Vacation Rental News & Info Regarding COVID-19

Yesterday, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners voted to send a letter to the Florida Governor asking that he rescind the ban on short-term vacation rentals.

Destin and PCB have also written governor with same request.

What is the enforcement mechanism for collecting the bed tax? It is a short jump from folks violating the rental ban to speculating that they probably don't pay the bed tax as well.

I would be willing to bet that when the sheriff has to go to a residence concerning a illegal rental that they would take the owners information down then forward that to either the state or the TDC. I would like to know how far back they would audit for it because he said something about them being charged with tax fraud if it was found they were not submitting the bed tax. But by submitting said tax it would prove they were breaking the rental ban. Quite the problem for the homeowner IMO.

Tourist Development Tax collection showed a 41.48 percent decrease in South Walton for March 2020 compared with the previous year. Travel impacts from COVID-19 began to be felt mid-March, significantly impacting these results. It is anticipated that the impacts will be further felt for April’s numbers, and continuing as long as COVID-19 continues to impact people’s ability to travel.

The Tourist Development Tax, or bed tax, is a five percent tax collected on hotels, condos and other short term rentals. It is the best way to gauge visitation and demand trends in South Walton. The revenue supports tourism marketing and beach operations including cleaning and maintaining beaches, lifeguards, destination improvements and preservation initiatives.

I would be willing to bet that when the sheriff has to go to a residence concerning a illegal rental that they would take the owners information down then forward that to either the state or the TDC. I would like to know how far back they would audit for it because he said something about them being charged with tax fraud if it was found they were not submitting the bed tax. But by submitting said tax it would prove they were breaking the rental ban. Quite the problem for the homeowner IMO.

The sheriff has a full plate already without having to do this type of police work? If this is really police work.

Okaloosa submits “Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan” to state for approval

Okaloosa County then continued to work over the weekend to submit a plan to the state.

After coordinating individually with commissioners, County Administrator John Hofstad made the decision to proceed with submitting a plan to the Governor for approval today

“The plan is largely consistent with similar plans created in Walton and Santa Rosa counties and meets the guidelines provided by DBPR late yesterday,” wrote Commissioner Boyles in an email. “The plan prohibits renting to visitors from several states (including Louisiana) unless the stay length exceeds the 14-day self quarantine requirement currently in place by the Governor.”

The county will now await for approval of the plan from the state, however, the TDC will still meet on Monday to review the plan and can still suggest adjustments.

“The Commission will meet on Tuesday and presumably ratify the decision to submit the request and the plan and direct any adjustments to the plan if needed,” said Boyles.

According to Okaloosa County, the plan still has to be voted on by the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday. There is no timeline yet how how fast the state will approve the plans submitted from any county.

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This isn't a plan as much it is a plea for help.

This isn't a plan as much it is a plea for help.

Walton County is working on an actual plan to submit.

Walton County is working on an actual plan to submit.

I think honestly, the plea is better than a plan.

Seems really wasteful to solicit 20-30 different plans and sit in judgement of them, why can't the state dictate the terms of rentals?

On Friday, May 15th, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-123 which instituted Florida's Full Phase 1 reopening.

As part of this executive order, DeSantis provided an option for Counties to seek approval to operate vacation rentals from Department of Business and Professional Regulation by submitting a written request from the County Administrator and the county's safety plan for vacation rental operations.

Information for submission was posted on the DBPR website to provide guidance for counties seeking to submit for approval. (Guidance on Vacation Rentals from DBPR )

Following the announcement, County Administrator Larry Jones and Tourist Development Council Executive Director Jay Tusa began working on the submission. The submission was sent to DBPR on Friday evening.

At this time, the submission has been received by DBPR and Walton County is awaiting their decision.

On Friday, May 15th, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-123 which instituted Florida's Full Phase 1 reopening.

As part of this executive order, DeSantis provided an option for Counties to seek approval to operate vacation rentals from Department of Business and Professional Regulation by submitting a written request from the County Administrator and the county's safety plan for vacation rental operations.

