Florida lawmakers are once again turning their attention to short-term rentals, and one proposal in particular is gaining traction:

🏊‍♂️ New Pool-Safety Requirements for Vacation Rentals

A recently proposed bill would introduce stricter safety standards for any short-term rental property that has a pool or spa. While it hasn’t passed yet, the discussion itself is extremely telling, the state is tightening oversight on STR properties in response to increased tourism, higher occupancy levels, and rising liability claims from accidents.

If the bill is approved (and it’s likely, given the bipartisan support), owners may be required to:

• Install updated pool barriers or safety fencing

• Add compliant pool alarms or door alarms

• Ensure all doors leading to pool areas meet new code

• Provide updated safety signage, emergency equipment, and guest instructions

• Submit proof of compliance to state or county authorities

For many owners, this won’t just mean new equipment costs, but also mandatory inspections, additional paperwork, and potentially increased insurance premiums.

🔥 Why This Matters Emotionally,  Not Just Financially

Even if you’re abroad or out-of-state, the liability remains 100% yours.
Guests don’t always supervise children. Accidents happen silently. And one incident can lead to severe legal consequences,  something overseas owners are often least prepared to navigate.

This is why lawmakers are focusing on safety: too many STR owners assume their management company “takes care of it all,” when legally, the owner is the responsible party.

Psychologically, this creates:

• Uncertainty (“What if my property is no longer compliant?”)

• Fear of unexpected costs (“What if insurance won’t renew me?”)

• Overwhelm (“How would I even manage inspections from overseas?”)

• Desire for clarity and control (“I want to know where I actually stand.”)

And that’s where staying informed becomes a huge advantage.

⚠️ A Second Change Already in Effect: New Flood & Hazard Disclosure Rules

In 2025, Florida expanded mandatory disclosure laws for sellers and long-term landlords.
Even if you’re not selling today, these new rules require owners to be fully transparent about:

• Past flooding

• Water intrusion

• Hurricane or storm damage

• Mold or moisture events

• Structural concerns

Inaccurate or incomplete disclosures can now result in legal penalties, contract cancellations, appraisal challenges, or lawsuits.

In simple terms:
Florida is shifting toward more accountability, more documentation, and more owner responsibility.

For owners overseas in the UK, Canada, and Europe, this is something many are completely unaware of.

🎯 SMART OWNERS TAKE ACTION BEFORE THE RULES CHANGE

Rather than being reactive (or blindsided), the most successful property owners take a proactive approach:

• Reviewing their liability exposure

• Assessing whether necessary updates are cost-effective

• Considering whether holding the property still aligns with their long-term goals

• Evaluating today’s market while prices are still holding stronger than forecasts

📩 Free “Smart Owner Compliance Check” - Know Exactly Where You Stand

If you’d like, I can provide a no-obligation review of your property’s current situation, including:

• Whether upcoming laws may affect your home

• Possible insurance or compliance issues

• Market value today vs expected 2025.

• What upgrades (if any) may be required

• Whether selling now or holding is the smarter financial move

   

Click here to request:

 www.vacayreflorida.com/contact-us

Click here for your free evaluation: www.vacayreflorida.com/propertyevaluationOr email me directly at [email protected]
Or call/text: 321-333-1338

A little clarity now can help you avoid much bigger issues later and ensure your Florida investment continues working for you, not against you.