FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – The state on Wednesday approved plans for St. Johns and Nassau counties to reopen vacation rentals. St. Johns CountySt. Johns County’s plan outlines details regarding a variety of factors including reservations, staffing, cleanings, and inspections. Ron DeSantis banned vacation rentals in an executive order aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus. DeSantis announced Friday that, beginning Monday, the ban on vacation rentals could be lifted if county and state officials gave the go-ahead. Putnam CountyShort-term vacation rentals were also approved to operate in Putnam County on Friday.

The state on Thursday approved Flagler County’s Vacation Rentals Safety Plan allowing bookings based on the guidelines set forth by the plan laid out by the Tourism Department and implemented by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards. Specific cleaning protocols for vacation rentals are also in effect. Pre-arrival screening of guests to include home origin in addition to the Florida Department of Health screening for COVID-19. The state on Wednesday approved plans for Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties to reopen vacation rentals. DeSantis announced Friday that, beginning Monday, the ban on vacation rentals could be lifted if county and state officials gave the go-ahead.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The short-term rental market has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Short-term rentals are a big driver of tourism in St. Augustine, where a large number of homes have been converted to short-term rentals, but Gov. The “for rent” signs are becoming “for sale” signs as more and more short-term rental owners are looking to sell their rental homes because no one is staying in them right now. “These vacation rentals are not being occupied, and the owners, they’re hurting for money,” said short-term rental owner David Breezing. He told News4Jax that he’s not certain whether people will still look to short-term rentals after the state reopens.