Vita gazette -Florence has banned new short-term private holiday rentals, such as Airbnb listings, in the Renaissance city’s historic centre. Those who return to average rentals will have the IMU on their second home reset for three years.

Florence has been banned from renting new homes through platforms such as “Airbnb” for temporary accommodation. Greenlight, by the majority, from the Florence City Council to the act that stops the creation of new Airbnbs in the historic centre.

The resolution, illustrated in the chamber by the mayor Dario Nardella, passed with the favourable votes of the Pd and Lista Nardella, also in favour of Sinistra Progetto Comune, a mixed group (with Andrea Asciuti) and the M5s group leader Roberto De Blasi.

And within the resolution, there is a provision regarding house taxes. It is also expected that the IMU on second homes will be eliminated for three years in favour of those who give up short-term rentals and return to ordinary ones.

“We cannot fail to defend the historical-artistic identity of the historic centre.”

“We are witnessing a progressive growth in tourist influx, which has become even more significant after the stop of the pandemic. 75% of short-term tourist rental cases are concentrated in 5% of the municipal area: we intervene in this 5%. This resolution has legal solidity; we believe we will deal with any disputes that may arise: it is clear that the rule is not retroactive”. The mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella, said this while speaking to the economic development and urban planning commissions, convened online to discuss the resolution on the ban on new Airbnbs in the UNESCO area. “We are in a situation of total deregulation. And we cannot fail to defend the historical-artistic identity of the historic centre.”

“Today there are almost 14,378”

“In 2016, the number of apartments listed on Airbnb was just under 6,000; today, it is almost 14,378,” Nardella said, noting that the average cost of regular monthly residential rents increased by 42% during this period. The mayor said prices have increased 15.1 per cent this year. “The 40 thousand Florentines who live in the centre complain of suddenly finding themselves living in apartments,” adds Nardella.

Appeal to the Administrative Court

Marco Stella, regional coordinator of the Forza Italia party, said he would appeal to the administrative court against Florence’s decision.

A stay of at least two nights

On the other hand, it has been reported that the government is working on a bill that will require a stay of at least two nights in properties located in historic centres and in municipalities where tourists are concentrated.