Court Restores Remote Check-In, Florence Keeps Keybox Ban

A court ruling has reignited debate over short-term rentals and tourist regulations in Florence, after Italy’s regional administrative tribunal (TAR) struck down a government circular banning remote check-ins for vacation rentals.

The November 2023 circular from the Ministry of the Interior had required in-person identification for all guests staying in non-hotel accommodations, even when automated or digital systems were available. But according to the TAR ruling, this obligation violated national law and administrative simplification rules introduced in 2011, which allow for digital check-ins without a physical meeting between host and guest. The court found that security concerns cannot justify unlawful restrictions.

The appeal was brought forward by the Federation of Non-Hotel Hospitality Associations and is seen as a victory for the growing sector of digital and automated vacation rentals.

Impact on Florence Regulations

The ruling directly affects Florence, which had recently strengthened local regulations to limit the spread of keyboxes—small, lockable boxes attached to buildings or fences used to distribute keys to guests without face-to-face contact.

Since February 25, Florence has enforced a municipal ban on placing these devices in public view, citing reasons of urban decorum and public safety. The now-annulled Interior Ministry circular was one of the legal justifications behind that rule, as it had effectively rendered the keyboxes unusable by requiring physical check-ins.

With that national circular now void, one of the two pillars supporting Florence’s keybox ban—public safety—is legally weakened. However, the city maintains that the ban remains enforceable based on the other justification: protection of historic areas and urban aesthetics, especially in UNESCO-designated zones.

Mayor Funaro: “The Ban Still Stands”

Mayor Sara Funaro responded by affirming that the court decision does not affect the city’s current rules.

“We acknowledge the ruling,” she stated, “but nothing changes in practice. Both our keybox regulation and our short-term rental rules remain in effect because they are based on additional criteria, especially concerning urban decorum.”

The city has recently intensified enforcement, removing illegal keyboxes with cutting tools and issuing fines up to €400. While investigations regarding the safety aspects of remote check-ins are ongoing, the mayor emphasized that the municipality had deliberately kept “two tracks” open—security and decorum—and the latter is sufficient to justify continued enforcement.

“There is still a safety issue to be addressed,” Funaro added, “and we need to start a broader conversation on how to protect all the places where short-term rentals are taking place.”

What Happens Next?

For now, nothing changes for Florence’s keybox ban or short-term rental enforcement. But the court’s ruling may encourage other cities—and property owners—to challenge similar restrictions, especially when based solely on national security arguments. The balance between tourism, technology, and urban integrity remains a contentious issue for many heritage cities like Florence.