He rented out an Airbnb during the coronavirus crisis, and police say that’s a crime
A special Key West police task force made the first bust in what the city promises is a stepped-up effort to stop illegal vacation rentals amid fears of the novel coronavirus spreading across the island.
For years, Key West has had a problem with illegal transient rentals. But now, people are risking being arrested for violating the governor’s order that temporarily halted short-term rentals along with all the hotels in Florida.
And that’s a criminal offense.
Michael McMahon, 66, of Key West, on Monday was given a notice to appear for illegally renting through Airbnb. McMahon was advertising his property 100 Admiral’s Lane in Truman Annex for $2,400 for six nights, code compliance said.
He faces a charge of violating Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order, which prohibits vacation rentals across the state, and is also accused of violating a city ordinance for operating without the required transient rental permit.
McMahon, who the city says owns three properties, couldn’t be reached for comment.
McMahon already has a record with the city when it comes to illegal rentals.
He is a repeat offender who owes the city about $1.2 million in fines, police said.
“Those fines have been levied as liens against his property,” said city spokeswoman Alyson Crean.
The task force, which includes police offices and code compliance officers, will continue to go after those behind the illegal rentals in Key West, Crean said.
“We need these illegal rentals to stop,” said City Manager Greg Veliz. “This is an order by the governor. We need everyone doing the right thing and heeding the protective orders to curb the spread of this insidious disease.”
This story was originally published April 7, 2020 at 3:19 PM with the headline "He rented out an Airbnb during the coronavirus crisis, and police say that’s a crime."
%20Cropped%20(1).jpg)