Is Florida Banning Vacation Rentals?

By Robert Palmer

The Florida state government has been in the news recently over its decision to ban vacation rentals in the state. This has raised concerns among property owners, tourists, and businesses in the tourism industry. Here is a breakdown of what is happening.

What is the current situation?

As of now, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has suspended all vacation rental operations in the state. The ban is currently in effect until further notice. This includes any new reservations or check-ins for vacation rentals that were scheduled to take place on or after March 28th.

Why was this decision made?

The decision was made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor DeSantis issued an executive order on March 27th suspending vacation rental operations to slow down the spread of the virus. The order stated that visitors from COVID-19 hotspots like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut were traveling to Florida and potentially bringing the virus with them.

What are the implications?

The implications of this decision are significant for both property owners and tourists. Property owners who rely on rental income are now unable to generate revenue from their properties. Tourists who had planned trips before this ban went into effect are left with limited options for accommodations.

What are the exceptions?

There are exceptions to this ban for essential lodgers such as healthcare workers, first responders, and military personnel. Additionally, long-term rentals (rentals over 30 days) are exempt from this ban.

What happens next?

As of now, there is no timeline for when vacation rental operations will resume in Florida. Governor DeSantis has been cautious about reopening different sectors of society too quickly and will likely monitor COVID-19 case numbers before making any further decisions regarding vacation rentals.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Florida state government has suspended vacation rental operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision has significant implications for property owners and tourists alike.

While there are exceptions to this ban, it is unclear when vacation rentals will resume in Florida. It is important that everyone continues to follow guidelines from health officials to slow down the spread of the virus.