COVID-19 put a pause on short-term rentals. Manatee is ready to let visitors check in
As the COVID-19 positive rate trends downward in Manatee County, officials are getting ready to reopen more business and facilities, including vacation rentals and some public areas.
Gov. Ron DeSantis made it possible for Florida’s counties to begin allowing vacation rentals, as long as they submit a plan to Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation. After hearing from several short-term rental owners who say the ban has cost them thousands of dollars, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to submit a plan for state approval.
Landlords said the ban on short-term rentals was unjust, especially since hotels, which are often run by larger companies, weren’t forced to close. John Little, of Parrish, has operated three rental condos on Anna Maria Island for about 10 years. The coronavirus pandemic has already cost him $45,000 in refunds, he told the board.
“With the ban, we have already lost two of the highest revenue-generating months of the year,” he said. “While that’s taking place, the hotel industry is open fully and operating with zero restrictions.”
Short-term rentals aren’t the only economic drivers struggling in Manatee County, said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Letting them operate again, however, would also bring more business to the area.
“It’s not just about the vacation rentals,” said Falcione noted. “The fabric of our community is small businesses and what this would mean for them.”
According to Manatee’s plan, international guests would not be allowed and a visitor’s state of residency must would have to have fewer than 700 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents, a statistic tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For example, visitors from Louisiana, Michigan and New York — states with high COVID-19 numbers — would not be allowed to book a short-term rental.
The check-in and check-out process would have to be contactless and visiting groups would have to have 10 or fewer people. There are also detailed cleaning requirements for operators.
Commissioners were on board with the proposal, asking County Administrator Cheri Coryea to submit the plan as soon as possible for review and approval.
“It’s really critical for Manatee County that we get these back open. As long as they’re abiding by the rules, it’s something we need from an income standpoint,” said Commissioner Stephen Jonsson.
Short-term rentals may not resume until the state approves the plan. Once that happens, Manatee Tax Collector Ken Burton, Jr. says his office, which tracks and registers short-term rental properties, would help notify owners about the change.
“This is a two-way street, right? We want people to come visit and know that it’s safe,” Commissioner Betsy Benac said.
Coryea also briefed the board on her plan to begin reopening some county facilities, such as libraries and skate parks. She warned that Manatee County will continue to take a metered approach that promotes public safety.
“I know people are restless and want these things open. We do, too, but we need to prepare for them and make sure they’re safe,” Coryea said.
County-owned tennis courts, skate parks and pickleball courts are set to reopen Monday, according to Manatee’s phased reopening plan. Starting June 1, the county plans to reopen pools by appointment only, resume outdoor fitness classes and begin operating libraries with drive-thru services.
This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 3:45 PM.
