The local government of Florence has announced a new regulation requiring holiday rental property owners to remove self check-in keyboxes by February 25. This measure aims to address the growing issue of over-tourism in the renowned Italian Renaissance city. Platforms such as Airbnb have popularized self check-in keyboxes, offering convenience to both property owners and guests by eliminating the need for in-person key exchanges. However, concerns have emerged regarding both the aesthetic impact of these devices and potential security risks posed by a lack of direct interaction between guests and hosts.
Florence Mayor Sara Funaro emphasized the city’s commitment to enforcing the ban, stating that inspections would begin soon, and any non-compliant keyboxes would be removed. Property owners who fail to comply face fines of up to €400, according to the city council’s decision.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy shared by other iconic Italian destinations such as Rome and Venice, where authorities are also seeking to curb tourist numbers. These measures come in response to growing frustration among residents over a lack of affordable housing, as well as concerns from hotel operators about the negative impact of short-term rentals on traditional hospitality businesses.
The national government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has already introduced a nationwide regulation requiring visual guest identification during check-ins, aiming to enhance security measures across Italy.
Massimo Torelli, spokesperson for the “Let’s Save Florence to Live in It” campaign, has been particularly vocal about the negative effects of unchecked tourism. The group has taken symbolic action by marking self check-in keyboxes with red crosses, highlighting their widespread presence throughout the city—from bicycle racks to street-light poles. Torelli stressed that over-tourism is threatening the cultural fabric of Florence and applauded the city’s recent efforts to take meaningful action.
He expressed hope that reducing the number of apartments available for short-term rentals—from the current 15,000 down to around 7,000-8,000—would help restore balance and free up housing for local residents. This move reflects Florence’s broader effort to prioritize the well-being of its community while safeguarding the city’s unique charm and heritage.
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