Non-owner-occupied short-term rentals (STRs) in Puerto Rico are subject to evolving regulations, particularly in municipalities like San Juan. Here's a summary of the key rules and developments:

San Juan Regulations

1. Mandatory Licensing:
   • Non-shared units require an annual license costing $500, issued by the local Permit Office15.
   • Operators must comply with municipal and state permits, including registration with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Treasury Department, and CRIM1.
2. Restrictions:
   • STRs are prohibited in areas where condominium bylaws or community rules disallow them1.
   • Events or commercial activities are not permitted on STR properties1.
3. Compliance and Oversight:
   • Operators must adhere to noise, waste management, and other community standards. Violations can result in fines ranging from $500 to $2,500 and potential license revocation15.
4. Deadlines:
   • The deadline to complete registration for STRs has been extended to May 31, 20251.

Broader Puerto Rico Regulations

1. Commercial Reclassification Debate:
   • A proposed law would limit STRs to 30% of a property and require reclassification as commercial rather than residential. This has faced criticism for potentially reducing STR inventory23.
2. Local Variations:
   • Municipalities like Dorado impose stricter fees and caps on STRs, with permits costing up to $3,000 depending on the number of units operated5.
3. Community Impact Concerns:
   • STRs are criticized for contributing to housing shortages, gentrification, and community disruption. Regulations aim to balance tourism benefits with residents' quality of life23.

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