Holmes Beach Mayor Raises Concerns Over Commercial Cabana Rentals on Public Beaches

Mayor Judy Titsworth is voicing growing concern over how beach cabana rental companies are operating along the city’s shorelines, particularly their use of public preservation land for commercial purposes.

During the June 24 Holmes Beach City Commission meeting, Titsworth highlighted that rental companies have been placing cabanas with logos, advertisements, and QR codes on prime beach locations—sometimes before they’re even rented. This practice, she noted, amounts to unauthorized commercial activity on land zoned for preservation.

The city code prohibits signage on preservation-zoned property without prior commission approval. As a result, cabana rental businesses were given until June 27 to remove all advertising from their beach setups or face citations from police and code compliance officers.

But signage is only part of the issue. Titsworth said complaints have surfaced about companies staking out desirable beach spots early in the morning by setting up cabanas and chairs in advance—essentially claiming public land for private profit. Some cabanas display QR codes, allowing customers to rent them digitally after they've already been placed on the beach.

Titsworth questioned the fairness and legality of allowing companies to monetize public space while denying others the same opportunity. She likened the situation to commercial creep similar to what has occurred along Palma Sola Causeway, where horse rides and watercraft rentals have turned public land into commercial zones.

The mayor emphasized that although many of these companies conduct transactions digitally—bypassing the traditional model of on-site sales—city code still prohibits commercial use of public beaches. She and city staff, including the attorney, development services director, and code compliance chief, are now exploring ways to better enforce and regulate such activities.

Commissioners also discussed whether the use of federal and state beach renourishment funds might limit the city’s control, and whether Manatee County has stronger restrictions at county-managed Manatee Beach. While the county requires a concessionaire permit or franchise license for commercial activity in parks, it contracts with the same vendors for both Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach.

Titsworth clarified that the city is not aiming to eliminate beach cabana rentals entirely. However, she emphasized the need for clearer guidelines to ensure that public beaches remain open, fair, and accessible to all, not just to businesses seeking to profit.

As city leaders continue researching regulations and how other coastal communities address similar challenges, the topic is expected to remain a key point of discussion in upcoming commission meetings.