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State approves Lee County's minimum standards for vacation rentals: Rentals in Cape Coral can resume

The state today approved Lee County’s minimum standards so that reservations can resume for vacation rentals, which had been prohibited under a prior executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Pursuant to Executive Order 20-123 signed by Gov. DeSantis on May 15, and effective immediately, the following measures are required as minimum standards for vacation rentals throughout Lee County that are accepting reservations and guests for any length of stay:

  • Should open and operate for in-state reservations only for 30 days and make reservations for Florida residents only from May 20 until June 18, 2020.
    • Based on other county’s submitted plans, Lee County intends to seek clarification on the residency requirement.
  • Should prohibit rentals to persons traveling internationally or from a state or locality with a substantial community spread of COVID-19. 
  • Shall allow adequate time between the conclusion of a guest stay and the check-in of the next guest stay for appropriate cleaning and sanitation.
  • Shall clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in the property between each guest stay.
  • Shall wash all linens, dishware and other service items available for use by guests between each guest rental.
  • Shall provide sufficient soap and surface sanitation supplies for guests to use in the vacation rental property during the guest’s rental period.
  • Shall ensure adequate safety protocols are in place and publicly displayed in line with Centers for Disease Control guidance regarding shared or multi-residence amenities such as pools, gyms and other communal spaces.
  • Shall follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting their facility, per the CDC site  www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html

In anticipation of the state’s decision, the Lee Board of County Commissioners at the regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday had approved the measures. Secretary Halsey Beshears of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) notified the county this afternoon, May 20, of approval for vacation rentals.

“Based on the Department’s review of the safety plan for vacation rental operations that accompanied your request, Lee County has established the necessary plans for operation of vacation rentals at this time,” Beshears wrote.

Enforcement and regulation falls under DBPR, which has an Emergency Information Page at www.myfloridalicense.com/emergency.