West Manatee Fire & Rescue Non-Ad Valorem update

The litigation continues regarding the change for residentially zoned properties that are vacation rentals from residential non ad valorem to commercial classification. The state of Florida for more than two decades has legally weighed in on the subject and multiple times has stated real property vacation renting is a residential use, not commercial. Seems pretty cut and dry but as we all know, subjects such as this can be complicated.

It’s important to understand AMIVPA is all for continued improvement of safety for our vacation rentals. We just have an issue with the decision to change how all vacation rentals in Manatee our classified from a residential use to a commercial one. We are also concerned two decades ago the vacation rental industry had a fight on our hands when the subject returned if vacation rentals should be classified a commercial use. Commercial accommodations require sprinkler systems which would be devastating to any property owner renting their property. Please don’t misunderstand, the fire marshal has never suggested the requirement for sprinkler systems but it is of great concern to AMIVPA.

Most importantly, it is critical to understand the West Manatee Fire Marshal has every right to perform inspections on Manatee County vacation rentals. In fact we encourage such an act. We just have a problem with the way they are financing the new requirement with the arbitrary change from residential to commercial for non ad valorem property taxes. As a final note, it would be mutually beneficial if West Manatee Fire would coordinate inspections with cities that already inspect properties. With minimum training at least half the rentals in Manatee County could consolidate two inspections to one. Join the city inspection with the fire marshal inspection.

For additional information on Anna Maria Island non ad valorem tax.