Miami Beach city commissioners voted Wednesday to lower fines for people caught illegally renting their homes, condos or apartments.
Illegal renters will now face a $1,000 fine instead of the $20,000 fine, which had been in place for years. The change comes after the city lost a 2018 lawsuit with a homeowner who sued after being fined $20,000.
“We are going to continue to enforce but we are also going to lower fines,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.
Allan Yeaman and Joannie Juarbe own a condo in Miami Beach and are against the lower fines.
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“You’re not sure who’s coming and going there’s a lack of security,” Yeaman said.
“And the residents don’t like comings and goings of strangers,” Juarbe said.
But some residents don’t mind the lower fines or the extra foot traffic.
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“Tourists bring life to the city,” said one resident. “People can do with their apartments whatever they want.”