Information for submission was posted on the DBPR website to provide guidance for counties seeking to submit for approval. (Guidance on Vacation Rentals from DBPR )

Following the announcement, County Administrator Larry Jones and Tourist Development Council Executive Director Jay Tusa began working on the submission. The submission was sent to DBPR on Friday evening.

At this time, the submission has been received by DBPR and Walton County is awaiting their decision.

I think what most people are asking for is what they sent.

I haven't seen Walton County's plan posted yet.

Attached are Escambia and Okaloosa plans.

Escambia has a more concrete criteria for caseload. It's funny how they drew the line in the sand right about at where Louisiana is today.

This is nothing but fluff but at the end of the day it will not matter - Who will be able to afford a vacation when we have an employment rate that is sky high? I agree Escambia county certainly has more meat and potatoes with regard to it's package but it looks like a cut and paste from other CDC packages..

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An addendum that was sent with the above letter sent to the governor:

[Edit - I was sent the info below - dated May 14 - and I thought it was not Walton County's plan to DPBR because it appears to be simply an addendum to the request to the governor. But apparently it is Walton County's Plan because I just received this clarification:
Attached, please find Walton County’s plan to reopen Short Term Vacation Rentals.
Our plan was drafted with input from the Governor’s office and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. As directed, we submitted this plan to the DPBR, where it was reviewed and shared one comment with us regarding language they suggested we add. We made the requested amendment and resubmitted it to them Friday evening.
While it was our understanding that the review and decision would be made by the DBPR Secretary, we have come to learn that the final decision rests with the Governor.
During contact with his office today, it was relayed to us that several staff within his administration would be reviewing the request and that it would be addressed as soon as possible.
We reminded the Governor’s office of the importance of a quick turnaround, as this weekend is Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day weekend plays a critical role in the ability of our Short Term Rental agencies and individuals to survive through this season.
We are in continuous contact with our assets in Tallahassee and will continue to work diligently until we receive an answer to our request.
While we are confident in our submission, it should be noted that this information may change prior to final approval.
We will use all means to notify the public and stakeholders once we get a response.]


May 14, 2020

As addendum to our previous letter urging the end of short-term rental bans in Walton County, we want to bring to your attention the safety and cleaning guidelines suggested by the Vacation Rental Management Association and the Vacation Rental Hospitality Professionals (summarized below and attached in full). These guidelines (when implemented in addition standards set by the CDC) seek to establish an industry wide best practice to ensure guest safety, and we submit the following as Walton County’s plan to ensure the safety of our visitors, residents and employees

COVID-19 Disinfection and Sanitization

• to allow airborne droplets to settle.
• Surfaces should be cleaned and then disinfected, in two distinct steps.
• Cleaning personnel and vacation rental staff should dispose of gloves and use hand sanitizer before entering their vehicle.
• Cleaning personnel and vacation rental staff should follow CDC handwashing guidelines throughout the day.
• All cleaning personnel and vacation rental staff should wear masks and disposable gloves and be trained in their proper usage. (Including disposing of gloves and masks as needed.)
• All cleaning personnel and vacation rental staff should wear splash goggles that protect their eyes from air and/or liquid.

Products, Cleaning Agents, and Equipment

• Cleaning personnel and vacation rental staff should use cleaning project inline with the EPA’s list of products with “Emerging Viral Pathogens AND Human Coronavirus claims for use against SARS-CoV-2.”
• Disinfecting procedures should allow for required dwell time to kill the viruses and microbes.
• Disinfectant products should be used on all major surfaces.

Cleaning and Inspections

• Extra time must be allowed for enhanced cleaning procedures to take place.
• Guests should be asked to turn on all ceiling fans and/or HVAC fans when leaving to facilitate air circulation.
• If multiple members of the cleaning and/or vacation rental staff are present at a property, they should maintain at least 6’ apart at all times, and wear masks and gloves.
• Remote check ins should be made available when possible to cut down on face to face interactions.

