More than 105 million people visited the sunshine state in 2015, setting a tourism record in the United States as reported by The Orlando Sentinel. Living in a hot tourist destination might have you thinking about making some extra cash by turning your home into a short-term rental.
Additional income for homeowners and renters is the appeal to vacation rental websites such as VRBO/HomeAway and Airbnb. On the flip side, business and vacation travelers get full-home amenities including more space and a full kitchen for less than the price of a hotel room, making short-term rentals an attractive deal.
Before you start listing your place on a travel platform, keep in mind, not every home in Florida is eligible for renting. “Florida has zoning laws that restrict short-term rentals to specific areas,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance provider.
Homeowners or condo associations along with co-ops and landlords may also prohibit short-term rentals.
Whether your vacation home is your primary residence or not, you still want to protect your investment. Having the proper insurance will do just that.
“Having homeowners insurance or renters insurance is not usually adequate to cover your short- term rental,” says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency. “Homeowners insurance and renters insurance will cover your guests but not someone you are engaged in business transaction with.”
It is important to speak with your insurance agent before getting started. Short-term rentals are considered more risky to insure as opposed to someone with a year-long lease agreement. You may need a rider to your current homeowners policy or get rental property insurance.
Personal property covers your belongings. Liability protects you against legal fees and medical bills if someone is injured in your home. No matter how safe your home is, accidents are bound to happen.
Once you get your insurance in order, remember, Florida occupancy taxes are collected by 22 counties, according to FloridaPolitics.com.
If you are considering renting your home, for a short or long period of time, contact GreatFlorida Insurance. Our experienced agents will get you the proper homeowners insurance or short-term rental insurance to protect your belongings and home from potential damage or theft.
