Tallahassee
—
TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior
executives, today released a new Mason-Dixon poll showing overwhelming support
among
Floridians for short-term vacation rentals.
Almost three out of four registered Florida voters (73 percent) agree
Floridians should have the right to rent out their primary residence on a
short-term basis. Similarly, 73 percent
agree Floridians should also have the right to rent out a secondary home as a
vacation rental. A copy of the poll is
available here.
As the Florida Legislature considers legislation
this session to protect this important right of private property owners and
create statewide standards for vacation rentals, the poll also found a strong
majority of Floridians — 61 percent — agree that regulations for vacation
rentals should be consistent throughout the state. The strong support for vacation rentals and
consistent regulation spanned across all geographies and political
affiliations.
“Floridians
are sending a clear message to Florida’s policymakers to embrace the economic
opportunities afforded by vacation rentals and provide clear and consistent
statewide standards,” said Caroline Joiner, TechNet’s Executive Director
for the Southeast. “Taxpaying, law-abiding property owners have
the right to rent out their home, regardless of whether it is on a short-term
or long-term basis, and should not have to fear retribution from their local
governments for exercising that right.
“Vacation
rentals have existed in Florida for decades and have become a vital part of the
tourism economy. This latest research
shows Floridians recognize the value of vacation rentals and want them to
continue to thrive in the state and be fairly and consistently regulated,” added
Joiner.
A 2013 study commissioned
by the Florida Vacation Rental Management Association found that
vacation rentals infused more than $31.1 billion into Florida’s economy. Since then, the growth of online platforms
empowering property owners to rent out their homes and apartments has fueled
more economic activity and income opportunities. According to today’s Mason-Dixon poll,
Floridians recognize the significance of this impact with 61 percent agreeing
that vacation rentals are very important to Florida’s economy.
The poll was conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling &
Strategy from January 30 through February 1, 2018. A total of 625 registered Florida voters were
interviewed statewide by telephone. The
margin for error is no more than ± 4 percentage points.