Our Rental Policy

This Short Term Rental Agreement is made between Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast, LLC (“Owners Agent”) and the individual (“Guest”) named in the Online Reservation Application and Confirmation process.  This Online Rental Agreement and submission of payment information does not guarantee your online reservation confirmation until accepted by Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast, LLC. You will receive email notification from Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast, LLC of the acceptance or denial of your Online Reservation Application and Confirmation.  By completing and submitting the Online Reservation Application and Confirmation process you are agreeing to all of the terms, conditions and provisions of this agreement.  By digitally signing or acknowledging you hereby agree that the terms contained below are binding on you and all guests residing in the property during your stay.

Guest Identification

Upon execution of the Rental Agreement or check in, the individual who completed the Online Reservation Application may be asked to provide a state issued photo identification card which matches the name on the credit card submitted for payment.

 

Check-in / Check-out Times

Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. Eastern/3pm Central. During busy seasons, your Rental Home may not be ready for occupancy until after 4:00 pm. We will make every effort to have your rental home ready by 4 pm Eastern/3 pm Central, and appreciate your patience. You are not allowed to enter the property until all housekeeping and inspections have been completed, and housekeepers are not authorized to grant access to the property.  Check out time is 10:00 am Eastern/9 am Central. Early arrivals and late departures will be subject to an additional charge of $50/hour and are only available upon advance notification and approval by Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast.  

 

Good Neighbor Policies

Many of our rental properties are in neighborhoods that include both short-term guests and year-round residents. Guests must observe all rules and regulations related to the Rental Home rented, including community rules provided by Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast and/or posted in the property or neighborhood. All guests, as well as owners, are required to conform to all rules and regulations of the properties. If complaints are made concerning disruptions, excessive noise or rules not being followed, you will be required to vacate the property immediately.

 

Age Requirement 

Absolutely no reservations or access to rental homes will be made to vacationing students or singles under the age of 25 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian at a ratio of no more than 3 children for one adult over the age of 25. A parent or guardian must be staying in the rental home at all times. We do not rent to chaperoned groups. All of our rental homes are monitored for violations of this policy. 

 

Falsified Reservations

Reservations made under false pretense are null and void and check-in will not be allowed or guest will be asked to vacate the property.  This policy includes reservations made by parents or guardians who do not check-in, and/or who leave overnight during the length of the stay.  Any reservation obtained under false pretense will forfeit total booking charges.

 

Rental Payments

a.  Initial Rental Payment:  The initial advance rental payment of 50% of the total rent plus all service fees and travel insurance premium (if selected or available) is due at time of booking.  If you wish to pay by check or money order we must receive your check within seven days of the initial submission of your reservation application.

b.  Final Rental Payment:  The final rental payment is the balance of rent, taxes, and other charges related to the reservation. The final rental payment is due 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.  Final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card or you will receive a payment reminder prior to the due date. To  make a payment using a money order, check, or an alternate credit card, you must ensure your payment is received by Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC before the final payment due date. Failure to remit the final rental payment by the scheduled due date will result in the cancellation of your reservation and the forfeiture of your initial rental payment as well as any other payments or deposits.

 

We accept checks and credit cards as payment for your reservation.  All credit card payments will incur an additional 3.125% processing fee.  We must receive your initial check payment within 7 days of your booking date. Please mail checks to Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast, 106 Trade Circle W, Suite F, Port St. Joe, FL 32456.

  

Generali Travel Insurance

CSA/GeneraliTravel Insurance is available for purchase through Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast. Travel insurance plans are optional but strongly recommended in order to protect your investment.  For details of coverage provided please visit www.csatravelprotection.com 

Third Party Fees

Service fees may apply to guests who reserve online with third party booking websites such as VRBO, Homeaway, Airbnb, etc. Third party service fees are neither controlled nor collected by Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC, and as such are not reflected on reservation statements provided by Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC.

 

Rates and Minimum Stays

Rates, until confirmed, are subject to change without notice. Rental homes are subject to minimum stay requirements that vary by property. Reservations for less than seven days may be subject to higher nightly rates.

 

Cancellations / Changes

We strongly encourage our guests to purchase the optional travel insurance to protect your vacation investment.  All reservations include an administrative fee of $35 (plus taxes) upon booking which is non-refundable in the event of a reservation cancellation. 

 

Reservations canceled at least 60 days before check-in date will receive a 100% refund, minus administrative fee and credit card charges. Reservations canceled between 30 to 60 days before check-in date will receive a 50% refund, minus administrative fee and credit card charges.  Reservations canceled less than 30 days before check-in date will result in forfeiture of the full advance rental payments and any other payments or deposits. Changes to reservations must be requested prior to the final payment due date. Changes to reservations after the final payment due date are not permitted.

