Alachua County Secures Approval to Re-Open Vacation Rental Operations
Press release from Alachua County
Pursuant to Executive Order 20-123, Alachua County’s request to re-open vacation rental operations was approved by Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears today. In his acceptance of the County’s re-opening request and safety plan, Mr. Beshears stated that, “Based on the Department’s review of the safety plan for vacation rental operations that accompanied your request, Alachua County has established the necessary plans for operation of vacation rentals at this time. Accordingly, I approve the operation of vacation rentals in Alachua County pursuant to the plans as submitted.”
Read the Alachua County plan to re-open vacation rentals.
“We are deeply appreciative of the careful consideration Secretary Beshears has placed in his decision to approve the County’s request to re-open vacation rentals,” said Alachua County Tourism Manager Jessica Hurov. “The Alachua County plan was developed in alignment with Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Centers for Disease Control recommended safety measures to ensure that our vacation rental lodging providers are offering safe and clean rental properties for our visitors. The re-opening of vacation rentals provides expanded options for visitors as we welcome them back to Alachua County, and will assist vacation lodging operators and managers in their COVID-19 business recovery plans.”
Reservations and stays will be allowed from U.S. states with a COVID-19 Case Rate less than 700cases/100k. Reservations from areas identified by Florida’s Governor as COVID-19 hot spots through Executive Orders are to be avoided for the next 45 days. In the event the Governor issues subsequent Orders addressing vacation rentals and/or “hot spots” in the U.S., those restrictions shall be incorporated into the plan. Reservations from international travelers will not be accepted. Vacation rental operators can access information on COVID case rates online.
In addition to the recommended best practices and safety measures in the re-opening plan, Alachua County vacation rental owners and operators shall follow the guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for cleaning and disinfecting facilities; all Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation requirements and safety measures related to vacation rentals; and all Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) sanitation guidelines.
For more information, contact Jessica Hurov at 352-363-8619 or jhurov@alachuacounty.us.