation of the county ordinance banning short term rentals would constitute a violation of that section. Sarasota County Unified Development Code, Article 8, Sections 124-131 deal with the prohibition of short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods like ours in FLCCE.
The HOA regularly monitors these sites, and currently, there are no listings for less than 30 days on the major internet rental sites. If a short-term listing is found, the owner is contacted and informed about the deed restrictions and county ordinances.
If the owner does not remedy this situation, the HOA files a complaint with the county who will in turn send an inspector. In addition, the HOA will author up to 3 violation letters, before turning it over for legal pursuit.
There must be sufficient evidence for both the county and HOA to move forward with any action against a property owner suspected of running a short-term rental business. The mere presence of multiple, out-of-state cars is not enough. There must be an advertisement, a receipt, or other proof of this offense.
If you suspect a home is being used as a short-term rental, alert the HOA and file a complaint with the county.
The county will send an inspector promptly, usually within two days. If the inspector confirms the owner is guilty of offering a short-term rental, the county will issue a notice of violation.
We urge all FLCCE residents to monitor this situation. If you suspect that this is occurring, you may place the complaint with the county anonymously at 941-861-5000.
In addition, you can email the HOA at flccehoa@gmail.com.
Comments