Florence city council has approved a bylaw to prohibit new Airbnb openings in the UNESCO area of the historic centre.
“Today is important for Florence,” writes Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence, on his Instagram. “The city council has approved a crucial measure for short-term rentals to meet the needs of students, workers, young couples, families and the elderly. Over the years, the short-term tourist rental market has grown disproportionately and is testing the city’s limits. The consequences are visible to everyone: a loss of identity in the historic centre, precarious living conditions, increases in the cost of living and a drastic reduction in housing availability…We have decided to put a stop to any new Airbnb openings in the UNESCO area of the Historic Centre of Florence. Housing is a fundamental right and it is our duty to ensure a future that is accessible to everyone. We want to keep the soul of our historic centre alive and to preserve the beauty and liveability of our city.”
The bylaw is not retroactive, meaning that current Airbnb rental owners will not be affected. However, if they choose to switch to long-term residential rentals, the council pledges to write off second home municipal taxes for three years.
