Florence Bans Keyboxes to Curb Tourism's Impact on Housing

The city council's decision aims to address the housing crisis and preserve quality of life for residents in the historic center.

Florence has become the first major Italian city to prohibit the use of keyboxes for short-term rental check-ins, with fines of €400 for non-compliance.
The ban seeks to mitigate the effects of mass tourism, which has driven up rents and displaced long-term residents in the city's historic center.
Residents and local groups, such as 'Salviamo Firenze,' have protested the proliferation of short-term rentals, citing noise, overcrowding, and loss of community as key concerns.
The regulation complements existing Italian laws requiring personal meetings between hosts and guests for short-term rentals, though enforcement has been inconsistent.
Other cities, including Venice and Pompeii, have introduced measures to manage tourism, such as entry fees and visitor limits, highlighting a broader trend in Europe.