florida beach house rentals

Tips on How To Find Great Florida Beach House Rentals

There are plenty of beach house rentals in Florida. Obviously, Florida has been a great investment territory for many years. It might be compared to California's west coast for appreciation. Why? Florida has one of the best climates for spending lots of time on beaches all year round.

Another aspect that makes renting Florida beach houses is that people from northern climates will buy the beach houses as an investment for their retirement. This means they are still working up north during most of the year. It goes without saying that in most cases it is better to have a renter in the beach house than to leave it vacant.

The most expensive months to rent in Florida are the months of November through April. So, the least expensive months to rent are from May through September. You might want to find someone advertising in or near your home town up north and deal with the owner directly rather than working with professional real estate people. If you find the right landlord you might be able to make a deal for an annual rental with them.

Many great beach house rental deals await you via the Internet. Obviously, you'll need to use caution and thoroughly research the individual you are dealing with. You have the right to conduct a background search and verify references on the person you will be renting from. Reputable individuals will graciously provide you with the information required to conduct a background check. Beach house rental properties can cost more than $1,000 per week. Be certain you know who you are handing your hard-earned cash over to.

There are several reputable travel organizations that can help you put together a vacation package to suit your needs. In order to get the best deal, sign-up as a member. Places like Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline and Orbitz are free to join. These types of companies will help you find the best deals on airline tickets, car rentals, sightseeing adventures, and more. However, most do not deal with beach house rentals.

One of the best ways to get a great deal on a beach house rental in Florida is to rent in less populated cities and towns. There are some fabulous finds tucked away in these quaint and charming areas. Generally, the locals are more laid-back and friendly; restaurant prices are lower; and many of the towns and cities are located within 10 to 20 miles of metropolitan cities and major attractions.

Good luck and happy surfing!

Located in a group of islands known as the Florida Keys is Key West. It is the southernmost location in continental US. and it is known as "The Last Resort. Key West is rich in history and culture. It is stated that Juan Ponce de Leon was the first European to visit Key West while on his quest to find the Fountain of Youth. During the time Florida was a Spanish colony, Key West became an established fishing and salvage village. Today it is a wealthy little tourist town.

The Florida Keys seceded from the United States in 1982 and became the "Conch Republic". This secession began as an act in response to a U.S. Border Patrol Blockade, which basically cut off Florida Keys residents from the mainland. You can learn all about it by typing in "Conch Republic" at your favorite search engine. It's quite an interesting tale.
Key West's original Spanish name was Cayo Hueso (k%u012B-yo-way-so), meaning "bone key". According to history books, it is claimed that when the Spanish arrived at Key West, it was littered with bones. Researchers assume these bones are from an Indian battlefield or burial ground; making it a sacred location which is honored by both locals and tourists.

The Florida Keys seceded from the United States in 1982 and became the "Conch Republic". This secession began as an act in response to a U.S. Border Patrol Blockade, which basically cut off Florida Keys residents from the mainland. You can learn all about it by typing in "Conch Republic" at your favorite search engine. It's quite an interesting tale.
People who live in the Florida Keys consider themselves both Americans and Conchs. Both flags are displayed and every April, a week-long celebration takes place to celebrate their Independence. Conch's are passionate about being a Conch, so if you're planning a visit to Key West, be certain to do your homework on this topic.

Technically, the Florida Keys are their own country and different laws apply. They have their own Government, Navy, and official Passport. While Key West residents are fierce about their independence, they are also fun-loving and passionate about having a good time.
Key West is one of the most exotic and beautiful places on Earth. Approximately 27,000 people are full time residents. The majority are laid-back and friendly people, who enjoy the coastal lifestyle and sharing it with tourists.

When you travel to and through Florida it is good to know how the state is laid out. Florida has eight sections including: Southeast, Southwest, Central East, Central, Central West, Northeast, North Central and Northwest.

We are concerned here with the beach areas only. Most beach house rentals come with the basics for living including cooking appliances, linens and towels, cookware and TVs. Some even come with stereo music players, telephones and connections to the Internet. Other have special amenities such as hot tubs and spas. You can find many beach house rentals on or very near great golf courses.

Is boating your pleasure? There are plenty of beach house rentals that cater to boating enthusiasts with rentals of all type of boating equipment. Many include amenities for children such as inflatable backyard swimming pools and water slides, play houses, and swing sets.Most Florida beach house rentals are offered by private individuals or property management organizations. Some are pet-friendly and many offer handicap accessibility. Beach houses can be rented daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or for an entire season. It's important to note there is a 9.5 percent lodging tax added to rental rates.

