Cocoa Beach resident urges city council to cap short term rentals

Concerns over the rapid growth of short-term rentals in Cocoa Beach took center stage at the recent City Commission and CRA meeting, as resident Lynn McDonald urged city leaders to implement a cap on these properties. Speaking passionately about the impact of unregulated rentals, McDonald highlighted that half of the homes on her street have been converted into short-term rentals, primarily owned by out-of-town investors.

McDonald emphasized that this trend is not just altering the neighborhood's character but also driving up housing costs and increasing disturbances, such as noise and traffic. She pointed out that the financial burden of these rentals falls on long-term residents, as Cocoa Beach receives minimal returns from the bed tax generated by tourism.

In her proposal, McDonald called for the city to conduct research to determine appropriate limits on short-term rentals and to enforce stricter regulations. She expressed optimism about the new leadership under Brian Palmer, suggesting that now is the right time to address the issue.

The discussion reflects a growing concern among residents about balancing tourism with the need to maintain a livable community. As Cocoa Beach continues to grapple with the challenges posed by increased tourism, the call for a cap on short-term rentals may signal a pivotal moment for local governance and community preservation.