On March 27, 2020, citing a “great risk” to Florida residents relating to external travelers bringing COVD-19 virus to Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order No. 20-87. The order places severe, but temporary, restrictions on vacation rentals throughout Florida.
By its terms, the duration of the Governor’s order was 14 days, and the temporary restrictions would have expired on Friday, April 10th. However, both Lee County and Governor DeSantis took steps late afternoon on Friday the 10th to extend the prohibition through the end of April 2020 – with Lee County adopting Lee County Emergency Order 20-01, and Gov. DeSantis signing Executive Order 20-103. The substance of both the state and county versions of these orders is virtually identical, and both extend the rental restrictions from April 10th “until April 30, 2020” with the ability to extend by subsequent order(s).
Violations could result in jail time
Under the order, “all parties engaged in rental of vacation rental properties” (as defined in Chapter 509, Florida Statutes) must “suspend operations”. Additionally, new reservations, new bookings, and new guest check-ins are prohibited under the Governor’s order. Violation of the order is a second-degree misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail.
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