by Manuel Gruni
In recent months, Florence has introduced important regulatory news for those who manage or intend to start short tourist rentals (the short-term rentals now increasingly popular through platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo, etc.). The new provisions, which came into effect with the adoption of the Municipal regulations on short tourist leases, they created a framework with New permitting requirements, spatial limits, and transition mechanisms For existing structures. (City of Florence)
1. New regulation: what changes for permits and codes
From May 31, 2025 the new "Regulations for Short Tourist Leases" approved by the **Florence City Council on May 5, 2025" is fully operational. (One-stop shop for productive activities)
According to the text:
- All short tourist leases must require a five-year municipal permit For each housing unit. (One-stop shop for productive activities)
- It is mandatory to obtain all necessary identification codes, including. CIN (National Identification Code) and the CIR/regional/provincial code, before they can advertise the accommodation on digital platforms and legitimize the activity. (One-stop shop for productive activities)
- The authorizations are related to to the property and the owner and lapse if the housing is transferred. (Real-Time News from the Territory)
- A monitoring task force to check the regularity of contracts, housing security, urban cohabitation and tax compliance. (City of Florence)
2. Blocking new permits in the UNESCO area.
One of the most discussed measures concerns the historic center of Florence, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Zone A of the Master Plan): here the municipality has Blocking of new permits for short tourist leases confirmed. (City of Florence)
In practice:
- New authorizations cannot be obtained for short rentals in the UNESCO area If the lease has not already been duly commenced by December 31, 2024. (Confcommercio Florence)
- The administration reserved the right to edit the block extension also to areas other than the center, based on the results of scientific monitoring of the phenomenon. (City of Florence)
This choice was motivated with the aim of protect stable residence, foster housing affordability for citizens, families and students, and Govern the phenomenon of mass tourism In the historic center. (City of Florence)
3. Transition periods and temporary waiver
The Tuscan Tourism Regulations and the municipal text provide for a Transitional exemption for housing units already regularly used for short term rentals in 2024: these can continue to operate for a period of 3 years, without being immediately subject to the new ban. (City of Florence)
This means that, until at least 2028, those who already have a business started before the regulation can keep the permit and gradually adjust to the other requirements under the regulation. (City of Florence)
4. CIN and CIR: why the "blockade" is perceived as such
Many operators spoke of a "blockage" of the CIN for short-term rentals in Florence. Actually, the issue is not about an absolute blockade by the Ministry of Tourism, but:
- the introduction of new municipal rules that make preparatory to obtaining local authorization To the registration and publication of housing; (One-stop shop for productive activities)
- the need to be in compliance with all territorial codes (e.g., CIR) and obligations, including security and minimum housing requirements. (One-stop shop for productive activities)
In other words, CIN alone is no longer sufficient to start and publish a short lease: compliance with municipal rules approved in 2025 is also required. This combination of requirements can generate delays in the authorization process perceived as delays or "blockages." (One-stop shop for productive activities)
5. Consequences and penalties
The new Florentine regulation provides for relevant financial penalties from €1,000 up to €10,000 for those operating leases without the necessary requirements and authorizations, including the proper display of mandatory codes. (One-stop shop for productive activities)
Conclusions
In Florence, the regulation of short-term rentals has entered a new and more structured phase:
- Stop new authorizations In the UNESCO area (historic center) for those not already in business; (City of Florence)
- Stricter rules For obtaining and displaying the CIN/CIR and the five-year municipal permit; (One-stop shop for productive activities)
- Transitional period of 3 years For properties already operational in 2024; (City of Florence)
- Compliance obligation On minimum requirements, security, control, and urban coexistence. (City of Florence)
These measures aim to Governing the expansion of short-term rentals, foster greater Urban sustainability and counteract phenomena of abuse or increasing housing difficulties For residents and students in the city. (City of Florence)
Official sources and reference documents
- Regulations for short tourist leases, City of Florence (City Council Resolution No. 27 of May 5, 2025) (Transparent administration)
- Institutional page of the City of Florence - Short tourist rentals (City of Florence)
- Florence City Council press releases on new rules and permit blocking (City of Florence)
- Report and regulatory analysis on short rentals in Florence and permitting requirements (Confcommercio Florence)