After being shuttered for many months, Florida is well into Phase One of its gradual reopening.

Disney Springs

Just yesterday, we saw several third-party restaurants and shops resume business at Disney Springs and last week Universal Studios’ CityWalk took its first reopening steps. But while Disney and Universal-owned hotels and theme parks will remain closed until further notice, some vacation rental properties in the area have just been given the green light to start reopening.

According to News 6 WKMG, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has approved an outline that was submitted to him last week allowing Osceola County vacation rentals to reopen.

Palm Trees

“We appreciate the quick review of our plan and the State’s realization that the vacation rental home sector is a massive part of our economy,” Osceola County Chairwoman Viviana Janer said. “We know that this action will have a ripple effect in our community as there are so many small businesses that support the vacation rental market – from housekeepers to lawn and pool maintenance workers, to security staff and caterers, to property managers and companies that handle the numerous details that surround a successful vacation.”

Earl of Sandwich

Osceola County, a major tourist destination that comprises a portion of Walt Disney World Resort, has over 30,000 licensed vacation home rentals.

City Works

Osceola Country included some of the key details in the plan they gave to Florida’s Governor which included:

• Property owners and managers have to adopt guidelines that are in place for businesses
• They must follow reopen guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for all lodging
• Property owners will be asked to provide coronavirus guidance on local restrictions put in place during a guest stay
• Any guest coming from a highly-infected area must reserve a minimum stay of 14 nights and follow CDC’s self-quarantine guidelines
• Vacation rentals are not allowed to be used for gatherings that exceed the maximum occupancy

So far, Osceola County is the first to have its plan passed by Governor Ron DeSantis. We’ll continue to follow this story as it develops.

Are you planning to visit Florida soon? Let us know in the comments below.