In recent years Airbnb has become a way for homeowners to rent out rooms and make cash on the side. It’s also a way for guests to travel without paying for the price of a hotel room.
But as the service has become more popular, it’s gotten the attention of hotel owners and lawmakers.
Hotel owners in Florida have said it’s not fair. They say Airbnb doesn’t have to pay the same taxes they do and adhere to regulations that drive up their costs.
Now things are changing. This week Airbnb began collecting state and local taxes. This includes a state wide sales tax and some county “bed taxes.”
On this episode of Gulf Coast Live, we’ll explore how this new arrangement works, what it will mean for the state, the company and its users.
Guests: :
Christopher Nultey, Airbnb
Paul Phipps, Visit Florida
Diane Nelson, Pinellas County Tax Collector