This Popular Italian City Is Making Rentals Harder for Tourists—Here’s Why

Florence bans check-in keyboxes as Italy acts against overtourism

Florence, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, is taking a bold stand against over-tourism. The city has ordered property owners to remove self-check-in keyboxes—a staple of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb—by February 25 or face fines of up to €400 ($417).

Why the Ban?

Self-check-in keyboxes allow travelers to access rental properties without meeting the host in person, offering convenience for both tourists and owners. However, critics argue these boxes clutter the cityscape, pose security risks, and fuel unchecked tourism growth—making it increasingly difficult for locals to find affordable housing.

Massimo Torelli, spokesperson for the “Let’s Save Florence to Live in It” campaign, claims keyboxes have spread unchecked throughout the city, often attached to bicycle racks and streetlight poles. His group has taken matters into their own hands, marking keyboxes with red crosses in protest.

“Florence is dying of uncontrolled tourism,” Torelli warned, urging officials to reduce the number of short-term rentals from 15,000 to around 7,000 to free up housing for residents.

What Happens Next?

Mayor Sara Funaro has vowed strict enforcement. Beginning next week, city officials will patrol the streets and remove any remaining keyboxes. The move follows similar restrictions in Rome and Venice, where local communities have pushed back against the impact of short-term rentals on housing affordability and neighborhood livability.

In addition to Florence’s crackdown, the Italian government has introduced a nationwide rule requiring visual guest identification at check-in, making self-check-in services increasingly difficult to operate.

Florence’s decision highlights a wider global debate over the impact of platforms like Airbnb on local housing markets. Cities such as New York, Barcelona, and Amsterdam have already imposed strict regulations to curb short-term rentals and protect long-term residents.

As Florence takes a stand, the question remains: Can historic cities balance tourism with livability? The world is watching.