Starting February 21, Florence will enforce new regulations affecting short-term rentals, particularly regarding keyboxes and coded keypads. The municipal ordinance aims to enhance public safety and preserve urban decorum, marking a significant shift for both property owners and visitors using platforms like Airbnb.
As previously highlighted in citywide debates, key boxes had come under scrutiny from both the municipality and resident associations. Now, Florence has taken concrete action, officially banning their use for short-term rentals. This latest enforcement step follows growing concerns over the impact of mass tourism on residential areas, reinforcing the city’s commitment to stricter regulations aimed at preserving local livability.
What Changes for Tourists?
Travelers booking short-term rentals in Florence will no longer be able to check in via keyboxes or automated key retrieval systems. Instead, they must meet the host or a designated person in person to receive keys. This change is intended to ensure proper identity verification upon arrival.
Additionally, Florence has banned the use of voice amplifiers by tour guides. Guides must now use wireless audio systems with headphones for groups larger than eight people. This measure aims to improve the quality of life in historic areas by reducing noise pollution (fines up to €160).
What Hosts Need to Do
Property owners who have been using keyboxes must remove them by February 21 to comply with the new rules. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to €400 and the forced removal of unauthorized key storage devices by municipal authorities. However, a single numerical or alphanumerical keypad per building is still allowed, provided it has condominium approval and is not used for hospitality purposes.
Broader Implications
These measures are part of Florence’s ongoing efforts to regulate overtourism while maintaining security standards. Additionally, hosts must continue to register all guests with the local authorities within 24 hours of their arrival, as required by national safety regulations.
For visitors, this means a return to traditional check-ins, while hosts must adapt to a more hands-on approach in managing guest arrivals. The ban on keyboxes and restrictions on keypads reflect the city’s broader strategy to ensure that short-term rentals align with public safety and community well-being.
Discover more from Florence Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.