Residents demand action as packed rentals strain popular Florida beach community
Rhonda Dorfman, president of Pensacola Beach Advocates, discusses proposed regulations for short-term rentals as the community welcomes visitors on vacation.
A popular Florida beach community is weighing tighter rules for its short-term vacation rentals after full-time residents have raised concerns about visitors' noise, overflowing trash and parking complications.
The proposal under consideration for Pensacola Beach could create a registry for vacation rentals. It could require owners to designate someone who can be reached 24/7 when problems arise, according to reports.
Rhonda Dorfman, president of Pensacola Beach Advocates and a full-time resident of the island, told Fox News Digital that one concern is giving law enforcement a clear point of contact when complaints are made at rental properties.
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"The sheriff's deputies have a very difficult time finding out who's in charge here," Dorfman said, noting that calls can involve complaints about noise and underage drinking.
She said many problems are tied to larger vacation homes that can accommodate dozens of guests.
Pensacola Beach, popular among vacationers, is considering stricter short-term rental rules, including a registry and 24/7 local contacts. (iStock)
"It's not the three- and four-person families that come out to the beach," Dorfman said.
Instead, she said, some homes "sleep 30 or 40 people — and that is where we're getting the problems."
Large groups can also put pressure on parking and trash collection, she said.
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"If you have a home that sleeps 30 or 40 people, even if you put five people in a car, that's six cars," Dorfman said.
Trash left outside between guest checkouts and scheduled collection days has also become a concern, she indicated.
Full-time residents say short-term rentals can bring late-night noise, overflowing trash and crowded parking conditions during the busy season. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
"That trash sits out there in the heat. It stinks. It's ugly," she said.
Noise can become another issue at night, with Pensacola Beach's noise ordinance taking effect at 10 p.m., according to Dorfman.
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Still, she noted that vacationers come to Pensacola Beach to enjoy themselves during the summer.
"You work 50 weeks out of the year, you save up for your vacation, and you want to have a good time," she said.
Residents recognize that vacationers come to Pensacola Beach to relax and enjoy their time away from home. (Ron Buskirk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
"We know you're here on vacation, and we want you to have a wonderful time, but you are in a residential community," Dorfman said.
Online discussions reveal the competing perspectives on tourism.
Some Reddit commenters have pushed back against criticism of visitors, pointing to the economic activity that tourism brings to the Pensacola area.
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Other commenters highlighted the appeal of visiting Pensacola Beach despite its crowds.
"The beaches are beautiful," another commenter wrote, while advising travelers to "pack your patience" when the area becomes particularly busy.
"We don't want to get rid of short-term rentals."
Dorfman emphasized that the residents who support additional rules are not seeking to eliminate vacation rentals.
"We don't want to get rid of short-term rentals," she said. "We want our low-density residential communities to still feel like a community."
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She said officials are looking at regulations used in other Florida communities, including Gulf Breeze, Anna Maria Island and Panama City, as they consider what could work for Pensacola Beach.
