All Panhandle counties can reopen vacation rentals

May 19, 2020

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) — All Panhandle counties can reopen vacation rentals, the Secretary of Florida's Department of Business & Professional Regulation confirmed to WCTV Tuesday afternoon.

Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Gulf, Franklin and Bay counties are among the counties that can reopen vacation rentals, according to State Representative Jason Shoaf.

Shoaf, who is a Republican representing Florida District 7,

Tuesday afternoon.

"A special thanks to Secretary Beshears and Governor DeSantis for making it happen today," Shoaf wrote on Facebook.

FDBPR says rentals must follow CDC guidelines, give time in between guest stays to disinfect all surfaces and housewares and have minimal contact with renters.

Most anyone can rent, including people from outside of Florida, as long as the state they're from has an infection rate of less than 500 cases per 100,000 people.

If you are coming from a hot spot, your reservation must be at least 14-days in advance.