Bay County is about to make a big mistake—one that benefits out-of-state corporations at the expense of the locals who actually live here. As our beautiful beaches continue to attract thousands of tourists, our local government is flirting with the idea of imposing stricter regulations on short-term vacation rentals like those listed on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. On the surface, these new rules might look like an attempt to preserve the charm and tranquility of our neighborhoods, but don’t be fooled. This is simply a cronyist tactic to protect the hotel industry, specifically those big chains that operate far from home and care little about the well-being of Bay County residents.
Why Hotels Are Sweating Over Airbnb and Vrbo
In recent years, apps like Airbnb and Vrbo have been a game-changer for both tourists and locals. Families, in particular, are flocking to short-term vacation rentals for the space, flexibility, and comfort that hotels just can’t offer. Instead of being crammed into a tiny hotel room, often with paper-thin walls and overpriced mini-bars, vacationers can rent an entire house. They get a kitchen to cook meals, extra bedrooms for the kids, and sometimes even a private pool. These features make vacation rentals an attractive, affordable, and more comfortable option for many visitors.
And let’s be honest—this trend isn’t just about luxury. It’s about practicality. Families, large groups, and those staying for extended periods benefit enormously from these home rentals. Why would anyone want to be squeezed into a single room when they can enjoy a whole house for often the same, or even less, money?
This surge in demand for short-term vacation rentals has the traditional hotel industry nervous. Big hotel chains—many of which are based out of state—are watching as their occupancy rates fall and their profit margins shrink. But instead of innovating or offering better services, they’re turning to local governments for help. And, unfortunately, Bay County seems more than willing to oblige.
Cronyism in Action
Let’s not sugarcoat this. These new regulations aren’t about protecting the character of our neighborhoods or addressing some sudden public safety crisis. They’re about protecting the investments of large hotel corporations, many of which don’t even call Bay County home. When local governments impose strict rules on short-term rentals—whether it’s through limiting the number of nights a property can be rented, capping the number of guests, or imposing heavy fees—they’re not leveling the playing field. They’re rigging it in favor of big hotels.
Bay County residents who rent out their homes aren’t massive corporations. They’re your neighbors—the ones who are trying to make an honest living, offset their mortgage payments, or take advantage of the tourism dollars flowing into our local economy. They are regular people, not faceless conglomerates. By cracking down on short-term rentals, the county is effectively saying it would rather see tourists funnel their money into the pockets of Marriott and Hilton than into the hands of local homeowners.
Who Really Wins?
Why would Bay County choose to prioritize big hotel chains over local residents? One word: money. Large corporations have deep pockets and can afford lobbyists to push their agendas. They’re able to throw their weight around in ways that your average Bay County resident simply can’t. What’s more, these hotels bring in significant tax revenues through various occupancy taxes and fees, which makes them an attractive partner for cash-strapped local governments.
But here’s the catch: While the county may benefit in the short term from more tax dollars, this cronyism has long-term consequences. When the county sides with out-of-state corporations over local residents, it stifles entrepreneurship and hurts the very people who live here year-round. Worse yet, it undermines the idea of free-market competition—something our government should be promoting, not suppressing.
A Better Solution
What we need isn’t more big government overreach. What we need are common-sense solutions that allow short-term vacation rentals and hotels to coexist. Here are a few ideas that could serve as alternatives to the heavy-handed regulations currently on the table:
1. Zoning Adjustments: Instead of blanket regulations that hurt everyone, why not focus on zoning adjustments? Identify specific areas where short-term rentals make sense—like near tourist attractions or beachside neighborhoods—and allow greater flexibility there. This would strike a balance between preserving the tranquility of residential areas and promoting tourism.
2. Tax Parity: Hotels often argue that short-term rentals have an unfair advantage because they aren’t subject to the same taxes. Fine. Let’s talk about tax parity. Level the playing field by requiring short-term rental hosts to pay occupancy taxes similar to what hotels pay. This way, local homeowners can continue to benefit from the tourism economy without being driven out by excessive regulation.
3. Safety and Transparency Standards: One of the main arguments against short-term rentals is the supposed lack of oversight and safety regulations. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Bay County could introduce simple, common-sense safety and transparency measures for short-term rental hosts. Require them to have safety inspections and disclose property details to renters. This is a far cry from the draconian restrictions being proposed, and it addresses legitimate concerns without decimating the industry.
4. Local Ownership Incentives: If the goal is to keep tourism dollars in Bay County, then let’s incentivize local ownership. Offer tax breaks or grants to local residents who rent out their homes as vacation rentals. This would encourage local entrepreneurship and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism stay within the community, rather than flowing out to corporate shareholders in New York or Los Angeles.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the question we should be asking is this: Who does Bay County really serve? Is it the big corporations that see our beaches as nothing more than a money-making opportunity? Or is it the local residents who have spent their lives building this community and who want to share its beauty with the world?
By imposing stricter regulations on short-term rentals, Bay County is showing its true colors. And they’re not the vibrant hues of our beautiful sunsets. They’re the dull, monotonous grays of corporate cronyism. Instead of siding with big hotels, our local government should be looking for ways to support its residents and foster a healthy, competitive tourism industry that benefits everyone.
If we’re serious about protecting our community and our economy, the answer isn’t more regulation. The answer is to let the free market do what it does best: provide options, create opportunities, and allow people to thrive. After all, isn’t that what Bay County is all about?
Written By: Stephen Despin Jr. | Founder/Contributor
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