Hillsborough County cracks down on Airbnbs

Driving the news: The Hillsborough County Commission adopted an ordinance last week requiring owners to register their properties as short-term vacation rentals before listing them.

• To register, owners must name a point of contact who can respond to requests for inspection, complaints or emergencies around the clock and reach the property within one hour of being notified.
• Registration costs $200 a year. The fee helps cover the county's cost of maintaining the registry. Rentals must also post parking, trash, noise and emergency information near the entrance.

Between the lines: Commissioner Harry Cohen brought forward the ordinance after hearing from residents who complained about late-night parties at short-term rentals in their neighborhoods.

• County officials estimate the ordinance will affect about 3,000 rentals in unincorporated Hillsborough County. Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City are also invited to opt into the program.

What's next: The rules go into effect in January.

• Commissioners plan to revisit the rules after three months to determine whether any changes are needed.