Update from Perdido Key - COVID19 - April 30
The Governor of Florida's press statements yesterday omitted any mention of the vacation rental moratorium set to expire on April 30th and, as a result, the expectation was that it would expire on April 30th. I received calls, texts, and emails from happy property owners looking forward to rentals popping up on their calendars.
Today, there have been changes regarding rentals. First thing this morning, I read through Executive Order 20-111 which looks to be signed last yesterday afternoon. Later this morning I was able to review Executive Order 20-112. Here's an update:
Unfortunately, these two new executive orders
do directly impact vacation rentals.
EO 20-111 extended the rental ban until 12:01 am on Monday, May 4th.
EO link here
EO 20-112 then extended the rental ban
until further notice beginning May 4th at 12:10 am. This means that until the Governor issues a subsequent executive order, no vacation rentals are allowed.
EO link here (See Section 3 item D and Section 8)
While I am hopeful that the Governor will issue a subsequent order very soon, we're in a holding pattern until he does. EO20-112 opens restaurants(with limitations), retail, museums, libraries, and elective procedures (with limitations), but keeps vacation rentals closed for the duration of the order–which begins May 4 and is open-ended. As in previous orders, hotels, motels, inns, resorts, and timeshares remain open. According to Florida’s FAQ page about the duration of the order, Phase 2 will begin “Once the Governor determines it is suitable to continue re-opening and after fully considering medical data in consultation with state health officials.”
I cannot express my frustrations enough as Governor DeSantis provided no explanation for the continued closure of vacation rentals, even though—as lodging options—vacation homes are more conducive to social distancing recommendations than the other lodging types he has allowed to stay open.
Meanwhile, as the expectation was that the rental ban would expire on April 30th, our "beaches reopening" messaging this week was showing a promising response online following our County Commissioners' decision to reopen public beached. Further, vacation rental companies in Alabama say the moment Governor Ivy of Alabama gave the beaches the green light their switchboards and websites lit up. Unfortunately, we'll have to pull back on this messaging until we have some idea when rentals will be allowed again.
For me and my family, if ever there was a time to write a politician, it is now. I am drafting a letter to the Governor with regards to the disproportionate punishment imposed on property owner and property management companies which I will gladly share with anyone interested.
I'll send out another update once one is available. Stay safe and I hope we're able to start renting again soon!