Florida Vacation Rental 2 week Suspension

[Emilio138]

Governor DeSantis has issued an order stating So the vacation rentals will be suspended for two weeks. If you’re in one now, then finish and go home,” DeSantis said. “But for any new rentals, there’s going to be a suspension on that. And we appreciate the assistance of people.” There isn't much information on what the repercussions might be for hosts who accept new reservations. Some news sites say that hosts caught accepting new guests during this two-week suspension could have misdemeanors charged and can lose their vacation rental license.  Does anyone else have more information? What is everyone planning to do during this suspension?

[Garry43]

That seems to be the perfect brief to present as a Class Action. Beautiful summary,of facts which would be difficult to dispute

[Daniel2540]

Hello everyone and thank you for this forum. Can someone share more info on the current situation in Florida. I am still confused. Shot term is currently ban indefinitely is this correct. What’s consider short term? Less than 30 days?  Should I cancel every single reservation I have for the summer? Please anyone with some advise. I need it. I need the rental income to pay the mortgage. Stay safe everyone. 

[Fred13]

I would not cancel anything yet because this is a very fluid situation. The background is the governors were insistent on they having the say on when and how they will open their own state economies vs. being told by the central federal government to adhere to one single national guideline. Fine, but governors are all of different mentalities and of different political persuasions and allegiances, and all states are part of the national economy & commerce, so if one state can indeed restrains trade (whether capriciously or wisely) it may come in direct conflict with another.

. Below is a recent article that touches this subject, somewhat, and by the 'sound' of it, you may see some changes on the whole subject this very month. https://floridapolitics.com/archives/330620-vacation-rental-ban-continues-in-phase-one-of-covid-19-r...

Remember when you  hear the words 'indefinitely', it is but a bluff, since it really means 'until I am force to amend it', and all states already been warned to be careful with their decisions concerning the economic welfare of its citizens, you being a classic case.

[Ilona5]

That article says if we will be able to rent it out in phase two it will be only for Florida residents. I usually have booking requests from out of state. I just had to turn it down a traveling worker from Texas requesting a 1-week stay and people from Michigan for another week this month. I hope this will change soon. Also, I was under the impression that short term rental in FLORIDA applies up to 6 months and after 6months, and 1 day is considered as a long term rental and you don't collect tourist taxes. 

[Garry43]

I have assumed that STR Short term rentals simply refers to all " Vacation Rentals" ( The term used in the FL Executive Order 20-112 which currently continues previous bans on Airbnb etc. So there is no distinction in the FL EO on Length of Stay . Presumably no allowances made,therefore,either

[Fred13]

Today, a few governors started to already 're-think' their position and soften their 'indefinite' stands. It is a matter of time till reason will prevail. I got a sister in Florida in the same boat, so she is keeping me up to date.

[Heather55]

Hello Daniel - hang in there don’t cancel. I am in the same boat. Short term in under 30 days. If you do have to cancel and have a 30 day window immediately open up your calendar for that month and a 30 day booking. Offer a 40-50% discount for a month long booking. That is my plan for June. My short term starts May 31 and I am almost booked back to back. I only had one cancel due to job loss and I am hoping to rebook that week. DeSantis is facing law suits now and hopefully will lift the ban any day now.

[Heather55]

Hello All - I have a rental on the Pan Handle. Short term rental is anything under 30 days. You can still rent 30 day. I have 7 short term bookings starting May 31 going into summer. I am praying everyday the Governor lifts the ban. Our county Walton only has 50 cases in two months. This is rediculous. There are many lawsuits now being filed. Why isn’t AIRBNB filing a lawsuit on our behalf? Florida hotels/motels/timeshares can rent but not us???? I am counting on my rental income for June/ July. I already have had 4 cancels for spring break. 

[Fred13]

I get the impression Airbnb is a bit busy with their own internal adjustments at this time, otherwise they would have been in the middle of the fracas. This is a common human issue; fear, politics, different levels of competence and the fact that one that is getting paid could never totally identify with the struggles of others that are not, no matter how hard they do sincerely try. 

Many states however are now opening up, in part at least, and some governors just need to be prodded more than others. 

[Garry43]

Orange County spearheaded the lifting of the ban on Hair&'Nail salons etc. So,just a week after the high-profile meeting of Gov Ron & Mayor Demmings,(potential future SHOTUS? " Second Husband of the United States - if Rep Val becomes VP ) That ban will be lifted on Monday.

 Orange County made no mention of permitting rentals of any length - since the State Order makes no distinction,(and presumably wouldn't investigate the nuanced differences?) But it's not hard to imagine that the growing threat of lawsuits could produce a miraculous Cure by the following Monday.

 Even Ron boasts that the Heat* eradicates the plague.

* Proven to be "nonsensical "