City of Gainesville, FL rental permit needed?

[Chris Yeung]

I just received a notification that the property I own in Gainesville, FL requires a rental permit. This caught me off guard as I have owned the property (via self directed IRA) for 5 plus years and have not received any notification. I'm also using a local PM which I would think knows the requirements for rental properties. Is this something new?

[Christine Mcleod]

The City told me that if your tax mailing address does not match your property address - you are flagged as a landlord. They also said if you don't claim homestead exemption you are flagged as a landlord. Then they send you a nasty letter. BTW - the letter is nasty and full of accusations about how you are violating the law they are going to come after you.

I have had to plead an exemption (last year) for second home that mom or child live in. (In the beginning they weren't going to exempt second homes, but everyone, including me, complained at the commission meeting about that). But if your child as a roommate, all bets are off - you are now subject to the fee, inspections, and energy efficiency upgrades (the expensive part - attic insulation, low flow everything, new toilets, AC inspections, programmable thermostats).  My nasty letters are coming again today - just saw them in my UPS informed delivery. Can't wait.

PS - they just raised the fee another $33 a year.