Phase One: Are Vacation Rentals Allowed In Florida? May 15 Update

Vacation Rental Phase One Florida

Effective Monday, May 18, 2020 Full Phase 1 of Florida's Plan for Recovery is finally happening. What does this mean for vacation rentals? In Phase One, on Monday, May 18 counties may seek approval to operate vacation rentals by submitting a written request and county vacation rental safety plan to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

All counties are different, so Phase 1 reopening does not mean your county will allow vacation rentals. Please check with DBPR and your county government to see if you are allowed to operate your vacation rental business or if you are a guest wanting to place a booking.

This may not be the most helpful for a host looking to open up, but this is the latest news as of Friday, May 15.

The Orange County Mayor does not believe theme parks will open until at least June. Want a good sign? Universal's City Walk reopened Thursday and Disney Springs will reopen Wednesday - both at reduced capacity. One thing is certain, theme parks will not look the same in a post-COVID world.

Restaurants & Food Establishments

  • May increase indoor capacity to 50% with proper social distancing
  • Outdoor seating encouraged

Retail

  • May operate up to 50% capacity of permitted by local governments

Museums & Libraries

  • May operate up to 50% capacity if permitted by local governements

Gyms & Fitness Centers

  • May operate up to 50% capacity
  • Self-sanitize machines and surfaces after use

Amusement Parks

  • May submit re-opening plan to the State

Professional Sports Venues

  • Professional sports teams are welcome in Florida
  • Professional sports venues may open and operate for games, events and training

Vacation Rentals

  • Counties may seek approval to operate vacation rentals by submitting a written request and county vacation rental safety plan to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Elective Surgeries

  • Elective surgeries may continue if a facility has adequate PPE, hospital bed surge capacity and works with the local community to prevent and/or contain outbreaks in long-term care facilities

Barber Shops & Salons

  • Barber Shops, hair salons, and nail salons may operate while adhering to safety protocols effective May 11

Schools

  • Students continue with distance learning

Long-Term Care Facilities

  • Visitation in long-term facilities prohibited for COVID-19
  • Hospitals required to test all individuals before discharge to long-term care facilities
  • Long-term care facilities require transfer COVID-19 positive residents if the facility is not equipped for appropriate care