I’m writing to you this week from the front porch of the Southernmost House in Key West, Florida. The Atlantic Ocean is providing my background audio, the breeze is warm, and if I look closely enough, I can see Cuba from where I'm sitting.

Not really. That last one is a joke.

My wife and I are here celebrating a pretty major milestone: our 40th wedding anniversary.

Forty years. To put that into perspective, forty years ago we had five building codes, CAD software was a future luxury, and Airbnb, well, let's just say the only people sleeping in strangers' homes were Goldilocks and the three bears.

I recently attended a workshop with the Florida Fire Marshal's and Inspectors Association (FFMIA) to understand their inspection criteria for short-term vacation rentals. While designing to current building and electrical codes covers most compliance requirements, I learned that subtle commercial requirements can create hidden compliance traps for owners.

I will explain how I see this as an opportunity for us to become an even better resource for our clients.

But first, let's explore the history of the Southernmost House.

In 1897, Judge Jeptha Vining Harris constructed the mansion for $250,000. His wife was the youngest daughter of William Curry, one of Florida’s first millionaires. The Currys were a family of builders, responsible for eight mansions in Key West's Historic District. At the turn of the century, the Harris family was a prominent family that invested in Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad to Key West. They often entertained Flagler at the mansion during the railroad's construction.

Designed in the Queen Anne Victorian style, the house was originally a one-bedroom mansion featuring public rooms, two-story balconies, large stained glass windows, and open-water views. It was the first home in Key West to have electricity, and Mrs. Harris commissioned Thomas Edison himself to oversee the electrical design and installation.

The Queen Anne style dominated American domestic architecture from roughly 1880 until just after the turn of the century. By 1897, it wasn't just a trend; it was the definitive choice for high-end, show-stopping residential designs, fueled heavily by:

• The Railroad Boom: The expansion of the railroad system (like Henry Flagler's project down into Florida) allowed mass-produced, intricate wooden millwork and turned posts to be shipped affordably to almost any corner of the country.
• Advanced Framing Techniques: The widespread adoption of balloon framing meant builders were no longer stuck making simple rectangular boxes. They could easily construct the complex shapes, wrapping porches, and projecting bays that define the Queen Anne look.

By the late 1890s, the style had evolved into its most grand and ornate "Free Classic" phase. This sub-style began incorporating classical columns, Palladian windows, and grand entryways alongside the traditional asymmetrical shapes and textured shingles.

Throughout its history, this particular Queen Anne has hosted numerous dignitaries and heads of state, including King Juan Carlos of Spain and five American Presidents: Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Jimmy Carter.

Now, they can add AIBD Executive Director to their list.

Because I attended the FFMIA workshop, I can't help myself. I'm walking around the property with an inspector's mindset. So far, so good. However, I haven't found the fire extinguisher.

The rise of platforms like VRBO and Airbnb has transformed how people travel and how homeowners use their properties. But with this boom comes a critical, often overlooked, aspect: safety regulations.

Are your designs for homes, garage conversions, or ADUs prepared to meet the strict safety standards for short-term rentals (STRs)?

Do you ask clients if they plan to use their home as a short-term vacation rental?

While Florida is currently leading the charge with state-mandated inspections for STRs, the safety codes it references—such as NFPA 101—are adopted nationwide. This means that even if your local jurisdiction isn’t actively inspecting STRs today, it’s likely on the horizon.

Fire marshals are playing catch-up. On Anna Maria Island, a popular Florida tourist spot, 73% of structure fires in a three-year period occurred in STRs. After implementing a vigorous inspection program, that number dropped to just 15% last year. The data is clear: these inspections work, and they are expanding.

Most safety requirements align with modern building codes, but there are nuances specific to STRs that designers must consider:

• Egress and Evacuation: Every sleeping area needs a secondary means of egress, like a properly sized window. You’ll also need to provide a posted emergency evacuation plan, showing exit routes and the location of fire extinguishers.
• Smoke and CO Detectors: interconnected smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are mandatory. You must also have a hearing-impaired smoke alarm device available upon request.
• Fire Extinguishers: A fire extinguisher must be readily accessible. If it’s kept in a cabinet, a sign must be placed on the door indicating its location.
• Emergency Lighting: In case of a power outage, battery-backed emergency lighting must illuminate the path to an exit. This doesn’t have to be an unsightly commercial fixture; simple, code-compliant receptacle covers with built-in emergency lights are available.
• Posted Information: Occupancy limits, the property address, and emergency contact information must be clearly posted for guests.

Position yourself as an expert.

By understanding these requirements, you can offer immense value to your clients. You can design spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also safe and ready for the rental market. This knowledge positions you as a forward-thinking expert, protecting your clients from liability and future renovation costs.

Want to dive deeper into specific codes, see examples of evacuation plans, and access a comprehensive STR safety checklist for your clients?

👉 Watch the Design Solutions & Best Practices for Short-Term Vacation Rentals Webinar Replay​

Being married for 40 years requires constant adaptation. So does building a long-lasting business. To stand the test of time, you have to stay ahead of these moving targets.

I break down the entire Florida Fire Marshal workshop, key statutes (such as 509.242 and 633.206/.208), and common problem areas in the webinar. I even shared an editable, client-ready compliance checklist so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

If you're working in an area with abundant tourism, or you just want to see how states are structuring short-term rental safety, you need to see this.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a beautiful woman waiting for me, a slice of Key Lime pie with my name on it, and another forty years of memories to start planning.