Flagler County Issues First Vacation Rental Certificate
The permit is the result of Flagler’s new ordinance which was strongly contested by many owners of short term vacation rental properties.
PALM COAST FL – June 16, 2015 – Flagler County issued the first short-term vacation rental certificate.
“County staff was great and everything went very well and extremely smooth,” said local veterinarian Dr. Gary Shelton.
The ordinance was approved on Feb. 19 by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners. It was then amended in March to change the application period for existing vacation rentals from April 15 to June 1. It also provides those who qualify six months, until Dec. 1, 2015 to come into compliance with safety standards.
Dr. Shelton was one of four applications received by May 27.
Now 78 properties are in the application process. Many waited to apply because attorneys representing 30 Cinnamon Beach Way and Vacation Rental Pros Management filed a request for a preliminary injunction against the ordinance in March.
Circuit Judge Michael S. Orfinger ruled June 1 that the ordinance complied with state law. The judged did determine the ordinance would not apply to rental agreements completed before the ordinance was approved.
“I see both sides of the issue, but feel the need exists for this type of regulation,” Shelton said. “Otherwise, we will have the wild west.”
Ordinance
Looks to me like the vacation pro’s owner once again fabricated the facts on the stand. This vacation rental company has been operating vacation rentals in non compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention code for years. My hope is the county will not issue certificates until all the vacation rentals are in full compliance with these important life safety codes.
This vacation rental company has also encourage owners of vacation rentals to illegally convert storage rooms and garages into bedrooms without obtaining permits from the county. In fact this owner continues to advertise a home as a eight bedroom when in fact it has only been permitted for four bedrooms. He continues to over occupy homes placing not only children in harms way but the responding first responders.
All local governments should have the right to regulate these transient public lodging establishments. Our representatives needs to restore full home rule to our local leaders. I encourage the public to contact your local representatives an ask them to repeal SB 883 and return full control back to our local leaders.
Until this happens this company vacation rental pros will continue to sue our local government, our water district and HOA’s.