NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsSeptember 2, 2026Hillsborough
Manatee County commissioners order draft ordinance to regulate short-term vacation rentals
Manatee County commissioners have directed staff to draft a new ordinance regulating short-term vacation rentals to address neighborhood noise and occupancy concerns. The proposed rules will focus on safety, parking, trash, and noise, with a draft expected to be presented to the board within 30 to 45 days.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
Residents and property owners in Manatee County are awaiting new regulations that will define how short-term rentals operate, impacting approximately 3,000 properties and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Key Facts
- Manatee County commissioners ordered staff to draft a new ordinance for short-term rentals.
- The draft ordinance is expected to be presented to the board in 30 to 45 days.
- There are approximately 3,000 short-term rentals currently operating in Manatee County.
- State law prohibits the county from banning rentals, capping total numbers, or limiting rental frequency.
- County regulations must focus on safety, occupancy, parking, noise, and trash.
- Five code enforcement positions are currently frozen, complicating immediate enforcement efforts.
- Commissioners requested that code enforcement address immediate noise complaints in the interim.
- No final vote or adoption of new rules occurred during the Wednesday work session.
Who's Mentioned
locationManatee County“The jurisdiction where the regulation is being proposed.”personGeorge Kruse“Manatee County Commissioner.”personRichard Hicks“Local resident providing testimony on noise issues.”personJohn McNaught“Property owner providing testimony on rental regulations.”other20“Number of guests hosted at specific problematic properties.”