After nearly two months of Governor DeSantis’s executive order suspending vacation rentals, Manatee and Sarasota counties received approval to reopen short term rentals. Vacation rentals standards and guidelines have changed to align directly with the Governor’s Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step Plan for Reopening Florida to keep not only the visitors safe, but the rental owners, and hospitality staff as well.
Reservations
Guest can now expect a contactless experience, including remote reservations, check-ins, and check-outs. Visitors making reservations must be from U.S. states with a COVID- 19 case rate less than 700 cases, and reservations from areas identified as COVID-19 “hot spots” are to be avoided for the next 45 days. Vacation rental agencies and owners are not to accept any international travelers.
Guest Safety
Vacation rentals will provide all guest will CDC resources, as well as all employees and contractors that will be on the property to help alleviate the transmission of the virus. Signage will be posted around the property reminding guest to take preventative measure during their stay, along with notices regarding the cleaning rentals cleaning practices that are completed prior to each guest stay. All shared amenities such as pools, gyms, and other communal spaces will follow adequate safety protocols.
Cleanliness
The Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) has created a certain set of sanitation and safety requirements for vacation rentals on top of the CDC guidelines for public spaces, businesses, and schools. All employees are required to receive training on the minimum training established by each counties plan. Extra time must be allowed for cleaning in between stays and items such as throw blankets and decorative pillows are to be removed until further notice. Pool decks, elevators, and major surfaces will be closely monitored for cleanliness and disinfected regularly.