Before You Rent A Beach House In Florida

Things to Know Before You Rent a Beach House in Florida

With over 663 miles of beaches and 11,000 miles of rivers, streams and waterways; Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. It is said that if you were to walk one mile of Florida beach daily, it would take you more than two and one-half years to walk the entire coastline.

Renting a beach house is the perfect way to explore Florida's expansive coastline. In fact, Florida has more beach house rentals than any other state. Most beach house rental properties are attractively furnished and include basic amenities such as cooking appliances and cookware, linens and towels, televisions, stereos, telephones, and Internet access. Many are equipped with swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and outdoor showers.

Some Florida beach house rental properties include access to golf courses, golf carts, boats, watercraft, fishing tackle, bicycles, tennis courts, racquetball, etc. Many include amenities for children such as playgrounds, inflatable backyard swimming pools and water slides, play houses and swing sets.

Most Florida beach house rentals are offered by private individuals or property management organizations. Some are pet-friendly and many offer handicap accessibility. These beachfront beauties can be rented daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or for an entire season.

For those who bring their pets along, a pet deposit is usually required. Oftentimes, renters with pets are required to pay deposits of $500 or more per pet. Owners may also charge a higher rental rate. Some owners will return the deposit if no damages occur, while others charge a non-refundable deposit. Always obtain pet regulations in writing before signing a rental agreement.

Be aware that each township has their own set of rules regarding pets on the beach. Some beaches allow pets, but have strict waste pick-up rules with hefty fines for those who do not comply. Others do not allow pets and fines of up to $500 can be imposed if you bring your pet to the beach.

Very few Florida beach house rentals allow smoking inside the home. Those that do allow indoor smoking generally require a higher security deposit and may charge higher rental rates. If you rent a non-smoking beach house and smoke inside, it is considered a breech of contract and you will forfeit your security deposit and may be charged with additional cleaning fees. If you are a smoker, be certain to have the rules in writing before signing the rental contract.

When looking for a beach house rental in Florida it's important to realize that the term "beach" means different things in different locations. For instance, beaches can be on bays rather than oceans. It's important to clarify exactly where the property is located when responding to ads that use terms such as "ocean view", "steps to the beach", or "beach accessibility". Scrutinize these terms and obtain clarity before acceptance of any rental agreement.

If you plan to bring your own boat or other watercraft, be certain to inquire about docking your boat at the rental property. Oftentimes additional charges are incurred for use of boat docks when renting a beach house property. Additionally, inquire about access to the major waterways you wish to utilize. Google Earth provides satellite images of neighborhoods and surrounding areas and can be a beneficial tool in helping you determine if the beach house rental is in a favorable location for your needs.

Florida is known for its balmy weather. Winters are mild with temperatures averaging around 53 degrees Fahrenheit in Northern Florida to 68 degrees in Southern Florida. The summer months can be long and hot with temperatures averaging in the low- to mid-80's in the north, and mid- to high-80's in the south. July and August are oftentimes brutally hot with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Always inquire about the renter's refund policy should a hurricane warning be issued before or during your stay.

A nice bonus of renting a beach house in Florida is the coastal areas experience gentle breezes during the summer. However, it's important to realize the rainy season begins in May and continues through October. If you visit Florida during this time, expect frequent showers and lighting strikes. Florida has earned the reputation of "lighting capital of the world" where lighting strikes at least 100 days each year.

It will take time and research to locate the perfect beach house rental in Florida. The best beachfront properties are usually snapped up during the winter, so plan ahead and do your research a minimum of six months in advance.

One of the best resources for locating beach house rentals in Florida is Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO). Most beach house owners and property management services place advertisements in local newspapers and vacation trade magazines. To locate local newspapers type in "US Newspaper List" at your favorite search engine. Additionally, people frequently turn to "Craig's List" as a source for beach house rentals all across the U.S.

It goes without saying there is some risk involved when renting a beach house via the Internet. However, if you take time to contact references, ask numerous questions, and spend time conversing with the potential renter; chances are good you will have a pleasant and satisfying experience.

Last, but not least, be certain to have a back-up plan. Make reservations at a reputable hotel, motel, campground or appropriate facility that will allow you to cancel your reservation without penalty. You want to make certain that you have a place to stay in case your beach house rental turns out to be less than you expected.