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. |