In late March 2020, Governor Ron Desantis put into place a statewide Florida vacation rental ban in response to the coronavirus pandemic. It had become apparent to local officials that there was an increase of out-of-state visitors during COVID-19 – those who were coming from areas where mandatory shelter in place orders had been implemented. Many visitors were coming from areas where it was clear the coronavirus had been spreading through communities. The initial vacation rental ban announcement even attributed many of the coronavirus cases in Florida to these out-of-state visitors. Although the ban was met with some opposition from local vacation rental owners who use platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO, Gov. Desantis remained firm in his decision and even extended the ban, stating that it was necessary to protect local residents during the pandemic.
As states across the US are beginning to lift stay at home orders and reopen, Florida vacation rentals too are being allowed to welcome guests once again.
Florida Vacation Rental Ban Lifted in 56 Counties
In May, Gov. Desantis announced that local counties could begin submitting their individual vacation rental safety plans to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR):
What we’re doing is telling counties, if you want short-term rentals, you request it to be authorized through the state and provide your safety plan.
This was the first sign of relief for short-term rental hosts who have been greatly affected by COVID-19 and the Florida vacation rental ban.
Related: Will Airbnb Survive the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Each county’s vacation rental safety strategy is being reviewed case-by-case and must outline the county’s plan to protect public health during the coronavirus pandemic.Â
After the announcement came, counties began submitting their plans and over the weeks, more and more counties’ plans have been approved and Florida vacation rentals reopened.
Many plans are discouraging vacation rental owners to rent out their properties to travelers coming from coronavirus hotspots including:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Louisiana
Other counties’ plans are more strict, banning bookings from guests coming from states with 700 cases per 100,000 residents. This adds to the list of states:
- DelawareÂ
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- Washington, D.C
Looking at some of the restrictions for St. Johns county gives us a better idea of what Florida vacation rental owners can expect from safety plans:
- Short-term rental properties must remain vacant for a sufficient period of time between guest stays.
- Surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected between guest stays.
- Any items available for guests to use in the rental property (linens, dishware, etc.), must be washed between guest stays.
- Hosts must provide sanitation and soap products for guests.
- CDC safety protocols must be practiced and publicly displayed in common areas.
- Hosts must make remote check-in and check-out options available for guests.
As of the beginning of June 2020, the vacation rental safety plans of 56 counties have been approved, with Broward, Hendry, Miami-Dade, Suwannee, Palm Beach County, and St. Johns county being among the most recent.
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