Short-Term Rental Ban To Stay

DeLand, FL - Five months of debating Volusia County’s ordinance against short-term rental properties ends with council members voting to do nothing with the ban. Council members voted 5-2 on Tuesday (May 17), with County Chair Jeff Brower and District 4 Representative Heather Post being the only dissenting votes, to continue with the county’s ordinance. During an hours long period of public comments, residents from unincorporated areas of Volusia, such as Ormond-By-The-Sea and Bethune Beach, offered their opinion on the matter. While some were in favor with keeping the ban in place, others, including the Vacation Rental Home Alliance of Volusia, were fighting to have the ordinance changed. One argument made by homeowners was not wanting to turn residential neighborhoods into "commercial zones" by allowing short-term rentals. Others said they do not want the possibility of parties, parking issues, and litter affecting their neighborhood. At-Large Representative Ben Johnson, who voted in favor of keeping the ordinance in place, said he has no problem with short-term rentals, he just wishes the county could do more to regulate them. "I’m against the idea that we can’t do more to make sure that they are good neighbors," said Johnson. "Some of you do a good job policing your short-term rentals, but many don’t." Following a motion by Councilman Fred Lowry, all but Brower and Post voted to keep the ordinance in place.