Anna Maria Island, Florida - Short-term Rentals Re-Open COVID 19 - Phase 3
Updated: Feb 8
Updated: Sept 30, 2020
Florida enters into Phase 3 of re-opening as of Sept 25, 2020. The article below will be updated as new regulations and protocols are put into place.
On May 21, 2020 vacation rentals were given the green light to safely re-open their doors to short term renters based on Governor DeSantis' Executive Order EO 20-123.
At Anna Maria Island vacation rentals we've gathered resources from the CDC (Center for Disease and Control Prevention) and Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Association in order to safely welcome our guests back using the best COVID 19 resources available by the Florida government.
Restrictions
There may be travel restrictions based on the guidelines set by the county and state governments. These may be removed as we move forward in our re-opening phases. Check your state and country travel restrictions and guidelines as they do not appear below.
The list below pertains to the state of Florida only.
Details from the government guideline excerpt below:
UPDATE! - EO 20-82, EO-80, and 20-139 have been rescinded in relation to residents of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana. Residents from these states will no longer need to self-quarantine for 14 days or longer upon entering Florida. Reservations to residents from these states may be taken for any dates, there is no longer a minimum requirement. See all executive orders here.
"Prohibits rentals from international travelers in a country with established community spread of COVID 19 and prohibited from." See the up to date latest traveler restrictions by country here.
The number of guests permitted in a vacation rental should abide by local ordinance occupancy limits.
Can I travel to Florida from my home state?
Florida has moved into Phase 3 of reopening, non-essential travel is permitted.
At this time we are regulated by state declarations and regular county and municipal regulations.
There are currently NO hot-spot states that the Governor is requiring a 14-day quarantine period.
Check the current status of each state within the CDC COVID DATA TRACKER for up to date data. Governor DeSantis has rescinded the following executive Orders (currently EO 20-80, EO-82, EO-20-86, EO 20-139, EO 20-166) where several states were considered "hot spots".
Can I fly to Florida?
Domestic Flights - There are flights that in operation to Florida but some airlines have reduced the number of flights offered. Airlines have taken protocols to reduce the spread of the virus so please ensure you are healthy to travel as well as residing in a state with specific protocols. Please check with your airline provider on the status of your flights.
International Flights - Note that at this time, international travelers in a country with an established community spread of COVID 19 are prohibited from entering Florida." See the up to date latest restricted international travel restrictions by country on government websites as details change.
Cleaning Protocols
UPDATE PHASE 3 RE-OPENING
We've been in contact with the cleaning company we use to ensure that they are adhering to the Center for Disease and Control (CDC) and the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Association regulations in relation to operating and efficiently cleaning vacation rentals during the COVID crisis. Including the following:
"Vacation rentals, under Phase 3 guidelines, resume normal operating procedures but should continue to thoroughly clean and disinfect the property between rentals."
We have scheduled adequate time between the conclusion of a guest stay and the check-in of the next guest stays for appropriate cleaning.
Cleaning includes all frequently-touched surfaces in the property between each guest's stay both indoors and outdoors.
Disinfectant products are used on all major surfaces.
Cleaning personnel use cleaning products in line with the EPA's list of products with "Emerging Viral Pathogens and coronavirus claims for use against SARS - COV-2"
Guests MUST strictly adhere to the check-in and check-out times in order to carry out the required cleaning procedures.
Although we have moved into Phase 3, we remind guests in the rental property to frequently take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by carefully cleaning and wiping surfaces during your stay.
What will be different from the property that I booked?
In order to carry out the guidelines of the county and state vacation, rental operations plan a few items were required to be removed from the rentals that may make a home look less luxurious.
All decorative throw pillows, blankets, pillow shams, and soft objects have been returned to the units under the guidance of the Phase 3 re-opening executive order.
Check-in Protocols
We've operated with a digital touch-less check-in process for many, many years. This check-in process reduces the need for face to face meetings and avoids keys being handled. All door handles and high touch surfaces are wiped down.
