Haines City officials are taking action to crack down on illegal short-term vacation rentals within city limits.
The City Commission voted 5-0 on Jan. 20 to create a new short-term rental registry requiring all property owners renting out houses or apartments for stays of 30 days or less to meet local ordinances and register by March 1. Otherwise, the property owners could face daily fines.
“The City of Haines City has experienced a significant increase in the number of short-term rental properties operating within city limits,” reads the city’s statement. “While many of these properties are in compliance with zoning and operational requirements, city staff have identified a growing number or short-term rentals operating in areas where such uses are not permitted.”…