Bradenton, FL Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)

Sections 22-67 and 22-68 of the Bradenton Code contain no separate strike schedule for vacation rentals. They list the unlawful conduct and send enforcement through the general code enforcement scheme in Chapter 2, so the repeat-violation rules of that chapter decide how a second offense is treated.

Section 2-292 defines a repeat violation as a violation of a provision of a city code or ordinance by a person who was previously found through the code enforcement board or another quasi-judicial or judicial process to have violated it, or who admitted violating the same provision, within five years before the new violation. The definition applies even when the violations occur at different locations.

The process is faster for a repeat. Under § 2-351(c), the code inspector must notify the violator but is not required to give a reasonable time to correct, and must notify the board and request a hearing. The violation can be presented even if the repeat violation was corrected before the hearing. Under § 2-353(b), a fine cannot exceed $250.00 per day for a first violation or $500.00 per day for a repeat violation, and a violation the board finds irreparable or irreversible can draw up to $5,000.00 per violation. The board weighs the gravity of the violation, actions taken to correct it and any previous violations. Under § 2-353(c), an individual fine is limited to $75,000.00 for a first time violator and $150,000.00 for a repeat violator.

Vacation rentals add their own consequences. Section 22-67(a) makes it unlawful to rent or advertise without a current certificate of registration, to exceed maximum occupancy, to skip required postings, or to give false information. Knowing false statements on an application can bring a fine and revocation of the certificate. Section 22-68(c) adds suspension of a certificate, injunctive relief and liens, and under § 22-54(b) a certificate is not issued or renewed while fines or liens for violations remain unpaid.