SRIA Committee Seeks Short Term Rental Policy
The Santa Rosa Island Authority Short Term Rental Committee at its August 20 meeting moved a step closer to creating a short term rental policy. The Committee, comprised of SRIA Board members Marc Marrocco, David Peaden and Jerry Watson unanimously approved a motion to task staff and legal counsel to draft a policy modeled on regulations from the City of Gulf Breeze, Anna Maria Island and Panama City Beach.
Marrocco framed SRIA’s role as the island’s landlord under long standing lease language and covenants, arguing the authority has both the responsibility and the tools to tackle mounting complaints tied to unregulated rentals—particularly late night parties, overflowing parking, and blocked emergency access.
“We have the authority. We have the obligation to do it,” Marrocco said, pointing to charter language and deed restrictions that prohibit nuisances.
Marrocco said he favored the Panama City Beach ordinance in that it requires licensure, fines for violating the ordinance and a conduit for revoking the license for repeatedly violating the ordinance. A key element is that each rental have a responsible party who can be reached to respond to concerns.
Public safety dominated the discussion. Escambia County Sheriff’s Lt. Ray Matheny described the limits deputies face when responding to after hours calls at rental properties—especially when no responsible party can be reached. He recounted spring break incidents involving “hundreds of kids” spilling into neighborhoods, with deputies relying on voluntary compliance or a willing complainant to sign a statement—often a tall order at 2 a.m. A clearly posted, 24/7 local contact with authority over the property would “absolutely be helpful,” Matheny said, enabling timely problem solving and, when needed, authorization to trespass non-compliant guests.
Parking and emergency access were another flashpoint. Residents and deputies cited streets like Ariola Drive, where cars stacked on both sides can block ambulances and fire trucks. Matheny noted deputies can warn violators, write tickets, or tow vehicles when legally posted, uniform signage is in place.
The SRIA’s Attorney Mary Jane Bass explained that while SRIA can adopt policies and leverage lease enforcement, only the County can enact binding ordinances. She suggested a dual approach: create an SRIA policy to set expectations and pursue a companion county ordinance to provide code enforceable standards. Practical enforcement—evidence requirements, timelines, and addressing repeat violations—will remain central.
David Peaden asked if the current ordinances in place for noise and nuisance were being adequately enforced.
The meeting drew a standing room only crowd in the SRIA Boardroom. The mixture of beach residents and interested business representatives were allowed time to comment in the public forum.
Several speakers emphasized that many relevant standards already exist in county codes and state statutes—covering noise, building and fire safety, garbage service, and emergency management—but better coordination and enforcement capacity are needed.
Beach Resident Stephenie Allen, whose home is located in a cul-de-sac, told the Committee that in recent years, vacationers arrive with trailered boats, jet skis and canoes. The vacation homes’ driveways cannot accommodate the trailers, so they are parked in the street creating a congestion problem.
Island Realty’s Charlie Rotenberry opposed the idea, saying that new restrictions would devalue real estate and drive renters to choose other beach locales.
Longtime Beach resident Pam Craighead said that enforcement of current regulations is lacking and that there is no SRIA oversight during the weekends when most of the problems occur.
“If you don’t live here, you really have no idea what goes on out here,” said Craighead. “It is sad how people have no respect for our neighborhoods. It is sad that our environment is being trampled. We need to focus on enforcement.”
Marrocco’s motion, which passed unanimously, directs the committee to work with newly hired Attorney Heather Maxwell in collaboration with Attorney Mary Jane Bass, who is retiring, to draft a short term rental policy for Pensacola Beach. The framework will draw heavily from Panama City Beach’s updated ordinance which was praised for having “teeth”—and incorporate elements from Gulf Breeze and Anna Maria Island, including:
• Mandatory registration and a locally available, 24/7 responsible party posted on site
• Verification of state and local licenses, required inspections, and fire safety compliance
• Clear parking rules to keep vehicles within property lots and maintain emergency access
• Escalating penalties for repeat offenders, up to suspension or loss of rental authorization
The committee also discussed budgeting for a dedicated code compliance position to manage registrations, outreach, and follow up.
Marrocco noted that the policy draft would be brought to the SRIA Full Board at a later date.
The SRIA Full Board meets August 26 and September 23. The meetings are open to the public for in-person attendance at #1 Via de Luna or remote attendance by dialing 1-301-715-8592. The meeting ID is 425 234 4682 and password is 2257. Agendas are posted at www.sria-fla.com.
LINK to SRIA Attorney’s Opinion, Gulf Breeze, Anna Maria Island and Panama City Ordinances