Most beach house owners require a 50 percent deposit due within ten days from the date you make your reservation. Additionally, most charge a Reservation Fee (usually $50 to $150); and a refundable Damage Deposit (approximately $200 to $500). Other fees may include pet deposits or cancellation penalties. Northwest: Popular destinations in this area include Pensacola, Panama City, Destin and Fort Walton Beach. The average beach house rental in this area consists of a 2-3 bedroom home which includes 1-2 bathrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, and laundry/utility room. Generally, rental rates range from $650 to $1200 per week. You can also find quaint one bedroom cottages or spacious three-story homes with rooftop balconies and crows nest for an expansive view of the ocean. Attractions in Northwest Florida include Belmont Arts and Cultural Center, Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway, Sam's Fun City, Charter Boat Fishing, Water Sports, Museums, and Historic Sites.

Southwest: This area attracts tourists who enjoy the finer things in life. Naples, Everglades City, Marco Island and Cape Coral are just a few of the gems you'll find in this area of Florida. Beach house rentals in this area range between $1500 and $6500 per week. The majority of beach houses include enclosed swimming pools, golf courses and recreational facilities. Many are in gated communities.

Popular attractions include Naples Botanical Garden, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Everglades adventure tours, kayaking and canoeing, Airboat excursions, and saltwater fishing charters.
Southeast: For those who enjoy hot weather and hot fun, Southeast Florida is the place to be. Home to Miami, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Key Largo and Key West, this area of Florida offers an abundance of high energy activities, concerts, restaurants, and nightlife.Rates for rental beach houses in Southeast Florida range between $2500 and $10,000 per week. Ft. Lauderdale rentals start at around $1500 per week, while rentals in Palm Beach can be found for $900 per week or less. Key Largo and Key West rental properties range between $975 and $8500 per week.

Southeast Florida is rich in culture and offers an abundance of culinary delights and exciting nightlife activities. Popular attractions include Everglades Alligator Farm, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Miami Seaquarium, Monkey Jungle, Parrot Jungle Island, Ecological Tours and Adventure Expeditions, Yacht charters and cruises, museums and historic sites.

Things to know about Renting a Beach House in Florida

In Florida the sun shines more than 300 days each year. It's no surprise that the Florida beaches are some of the best places to rent especially for northern folks.

Renting a beach house allows you to enjoy the comfort of home living and eliminates the hassles and frustrations of hotels.

Remember, though, that you need to do your research before you rent a beach house. Try to learn as much as you can about the person renting the house. Are they smokers? Do they sound very conscious about how you would treat their house if you rent? That is a good sign. It probably means the house will be spotlessly clean and safe.

Getting a list of references from the landlord is essential. If the landlord balks at giving references, say good-bye and look for another house.

If you find a very good house and landlord make sure you treat the house better than your own. You will probably want to rent it again next year!

Apalachicola
Bradenton
Clearwater
Daytona Beach
Destin
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Myers
Gainesville
Jacksonville
Key Largo
Key West
Miami Beach
Miami
Naples
Orlando
Panama City Beach
Pensacola Pensacola
St. Augustine
St. Petersburg
Sarasota
Tampa
Tallahassee
Tarpon Springs
Palm Beach
West Palm Beach

Northeast: This area is home to Amelia Island, Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Beach house rentals range in price from $800 to $1500 for a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Palm Coast offers the most affordable beach house rental rates, while Amelia Island and St. Augustine are more expensive. Attractions in Northeast Florida include the Budweiser Brewery Tour, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Cruises and Fishing Charters, multiple museums and historic sites, and an abundance of entertainment and nightlife.

North Central: This area includes the coastal cities of Gainesville, Levy, Dixie, Taylor, Wakulla and Alacuha. For the most part, beach house rentals in this area are actually located on rivers and bays. Homes in this area offer a more "woodsy" feel, as many are located in secluded locations.Vacation home rental prices range from $400 to $650 per week in this area. Oftentimes, vacation homes in North Central Florida can be found for as little as $1200 per month.Attractions include Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Florida Museum of Natural History, NHRA racing, Waldo's Antique Village, guided and unguided kayak and canoe trips, and an abundance of outdoor activities.

Central West: Here you'll find St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Brandenton and Tampa. The average cost of a rental beach house in Central West Florida is approximately $800 per week for a two bedroom, one bathroom home. Popular attractions include the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway, St. Petersburg Pier (most recognized waterfront landmark), The Pier Aquarium, Sunken Gardens, Captain Memo's Original Pirate Cruise, Saltwater Fishing Charters, Museums, and Trail of the Lost Tribes (a nonprofit network of 28 archaeological sites, parks, and museums).

Central East: Most of Florida's quaint and intimate beaches are located in this area. Charming beach house rentals are abundant in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, and Vero Beach. New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater offer some of the best rental rates in the area, with rates starting as low as $250 per week. Not only that, they are located on some of Florida's most beautiful stretch of white sandy beaches and are considerably less crowded than other locations. Central East Florida attractions include Daytona USA Speedway tours, Highland Park Fish Camp, Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center and Visual Arts Gallery, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Manatee Scenic Cruises, St. Johns River Cruise