Escambia County received the official letter from Secretary Beshears with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation approving the short-term vacation rental plan that was submitted Friday, May 15. The letters from and to the Secretary as well as the plan are attached to this news release. This plan went into effect immediately today and will be reviewed weekly.
The county will continue to monitor the Department’s Emergency Information Page,
www.myfloridalicense.com/emergency, for additional information and guidance related to vacation rentals or other businesses regulated by the Department during the ongoing “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.”
Please see the following statements from the county and tourism partners:
Escambia County
Vice Chairman Robert Bender, District 4 Commissioner
"I appreciate Secretary Beshears approving the Escambia plan for a safe reopening of vacation rentals. The Governor has laid out recommendations in Phase I and II that provided the recommendations for us to follow. I would also like to thank our legislative delegation for their strong support in this endeavor."
Greater Pensacola Chamber
Todd Thomson, President/CEO
“I appreciate Secretary Beshears efficient review and approval of Escambia County’s Safety Plan for Short-Term Vacation Rentals. I implore our rental owners and guests to follow the safety measures and best practices provided to ensure a safe and responsible reopening.”
Visit Pensacola
Darien Schaefer, President/CEO
"At Visit Pensacola we're excited that our short-term rentals lodging experience is once more available in the Pensacola Bay Area. We are thankful to be a part of the team who worked together to present this plan for approval and are looking forward to guests visiting our destination while doing so safely and within the CDC guidelines."
Premier Island Management
Rob Babcok, CEO/Owner
"Reopening short-term rentals as we enter our busy season was critical to the viability of our business, our HOA's who receive budgeted funding from rentals, our homeowners who rent and depend on that income and lastly our government agencies who collect the sales taxes. We are fully prepared to meet, and exceed in many cases, all the requirements set by our county plan."