This week’s roundup covers Vrbo’s new features, Airbnb’s “direct booking” pilot, and short-term rental regulation updates from two neighboring Florida counties. Let’s dive in.
Expedia Group announced several updates to Vrbo on Tuesday, including the global rollout of Sponsored Listings, previously covered in Industry News on August 21st. Additional features included in the announcement, but already live, include same-day bookings, welcome guides, and two new flexible cancellation policies. There were also several new features announced that will be coming soon, including the ability to book Vrbo properties as part of an Expedia flight or car package, a non-refundable rate option that will allow hosts to offer both refundable and lower-priced non-refundable rates, and Limited Time Offers, which will give hosts the ability to opt in for additional visibility during sales such as Black Friday. Expedia Group also shared plans to introduce Host with Confidence on Vrbo, a damage protection program designed for hosts. Similar to Airbnb’s AirCover, the program is intended to cover property damage and income loss tied to damage caused by guests.
Rental Scale-Up by PriceLabs released an interesting report this week on a new Airbnb pilot testing lower service fees through what it calls “direct booking” links. In the pilot, select hosts can create a link to their Airbnb listing and share it through social media or other marketing channels. When a guest books through the link, Airbnb’s standard 15.5% host fee is reportedly reduced to either 6% or 10%, and hosts can choose to pass some of the savings to the guest through a new direct booking discount. While Airbnb is calling it a “direct booking” link, the booking, payment, and guest data all remain on Airbnb. Airbnb has not yet published any official details about the pilot.
In short-term rental regulation news, Hillsborough County Commissioners voted 7-0 on Wednesday to approve new regulations for vacation rentals in unincorporated Hillsborough County, including communities immediately outside Tampa. The rules do not currently affect properties within Tampa city limits, although the city can choose to adopt the same requirements in the future. Beginning January 1st, 2027, owners will be required to register their properties annually, pay a $200 fee, and designate a local contact who is available 24/7 and can reach the property within one hour. Owners must also show proof of state registration and tourist-tax status and agree to Code Enforcement inspections when requested. County officials estimate the regulations will affect around 3,000 vacation rentals.
Just south of Hillsborough County, Manatee County Commissioners held a public workshop on Wednesday and directed staff to prepare a revised short-term rental ordinance. Previously covered in Industry News on June 19th, the county has been considering occupancy and parking limits, local contact requirements, inspections, and increased penalties. Commissioners say the goal is to create a better framework for dealing with “bad actors” without punishing vacation rental operators who are following the rules. For operators in unincorporated Manatee County, now is a great time to get involved and make your voice heard on this upcoming ordinance.
As booking platforms roll out and announce upcoming features, the vacation rental industry continues to shift in 2026. Check back next week for the latest news!
