Florence, a city celebrated for its breathtaking Renaissance art and historic charm, is taking a firm stand against overtourism. In a significant move, the local government has ordered the removal of self check-in keyboxes from short-term rental properties by February 25, 2025. This decision is part of a larger strategy aimed at restoring balance between tourism and local life.
The Problem with Self Check-In Keyboxes
With the rise of platforms like Airbnb, self check-in keyboxes have become a common feature in vacation rentals. These small, coded lockboxes allow tourists to access accommodations without needing to meet the host in person. While convenient, they have raised several concerns:
✅ Security Risks – Lack of personal interaction can lead to fraudulent bookings or unauthorized stays.
✅ Loss of Hospitality Culture – Florence thrives on its warm and personal hospitality, which keyboxes diminish.
✅ Visual Clutter – The abundance of keyboxes on walls and public fixtures has become an eyesore in the city’s historic areas.
✅ Impact on Housing for Locals – The rapid rise of short-term rentals has contributed to a housing crisis, making it harder for residents to find affordable homes.
Recognizing these issues, Florence’s administration is enforcing stricter rules to ensure tourism remains sustainable.
Florence’s New Regulations on Tourism
As part of a 10-point plan introduced in November 2024, the Florence government is implementing various measures to address overtourism. In addition to banning self check-in keyboxes, the plan includes:
🚫 Ban on Loudspeakers for Tour Guides – To reduce noise pollution in historic sites.
⛔ Restrictions on Golf Carts – Limiting their use in the city center to reduce congestion.
🏠 Encouraging Long-Term Rentals – To ensure housing remains accessible to residents.
Property owners who fail to remove keyboxes by the deadline face fines of up to 400 euros. Florence officials will begin inspections after February 25, 2025, to enforce compliance.
How Florence’s Actions Fit into a Larger Trend
Florence is not alone in its fight against overtourism. Other major Italian cities have also introduced measures to preserve their cultural heritage:
🔹 Venice – Introduced an entry fee for day-trippers to regulate tourist flow.
🔹 Rome – Implemented rules restricting short-term rentals in historic neighborhoods.
🔹 National Regulation – The Italian government has already banned self check-ins without visual guest verification for security reasons.
These policies reflect a growing concern across Europe about balancing tourism with local well-being.
Public Reactions: Support from Local Communities
Many Florence residents and advocacy groups have welcomed the decision. Massimo Torelli, a spokesperson for the activist group “Let’s Save Florence to Live In,” has been vocal about the negative impact of excessive short-term rentals.
🔴 The group has even marked self check-in keyboxes with red crosses to highlight their overwhelming presence.
🏡 Locals hope that reducing the number of short-stay rentals will make more housing available for residents.
🌍 Many believe this move will help preserve the authentic character of Florence while maintaining a balanced tourism model.
What This Means for Future Travelers
If you’re planning a visit to Florence, be prepared for a few changes:
✈️ Personal Check-Ins Will Be Required – Travelers will need to coordinate directly with hosts instead of relying on keyboxes.
🏡 Fewer Short-Term Rentals – Some Airbnb properties may transition to long-term housing, leading to fewer available listings.
📍 Stronger Cultural Preservation Efforts – Expect a more structured and regulated tourism experience aimed at protecting Florence’s heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Florence banning self check-in keyboxes?
The ban is part of an effort to reduce overtourism, improve security, and restore a more personal hospitality experience. Officials also aim to make more housing available to locals by discouraging excessive short-term rentals.
2. What happens if property owners don’t comply?
Owners who fail to remove keyboxes by February 25, 2025, face fines of up to 400 euros. Inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.
3. Are other cities doing the same?
Yes, Venice, Rome, and other Italian cities have introduced various restrictions on short-term rentals and tourist-related activities to manage overtourism.
4. Will this make it harder for tourists to find accommodations?
Possibly. As Florence enforces stricter rental policies, some Airbnb listings may disappear. Tourists may need to book well in advance or consider alternative accommodations like hotels or traditional guesthouses.
5. What other changes are coming for tourists in Florence?
The city is also banning tour guide loudspeakers and limiting golf carts in historic areas to improve the visitor experience while respecting local communities.
Final Thoughts: A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism
Florence’s move to ban self check-in keyboxes is a bold step toward responsible tourism. By prioritizing the needs of locals and preserving the city’s charm, Florence is setting an example for other destinations facing similar challenges.
If you’re planning a trip, embrace the change! A more sustainable, authentic Florence awaits – one where you can connect with its rich culture beyond just a digital code on a keybox.
Sources Reuters
