If you’re planning a vacation to Florida, you may be wondering if vacation rentals are allowed yet. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been restrictions on vacation rentals in Florida. However, as of 2021, the state is gradually lifting these restrictions.
Background
In March 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending vacation rental operations in the state. The order was aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and preventing visitors from bringing the virus into the state. The suspension was extended several times over the course of 2020, and many vacation rental owners and operators were left wondering when they would be able to resume their businesses.
The Current Status
As of June 2021, most counties in Florida are allowing vacation rentals to operate again. However, there are still some restrictions in place that vary depending on the county and local ordinances.
State-wide Restrictions
The State of Florida has issued guidelines for vacation rental operations. These guidelines include:
- Vacation rentals can only be rented to individuals from states with a COVID-19 case rate less than 10 per 100,000 residents.
- Vacation rental operators must adhere to strict cleaning protocols between guests.
- No parties or group gatherings are allowed at vacation rentals.
These guidelines are intended to keep guests and employees safe while still allowing vacation rentals to operate.
Local Ordinances
In addition to state-wide restrictions, some counties have their own ordinances regarding vacation rentals. For example:
- Palm Beach County requires that all guests sign a form acknowledging the risks associated with COVID-19 before checking into a vacation rental.
- Monroe County (which includes the Florida Keys) requires that all guests stay for a minimum of 28 days.
It’s important to check with the specific county where you plan to vacation to see if there are any additional restrictions or requirements.
Conclusion
In summary, vacation rentals are allowed in most counties in Florida as of June 2021. However, there are still some restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
It’s important to follow state-wide guidelines and check with local ordinances before planning a vacation rental stay. By doing so, you can help keep yourself and others safe while enjoying all that Florida has to offer.