 

Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast does not refund due to inclement weather or any other act of God including but not limited to red tide, pandemics, hurricanes, tropical storm or cyclones.  

 

Hurricane / Severe Weather Policy

Guests who have elected to purchase Generali Travel Protection may be eligible for a full or partial reimbursement through Generali Insurance should a Mandatory Evacuation order be issued due to a hurricane or severe weather, subject to the terms defined within Generali’s Vacation Rental Insurance Description of Coverage. Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC will not issue refunds for cancellations or shortened stays due to actual or anticipated hurricanes or severe weather.

 

Home Assignments

Vacation rental home assignments are not guaranteed. The rental home selected at the time of booking will be assigned to your reservation, however, rare circumstances can render your selected rental home unavailable. If your selected rental home becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered acceptable alternate accommodations or a full refund. Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC will not be responsible for any other expenses or indirect costs resulting from the unavailability of a specific rental home.

 

Linens / Towels / Supplies

Bed linens, bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths are provided. Guests are to provide their own beach towels or beach blankets, as provided linens are not to be removed from the rental home. An initial setup of trash can liners, bathroom paper, paper towels, single size laundry detergent and fabric softener, single size dishwasher detergent, sponge, and hand soap is provided. Guests are responsible for purchasing additional paper products and cleaning supplies for the duration of their stay.  All linens and towels are inventoried and counted prior to your arrival.  Any loss of these items will result in an automatic charge to your credit card on file.

 

Furnishings

All rental homes are privately owned. Décor, colors, furnishings, and inventory may change and vary from home to home. However, all rental homes will provide the same general features such as a fully equipped kitchen, coffeemaker, dishwasher, microwave oven, central heat and air conditioning, and television. Please do not rearrange the furniture.

 

Entry to Property

Representatives of Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC or the owners may enter the rental home or premises at any time to make repairs or as needed to inspect and ensure the safekeeping of the property.  Notice will be attempted but not required prior to entry to the rental home.

 

Cleaning

Your rental home will be cleaned to quality standards prior to your arrival. Guests are responsible for cleaning the rental home during their stay and for leaving the rental home in good condition at check-out. Please maintain the cleanliness of your rental home as if it were your own. If your rental home is found abnormally dirty at check-out, you will be subject to additional cleaning charges. A one-time departure cleaning fee is added to your reservation at the time of booking.

 

Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all of our rental homes. Violation of the no smoking policy may result in immediate eviction and an additional cleaning and deodorizing fee which may be withheld from or charged against your Damage Deposit. Smoking is permitted outdoors only and all cigarette butts and smoking debris must be disposed of appropriately.  If cigarette butts are found outside of the home, you will be charged an additional cleaning fee.

 

Pets

Many of our rental homes are pet friendly.  If you wish to bring your pet with you on vacation an additional pet fee of $125 or $200, plus taxes, will be charged.  Pets are limited to dogs only and as such must weigh under 75 pounds. If additional cleaning or repair is needed as a result of your pet, you will be responsible for all costs relating to damages or additional cleaning fees. If you bring a pet to a non-friendly home without prior approval, an automatic charge of $500 will be imposed by Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast OR you will be asked to vacate the home immediately.

 

Damage Waiver

A damage waiver fee of $50 is required for each reservation with Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast.  The damage waiver fee covers unintentional accidental damage; however, it does not include any intentional damage to the property.  The Guest will be responsible for any costs incurred resulting from intentional damage.

 

The damage waiver fee  has certain conditions, limitations and exclusions and will not waive the Guests’ liability for the following damage costs.

 

  1.  Intentional acts or omissions, abuse or neglect by Guest or or Guest’s party.

  2. Negligence or gross negligence.  This includes any damages to the property caused by acts or omissions that could have been foreseen by a reasonable person including damages resulting in any additional cleaning and/or maintenance costs.

  3. Any damage which the Guest does not report immediately to Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast prior to checking out of the property.

  4. Damages, additional cleaning costs or additional maintenance costs caused by an animal allowed on or in the property by the Guest or Guests’ party, including any service or emotional support animals.

  5. Damages resulting from unauthorized smoking on or in a property by Guest or Guests’ party.

  6. Loss, theft  or damage to any personal property of Guest or Guests’ party.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools may be located in the neighborhood or on the premises of your rental home. NO lifeguard or safety personnel is provided. All guests use the pool and other amenities at their own risk. Guests agree to indemnify and hold harmless Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC and the owner from any claim/loss or expense (including attorney's fees and court costs) by guest or guest invitees. Homes that advertise a community pool as an amenity are subject to availability as determined by the managing authority responsible for the care of the pool and not Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast.  Privatepool heaters that are bypassed and turned on without approval from management will result in an automatic charge of $500. Pool alarms are required by Florida State law for private pools. To ensure safety, these alarms cannot be tampered with or altered in any way. Violation of this policy may result in an automatic charge of $500.

