Manatee County Vacation Rentals Plan for Phased Opening including Anna Maria Island July, 2020

The Manatee County Plan for Opening Short-Term Vacation Rentals was developed using
guidance from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This
Plan seeks to establish industry-wide best practices to ensure guest safety as the County
recognizes the importance of keeping residents and visitors safe.
Tourism remains the top industry in Manatee County, and vacation rentals are a critical part of
the tourism industry network that operates with strong success in our community. Local
standards and guidelines directly align with the Governor’s Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step Plan for
Reopening Florida. In the County’s plan to open vacation rentals, the same Safe. Smart.

Step By-Step guidelines will be employed to allow vacation rentals to reopen safely for visitors,
vacation rental owners and hospitality staff. The guidance from the Department of Business and
Professional Regulations (DBPR) and the May 15, 2020 issued guidelines are followed:
http://www.myfloridalicense.com This plan will be reviewed at least bi-weekly and updated as necessary.

As with all our reopening strategies, public health and safety is at the forefront to address the vacation rental
sector in Manatee County.
RESERVATIONS
1. Vacation rental reservations, from areas identified by Governor DeSantis as high risk,
through Executive Orders (currently EO 20-82 New York, New Jersey, Connecticut,
https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-82.pdf
and EO 20-86 Louisiana https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-
86.pdf must be longer than the quarantine period established in that Order. Guests occupying
those vacation rentals must adhere to the quarantine restrictions.
2. Prohibit rentals from international travelers in a country with a substantial community spread
of COVID-19 and prohibited by Executive Order: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/travelers/from-other-countries.html.
3. The number of guests in each rental will be limited to no more than 10 persons and expand
in accordance with State guidelines as new phases are entered. The number of guests
allowed should abide by local ordinance occupancy limits.
HEALTH & SAFETY OF GUESTS
1. Use mobile platforms for customer service and communication with guests, including the
acceptance of payments by mobile or electronic methods.
2. Minimize direct guest contact with property owners or managers through remote check-in
and check-out procedures.
3. Using reservation desk, guests shall practice social distancing by standing at least six feet
from other groups not in their party, including any queue areas. Such areas shall be clearly
marked for physical distancing, and where possible, encourage one-way guest flow with
marked entrances and exits.
4. CDC resources must be provided to any guest staying on property at the time of arrival.
Resources will be available in multiple languages at the CDC website.
5. CDC guidance must be provided to guests traveling with pets and service/assistance
animals if the property is pet friendly. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/dailylifecoping/animals.html
6. Employees or contractors working in short-term rentals will be provided the CDC related
safety guidance to alleviate the transmission of the virus and provide further protection for
employees and guests.
7. Ensure adequate safety protocols are in place and publicly displayed, in line with CDC
guidance, regarding shared or multi-residence amenities such as pools, gyms, and other
communal spaces.
8. Post signage or other notices regarding the cleaning practices that are completed prior to
each guest stay including ample time to complete all CDC sanitizing guidelines between
guest check out and new guest check in.
9. Display signage or notices to remind guests to take steps to prevent the spread of
COVID19, including the wiping and sanitation of touched surfaces.
10. Property owners and managers will provide COVID-19 guidance regarding any local
restrictions that are in place during the guest stay and other related local information. The
county has posted online all current information related to such restrictions for easy
accessibility.
11. Encourage all guests and staff to:
a. Abide by social distancing rules and remain 6’ apart in all directions.
b. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
c. Cover coughs and sneezes. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand
sanitizer with 60% alcohol.

For additional information on re-opening: Anna Maria Chamber Of Commerce