Soft Surfaces and Upholstery

• A pressurized pump sprayer should be used to distribute a sanitizing product across all soft surfaces.
• Dirty linens and bedding should be handled and sanitized in such a way as to safeguard cleaning staff and prevent the spread of viruses and germs. (See VRMA/VRHP recommendations.)
• Cleaning personnel and vacation rental staff shall remove gloves, use hand sanitizer and put on fresh gloves after handling dirty linens.
• Blankets/comforters shall be removed for laundering and replaced with a freshly washed item or covered with a freshly washed duvet cover as an alternative.
• Linens and bedding should be professionally laundered for proper cleaning.

Trash Removal

• For both inside and outside trash gathering, gloves and masks should be worn at all times.
• Disinfectant will be used on the trash barrel, and a fresh liner or bag should be used inside the barrel or bin.

Maintenance

• All guests will vacate property before maintenance staff enters.
• Technicians will wear gloves and masks at all times and dispose of those properly after exiting. Anyone entering a property less than 18 hours after guests have vacated should wear splash goggles.

Owner and Guest Policies

• Extra throw blankets, decorative pillows or other soft objects will be put away until further notice.

Telling Your Story

• Notice will be provided to guests alerting them that the property has been properly cleaned and sanitized.

All visitors are expected to follow Florida Executive orders 20-86 and 20-82, and individuals and rental agencies will refrain from accepting reservations from COVID 19 hot spots in the country for the next 45 days`

This is nothing but fluff but at the end of the day it will not matter - Who will be able to afford a vacation when we have an employment rate that is sky high? I agree Escambia county certainly has more meat and potatoes with regard to it's package but it looks like a cut and paste from other CDC packages..

You must not be in SoWal and already can see we are busting at the seams with visitors - owners, friends, illegal renters, whatever ... I don't doubt that as soon as rentals are open we will be full as always. Lots of people sick of their home and hometowns out there and lots of people who don't even know what a mask is.

I want to know where all these folks doing the /cleaning/sanitizing are going to get their supplies. Because they arent going to get any gloves/masks or hand sanitizer at any of the stores around here. And I seriously doubt most of these rentals have an extra set of comforters/shams.

The WCBCC plan comes across as rushed and unrealistic; to try and push it through for this weekend doesn't allow time for the relevant parties to prepare for these guidelines to be adhered to. And the comments accompanying the plan, quoted above in red, are just embarrassing.

The WCBCC plan comes across as rushed and unrealistic; to try and push it through for this weekend doesn't allow time for the relevant parties to prepare for these guidelines to be adhered to. And the comments accompanying the plan, quoted above in red, are just embarrassing.

Strikes me as a done deal from Tally and people going through the motions.

It's a cleaning plan and does not address the broader picture of opening STR. It's just going to be business as usual.

It all sounds so very nice and proper but as a previous condo cleaner, I'm shaking my head in disbelief, that all these processes will actually happen. Yes, most cleaners have to purchase their own supplies, vacuums, mops etc. They don't make enough money to say buy a new mop head for each unit, change the vacuum bag in-between units...how do you sanitize carpeting? Just all the details are mind-boggling. I was working with a management company so they laundered all sheets & towels, but the blankets, quilts, bath mats were cleaned at the discretion of the housekeeper. The kitchen seems the most dangerous because you would only clean what was previously used...say they didn't use the blender, you're not going to clean that, but someone might have coughed on it or touched it? It's never going to be a sanitized operating room.

I don't think our leaders or many visitors are all that worried.

It's just going to be business as usual.

Which was always the goal, pandemic or no pandemic.

Strikes me as a done deal from Tally and people going through the motions.

Agreed 100%. I’d be surprised if even 10% of these guidelines are ever followed or put into practice. As long as the $ are flowing in, who cares?

My question is - are the hotel / motels/ resorts following these guidelines today? I see a lot of tourists here now and they are staying somewhere. My guess hotel/ motels. Are they following these rules? Probably not.