Health and Safety
New COVID information will be provided to each booking party as to the local Hospital and COVID Testing locations to help you remain healthy during your vacation. The details will be found in each vacation rental unit with a laminated copy, cleaned at each turnover. As always we provide each guest with medical and clinic information within each house information booklet.
What happens if there is a maintenance issue during my stay?
We ask that all guests do not hesitate to notify us of any maintenance issues so that we can take care of things quickly so that your stay is stress-free. All maintenance providers are required to follow Florida State guidelines as to any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to carry out services. All guests are asked to leave the home while maintenance is occurring (backyard is fine). See excerpt from Manatee County Action Plan below:
"Employees or contractors working in short-term rentals will be provided the CDC related safety guidance to alleviate the transmission of the virus and provide further protection for employees and guests."
What's the Current Situation on Anna Maria Island?
At the moment, the following businesses are open for your enjoyment:
Anna Maria Island Beaches have always remained open to our guests and local residents. They are now open to the general public as well. Social distancing of 6 feet or more is required. Beach Pavilion rentals are restricted to 50% capacity. The beaches are open from sunrise to 10:00 pm daily.
PUBLIC Beach parking - General parking has resumed. Note: you can walk to the beach from each of our vacation rental homes
Anna Maria Island City Pier - open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Security is at the pier to ensure guidelines are followed. Currently, there is no restaurant on the pier.
Retail Shops no maximum capacity limit by the state, operators are permitted to operate with restrictions, including masks, if they wish.
Restaurants are now permitted to operate at full capacity. It is up to each restaurant owner to decide on what capacity they wish to operate at.
Some restaurants are still offering delivery and take-out options
Masks may be required in restaurants and can be removed to eat while sitting at your table. It is up to the owner operator to decide on their specific protocols which will be enforced by local law enforcement.
Local Businesses may call upon the local law enforcement to issue trespass where patrons do not comply with their protocols.
Fishing, golfing and swimming have always remained open
Boating has always been permitted, all boat ramps have been reopened a safe social distance is still required of 6 feet or more
Boat ramps are open
Fitness Centers no maximum capacity limit by the state, operators are permitted to operate with restrictions if they wish. (see Anna Maria Community Center details below)
Take note of some new parking regulations - be careful to park only where designated in order to avoid ticketing and towing. New signs have gone up this year.
Hair salons, barbershops, and nail salons - Call ahead for an appointment, operating with safe PPE protocols
Museums and Libraries 50% capacity
Professional sports teams - starting to open up, see each team's specific protocols and requirements.
Amusement Parks - case by case opening by submitting action plans for Governor approval only. As of Oct 7, 2020 Walt Disney World still requires face masks to be worn inside the park.
Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, Walmart, etc... - Visitors may be required to wear masks and adhere to washing or sanitizing their hands often. Supply levels are similar to other stores in the United States
Nightclubs and bars - we don't have many bars on the island, I can think of 3 off the top of my head (Decoy Ducks, Doctor's Office, Drift-Inn). Bars across the state may now "reopen and operate from 50 to 100% capacity. offering seating and service with appropriate social distancing.." Some regulations pertaining to bars and nightclubs - Patrons may be required to wear a face covering except when seated and consuming food or a drink - All parties must be distanced six feet from other parties.
Anna Maria Island Community Center Re-opening Details
The following protocols will be followed:
The training equipment have been adjusted in the space to allow for physical and social distancing. Classes will be held in the larger gymnasium to allow for social distancing. The gym will be used for organized fitness classes and sports such as pickle ball and basketball will open later. Additional amenities and programs will be added in phases over the coming weeks. For those who prefer to continue healthy living activities at home during this time, free virtual programs will remain available at CenterAMI.org
Masks must be worn when entering and exiting The Center. Once you get to your location and are able to social distance (6 feet from others) you may remove your mask
All people entering the Anna Maria Island Community Center will be required to take their temperature at the front desk (staff and visitors). A new liability waiver must be signed. Visit the front desk as soon as you enter to have your temperature taken prior to checking in.Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to participate or to stay at The Center
Cleaning materials are provided to wipe down all equipment before and after each use.