 

Private, Heated Pools

Some homes have pool heat available for an additional fee.  Pool heaters may not be able to fully heat the pool if the outside temperature and conditions are 60 degrees or below and/or cloudy with large amounts of rain.  Refunds will not be given on poor pool heat performance due to these reasons.

 

Elevators

These rules apply to personal home elevators as well as condo elevators.  Guest or Guests’ party who tamper with or abuse the elevator equipment or controls or who create an unsafe environment for themselves or others in or around the elevator will be held responsible.  Under no circumstances shall anyone under the age of 16 be in the elevator without adult supervision.  Any injury to an individual or damage to the elevator will be the responsibility of the Guest.

 

Utilities

No compensation will be given for temporary outage of electricity, as, water, cable, or internet.  Utility service outages should be reported immediately and all efforts will be made to have them restored as soon as possible.

 

Construction

No refunds or penalty free cancellations will be given due to construction in the area.  While we strive to give you an accurate representation in our photos, we cannot guarantee that new construction near your rental hasn’t begun since our photos were taken. 

Property for Sale

In the event a property is on the real estate market, Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast may need to allow Realtors to show the property during your stay.  We will make every effort to provide the guests 24 hours notice before scheduling any showings.

 

Key and Lock Out Policy

There will be a minimum charge of $50 for each key, pool tag, golf cart key, or access card and a $100 charge for each garage remote not returned at check-out. In the event you are locked out of your rental home, contact our office at 850.899.5666 or stop by our office for assistance. If calling after hours select the Emergency or After Hours option and an agent will assist you. 

 

General Rules

Boats, trailers, and RV’s are only permitted at those rental homes which specifically provide designated space for them. If damage is incurred as a result of boat, trailer or RV parking, you will be charged the amount to repair the damage.  Special events or social functions, such as but not limited to, weddings, celebration parties, promotional events, or events with multiple attendees who are not registered guests, are not permitted without written permission in advance from Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC and/or the homeowner association as may be applicable.

Policies and Rules

These policies and rules are meant to protect our guests and homeowners alike. All guests, as well as owners, are required to conform accordingly. Violators are subject to eviction according to Florida Statute 509.141. Violation of these Policies and Rules by the guest could result in additional charges, eviction and/or the forfeiture of advance payments of rent. Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC reserves the right to refuse future reservations to any guest who has violated these rental Policies and Rules in the past.

 

Renter Responsibility

Guests are responsible for the property, its contents, themselves, and visitors during occupancy. Guests must lock windows and doors securely when not on the premises. The renter named on this reservation personally guarantees the safe keeping of this rental home during their stay and will be responsible for ensuring that both themselves and all guests, whether they are registered in the rental home or not, adhere to the rules and regulations affecting the building and/or community that you are staying in.

 

Personal Items

Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC  will not be held responsible for acts of theft or vandalism or other damages to the guest's personal items left in the rental home. Neither Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast, nor the property owners, are responsible for personal items left on the premises by guests upon departure.

 

Liability

The guests acknowledge  that Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC, property owners, and employees cannot be held responsible regardless of fault, for any accident, loss, damage or injury suffered by the renter, members of their party or any other guests which the renter or their party have allowed access to the property, regardless if loss is a result directly or indirectly from acts of God, dangers incident to the sea, any body of water, fire, breakdown of machinery, equipment, acts of government or other authorities, delays or cancellations of or changes in itineraries or schedule or from acts of omission. Furthermore, the guests will release and hold harmless any and all parties involved with the rental, management, and reservations of the property and to release and hold harmless it's owners or representatives for any loss or damage to personal property or for any injury and/or death.

 

The guests acknowledge the contagious nature of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and attest that upon entering the premises pursuant to the Agreement:

No guests are experiencing any symptom of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.

 

The guests are not aware of having been exposed to someone with a suspected and/or confirmed case of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 within the last fourteen (14) days.

The guests have not been diagnosed with or tested for Coronavirus/COVID-19, but not yet cleared with a negative test.

 

The guests will release and hold harmless and and all parties involved with the rental, management, and reservations of the property and to release and hold harmless the property owners or representatives for any loss or damage to personal property and or for any injury and/or death, in connection with exposure, infection and/or spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19related to utilizing Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC’s services and owners’ property.

 

Owner’s Agent

Sunshine Vacation Rentals of the Forgotten Coast LLC  is acting as agent of the property owner and reserves the right to make exceptions to the above policies at any time for the best interest of the property owner.

 

Alternative Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises out of or relates to this contract, or the breach thereof, and if the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, the parties agree first to try in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Mediation Procedures before resorting to arbitration

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Arbitration

 

Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act and conducted in Tallahassee, Florida.