Looking through the increasing number of villa web sites and magazines it has become evident that some owners of properties in Florida are taking considerable risks by renting properties illegally, in areas not zoned for short term rental usage. If there is a complaint from neighbours or intervention by the zoning authorities, severe penalties can be levied.
Zoning regulations, determine if you are legally able to rent the property and if so, the length of rental periods.
There are two aspects to zoning - the policy of the local county - in some areas counties have zoning policies restricting your rights to rent your property under a month, bimonthly etc. This effectively means that you are not going to attract British holiday renters requiring a one or two week rental.
The other aspect of zoning is the policy of individual developments and condos - these policies are to be found in lengthy, legalistic association documents, many developments restrict rentals (particularly outside Greater Orlando) - as they want a neighbourhood, which is not a sea of constantly changing faces!
Only last month the story of a British family served with legal papers by the local county was reported in the press. Several years ago they bought a house directly from a developer without using a Realtor. They only used it themselves for holidays and rented it for short term vacation lets. They had not checked the zoning status on purchase, their neighbours were uncomfortable with the usage – British visitors were viewed as notorious for using the swimming pool very early in the morning – time difference! –eventually the inevitable happened and complaints were filed.
Unfortunately there are agents selling property in Florida who are either not familiar or gloss over the importance of zoning regulations - hence you may be told to pretend the renters are members of your family - bringing a whole new dimension to the concept of an extended family! The independent investor determined to do everything himself is also vulnerable to the zoning pitfall. DIY buying a house in Florida can be a pointless and dangerous exercise,
Why on earth, when spending such a large amount buying property in a foreign country do people not use a licensed, experienced professional, specializing in overseas buyers preferably as a Buyers Broker to guide them through the pitfalls, particularly when the service under the American system is free to the buyer
This is a very brief summary of the information covered in our in depth briefing session, I cannot emphasise enough this whole area needs to be looked at in the greatest detail - not glossed over - for more information please click here.
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For further information on how to obtain specialist advice on relocating or buying property in Florida, the advantages and disadvantages of different locations, and importantly How to obtain details of specialised fully licensed Real Estate Agents, experienced in explaining options from a British perspective. Click here
Thinking about buying a property in Florida - click here
Thinking about selling a property in Florida - click here
Thinking about emigrating to Florida - click here
Thinking about retirement to Florida - click here
Just want to be sent property information and details of suitable agents with excellent testimonials and a proven track record of working with British buyers – click here
Andrew Bartlett an acknowledged expert on property trends and relocation in Florida, writes articles and answers readers’ questions for several British publications including Florida Magazine, Escape Magazine, Place in the Sun, Sunday Times, America, and The Red guide to buying Property in America and is regularly consulted by journalists and broadcasters. His consumer web guides have received numerous accolades.
Andrew was a Senior Government Official for 20 years before relocating to Florida several years ago where he was headhunted to set up specialist British property and relocation teams for Coldwell Banker and Remax - America’s largest estate agents. He then established a uniquely impartial and independent relocation and property briefing company working between Britain and Florida. He has written a number of watchdog style articles on overseas property and emigration selling techniques.
