TC Palm – Guest column: Airbnb threatens bed-and-breakfasts, consumers in Florida

January 16, 2017
The owners of many local bed-and-breakfast inns initially viewed Airbnb optimistically as an exciting new marketing platform. Unfortunately, hope quickly gave way to reality as licensed “mom-and-pop” businesses found themselves deluged with unlawful operators on Airbnb and similar sites, often operating in residential areas. This goes well beyond simple market competition. Not only has the playing field been tipped in favor of short-term rental operators who do not follow the same rules as licensed hoteliers, but significant consumer protections are blatantly ignored every day through these sites that threaten public health, safety and equal treatment…
Source: http://www.tcpalm.com/story/opinion/contributors/2017/01/16/guest-column-airbnb-threatens-bed-and-breakfasts-consumers-florida/96549300/