Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution, No. 2019-322 the title of which is as follows: (Commissioner Geller)

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, COMMENDING AIRBNB, INC.’S (“AIRBNB”) REVERSAL OF ITS PRIOR DECISION TO REMOVE LISTINGS OF RENTAL PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS ESTABLISHED IN DISPUTED TERRITORY WITHIN THE WEST BANK; REVERSING THE BOARD’S PRIOR DECISION TO PROHIBIT REIMBURSEMENT OF ANY EMPLOYEE LODGING EXPENSES BOOKED THROUGH AIRBNB; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

(Per the Tuesday Morning Memorandum, Commissioner Udine requested being a cosponsor to this item.)

ACTION:  (T-10:52 AM)  Approved as amended with Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated June 11, 2019, submitted at the request of Commissioner Rich.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

VOTE: 8-1.  Vice-Mayor Holness voted in the affirmative telephonically.  Mayor Bogen voted no.

ACTION:  (T-10:52 AM)  Approved as amended.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

VOTE: 8-1.  Vice-Mayor Holness voted in the affirmative telephonically.  Mayor Bogen voted no.

Board approval is necessary for the adoption of a Resolution.

Enables the adoption of the above-described Resolution.

In November 2018, Airbnb, Inc. (“Airbnb”) removed from its online platform all listings of properties located within Israeli settlements in the disputed West Bank, while continuing to allow the listing of other properties (non-Jewish owned) in this disputed area.

On January 29, 2019, the Board enacted a resolution condemning Airbnb’s discriminatory actions, prohibiting reimbursement for lodging expenses for County employees who book their lodging for public business travel through Airbnb, and encouraging the state and federal governments to penalize Airbnb for its decision to remove listings for rental properties within Israeli settlements established in disputed territories.

Shortly thereafter, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered that Airbnb be placed on Florida’s list of scrutinized companies, thereby prohibiting the state and local governments from entering into certain agreements with Airbnb. Airbnb has since reversed its policy and is allowing the listing of rental properties in Israeli settlements within the West Bank.

Through the adoption of this Resolution, Broward County commends Airbnb’s reversal of its prior decision to remove the listings, and reverses its ban on employee reimbursement for any lodging for public business travel booked through Airbnb.