Ah, Florida—the land of endless sunshine, swaying palm trees, and theme park magic. If you’re lucky enough to own a vacation home in the Sunshine State, you’re sitting on a goldmine of potential adventure and income. But before you dive headfirst into the world of vacation rentals, consult the ultimate checklist for how to rent out a property and ensure it’s ready to make waves. And who better to help you navigate this Floridian journey than FLARBO? With years of hosting experience and a knack for turning vacation dreams into reality, they’re wizards of the rental game. With Florida Rental By Owners as your trusted captain, your Florida vacation home is ready to set sail for a successful and rewarding rental journey!

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The Ultimate Checklist for the The Floridian Landlord

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Legal & Regulatory Considerations

• Check local and state regulations regarding how to rent out a property.
• Ensure compliance with zoning laws and permits.
• Familiarize yourself with tax obligations. Open a tax account to comply with county and state requirements for tax remittances.

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Property Preparation

• Conduct a thorough property inspection.
• Make necessary repairs and improvements.
• Furnish and decorate the property attractively.

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 Insurance and Liability

• Review your homeowner’s insurance policy.
• Consider additional liability coverage.
• Explore vacation rental insurance options.

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Pricing Strategy

• Research local market rates.
• Adjust pricing based on seasons and demand.
• Factor in cleaning fees and taxes.

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Marketing and Advertising

• Create an enticing listing with high-quality photos.
• Listing on vacation rental platforms and websites, such as FLARBO, is essential: stage your home, take professional photos, and in your home’s description answer the top 5 questions a guest would want to know with a competitive edge.
• Promote your property on social media.

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Guest Screening

• Develop a guest screening process.
• Implement background checks when necessary.
• Require security deposits.

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Property Management

• Decide whether to manage the property yourself or hire a management company.
• Set up a system for key exchange, maintenance, and cleaning.
• Maintain an availability calendar.
• Join property management softwares to organize all administration aspects, such as ownerreservations.com.

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Rental Agreements

• Draft a comprehensive rental agreement.
• Include terms, rules, and expectations.
• Specify payment schedules and cancellation policies.
• Open an account with a payment processing platform, such as Stripe or Paypal.

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Maintenance and Cleaning

• Establish a routine maintenance schedule. Weekly and quarterly maintenance checks for pools, air-conditioning, pest control, and more are key.
• Hire professional cleaners.
• Stock essential supplies for guests.

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Guest Experience

• Provide clear instructions for using appliances and amenities.
• Offer recommendations for local attractions and dining.
• Consider a welcome gift for guests.
• Offer discounts to repeat guests.

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Safety and Security

• Install smoke detectors, pool alarms and fire extinguishers.
• Secure valuable items or personal belongings.
• Provide emergency contact information.

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Utilities and Services

• Ensure all utilities are in working order.
• Set up reliable internet and cable TV.
• Consider offering concierge services.

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Guest Communication

• Maintain open communication with guests.
• Respond promptly to inquiries and issues.
• Provide guests with check-in/check-out information and municipal vacation rental guidelines.
• Request feedback for improvement.

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Property Inspections

• Conduct regular property inspections.
• Address maintenance issues promptly.
• Keep a record of repairs and improvements.

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Local Amenities

• Highlight nearby attractions, parks, and beaches.
• Provide information about grocery stores and pharmacies.
• Offer resources for transportation options.

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Emergency Plans

• Develop an emergency plan for guests.
• Share evacuation routes and emergency contact information.
• Keep a first-aid kit on hand.

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Legal Protections

• Familiarize yourself with landlord-tenant laws.
• Consult with an attorney for legal advice and guidance.
• Make sure to have a lawyer to look over your drafted rental agreement.

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By following this extensive checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your vacation rental journey in the Sunshine State. Learning how to rent out a property in Florida can be a rewarding experience, and careful planning is the key to success.

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About Florida Rental By Owners – FLARBO

Florida Rental By Owners launched in 2014 when two hosts decided on a better way to advertise rentals. Restrictive ‘big box’ style listing sites created barriers in the booking cycle with high traveler & host fees and policy restrictions. FLARBO was created so that hosts could take control of their reservations, where travelers also save money. To date, the site has over 16,700,000 views with hundreds of thousands of inquiries. Vacation Rental By Owner type hosts offer short term and seasonal stays that are unique to the Florida traveler whether they need a pet friendly rental, beach house, waterfront dock or more. FLARBO leads the way in Florida vacation rentals.

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Interested in becoming a FLARBO host? You can find details on our List Your Property page here.

You can view all Florida vacation rental properties here.  Get the whole house for a whole lot less!

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Browse and Book more vacation rentals on Florida Rental By Owners