The social distancing of 6 feet is required at all times
Stay home if you are feeling sick or are vulnerable to illness
Wipe Down Equipment – Wipe down all equipment before and after your workout, cleaning products provided. The Center staff also will disinfect equipment and activity areas regularly.
Everyone needs to bring their own towel, water bottle, and a yoga mat for fitness classes
The re-opening hours are as follows:
Monday 7am-7pm
Tuesday 7am-7pm
Wednesday 7am-7pm
Thursday 7am-7pm
Friday 7am-7pm
Saturday 7am-2pm
Sunday Closed
General Common Sense COVID-19 Recommendations when visiting Anna Maria Island
Each guest and visitor is urged to abide by all current COIVD guidelines including:
see below for face mask protocols in each city and in Manatee County
social distancing of 6 feet apart in all directions
wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
carry hand sanitizer if hand washing is unavailable
cover your coughs and sneezes and wash hands immediately
if soap and water are not readily available do use hand sanitizers with 60% alcohol
Advice from Dr. Jennifer Bencie, director of the Department of Health in Manatee County:
"...Masks are vital. The evidence is clear that masks help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the more people that wear masks, the better. There are three W’s to ward off COVID-19: Wearing a mask, washing your hands and watching your distance. Of the three the most important is wearing a mask.”
Update: New Face Mask Requirements where social distancing is not possible - REPEALED - New Proclamation
Manatee County
Manatee County repealed the county resolution mandating face coverings inside businesses. It has been replaced with the following proclamation:
"Anyone in Manatee County should continue to wear masks if they are unable to socially distance indoors. Though officials still strongly encourage mask-wearing, it will now be up to the discretion of each business to require customers to wear a mask or not."
Face masks will still be required inside the County's MCAT buses and public facilities including Manatee County public libraries and schools.
The public restrooms at Bayfront Park and Joan M. Durante Park are set to reopen Oct. 1. Several closures remain in effect, including town facilities like Town Hall. The town’s Bayfront Park Recreation Center and all classes scheduled at the facility remain closed until further notice.
City of Holmes Beach
Executive Order 20-16 - "The city of Holmes Beach extended an emergency ordinance mandating face coverings in public, indoors and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained, with exceptions for ADA and some other circumstances, such as while eating and drinking in restaurants."
City of Anna Maria
City Order #83: "The set up or placement on the beach before the actual specific rental of beach equipment to a third party, (including but not limited to canopies, cabanas, umbrellas, chairs, coolers, or similar equipment) is prohibited.
City Order #84: The rental of motorized scooters and micro-vehicles is prohibited to prevent the spread of COVID-19
City Order #85: The City of Anna Maria requires a face mask to be worn at the following events and city locations:
City Pier Park (ie: the Anna Maria Farmer's Market)
Anna Maria City Hall
City Hall Annex
City Order #86: "At the request of a business / special event representative, or designee, a law enforcement officer of the City of Anna Maria may trespass a person who refuses to wear a mask at that business / special event premises and enforce that trespass order a to the complaining business or special event."
Exceptions to the above rulings are;
Children 2-year-olds and under
persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition
persons while eating/drinking at a restaurant
People working in a business or profession who do not have interactions with other people;
Please come prepared and bring face masks with you for each family member that will be visiting a local business including restaurants, and will be in social areas where social distancing is not possible.
These safety measures have been taken to protect all visitors as well as Anna Maria Island's vulnerable elderly population of residents.
Insider Tip! The fall season is in high demand with remote work and web learning online. We have some available weeks open at our vacation rental homes! Hurry and get your vacation booked today to feel the toes in your sand, the salty air in your hair, and enjoy our stress-free backyard oasis.
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WHERE TO STAY
At Anna Maria Island Home Rental, we have luxurious waterfront accommodations. Social distancing is easy at our vacation homes with kitchen stocking, keyless entry, sports activities that are conducive to single or small families like kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming is a safer choice than a busy hotel.
Enjoy a last-minute getaway. We have select gap stays and full weeks available during the fall 2020 season. Contact us for information and a detailed quote!
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