Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions of Occupancy Agreement, (hereafter called “Agreement”) between Vacation Rentals of the Florida Keys, LLC (hereafter called VROTFK) and Signer, (hereafter called “Guest”). Vacation Rentals of the Florida Keys, LLC is a non-real estate agency, non- Realtor® affiliated business entity separate from Florida Keys Real Estate Group which is a licensed real estate business.

By “submitting” this form, that you the Guest are confirming that you have read and agreed to the rules and regulations listed below.

Guest Obligations
We expect all guests to have reasonable and orderly conduct in the residence with respect given to the terms of this Agreement, the property, the law and the neighbors. Guests are responsible for damages as outline in the damage section under “Security Deposit & Travel Insurance”. All guests agree to indemnify and keep this agency and its employees, free and harmless from any liabilities for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from, related, or in connection with the rental of the premises, including but not limited to, any claim or liability for personal injury or damage or loss of property which is made, incurred or sustained by guests or guests of guests/invitees. Should any of the terms of this agreement be breached by guest, resulting in legal action on the part of the Agent or Owner against Guest (s) in court or a settlement is reached, the prevailing party shall be entitled to collect all costs of said legal action, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys fees.

Reservation Process
To make a reservation, you must be at least twenty-five (25) years old and must occupy the property for the entire duration of your stay. We do not rent to groups where all members are under twenty-five (25) years old. If it is discovered that no one in the group meets this age requirement for the entire stay, the group will be required to leave the property immediately without a refund.

Maximum occupancy limits are clearly stated for each property and are strictly enforced. The city or county the property resides in is responsible for setting the occupancy of the property. Occupancy includes all adults and children of all ages, including infants. If it is found that your group has exceeded the maximum occupancy, the additional guests will be required to leave. If they do not comply, the entire group will be asked to vacate the property with no refund provided.

Payments & Accounting
All payments and prices are in USD. To secure a reservation, a deposit of 30% of the total cost is required, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to arrival. Payments can be made using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. We also accept checks (bank or personal), but they must be overnighted, and the full balance must be paid upfront. If you book through a third-party site, payment terms may differ, so please refer to that site for specific details. However, the final balance will still be due 60 days before arrival. For reservations made less than 60 days prior to arrival, full payment is required at the time of booking. If the balance remains unpaid 50 days before arrival, we reserve the right to cancel the reservation and relist the property. Your initial deposit is nonrefundable if the final payment is not made. Additionally, if the initial deposit is not received within 14 days of booking, the reservation will be canceled and the property will be advertised for rent.

Cancellations & Substitutions
Cancellations made sixty-one (61) days or more before the arrival date are eligible for a refund, minus a two hundred- and fifty-dollar ($250) cancellation fee plus 12.5% tax. Cancellations or changes made sixty (60) days or less before arrival are non-refundable, and all payments will be forfeited. Any changes to your reservation, such as date modifications or adding insurance, must be requested at least sixty-one (61) days before your arrival. The requirements for travel insurance are detailed in the Travel Insurance section below. Changes requested after the sixty-one (61) day deadline may be declined or subject to additional charges.

Late arrivals or early departures do not qualify for any refund or credit of the rental rate. In rare instances where a refund is granted within the 60 days before arrival, a two hundred- and fifty-dollar ($250) cancellation fee plus 12.5% tax will still apply. If your reservation was made through a third-party site, the cancellation fee may not apply; please refer to the cancellation policy of the booking site.

While we strive to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay, certain issues may arise that are beyond our control, such as plumbing, electrical, or air conditioning failures, or the sale of the property. If such issues occur and alternative accommodations are not available, we will make every effort to find a suitable replacement property. However, if that is not possible, a full refund will be provided. Please note that in these situations, Vrotfk will not be held responsible for any consequential or secondary circumstances, including but not limited to relocation expenses, additional travel costs, or any other losses.

Vrotfk is not liable for any inconvenience caused by temporary defects or interruptions in the supply of water, gas, or electricity, construction noise from outside the property, internet or cable outages, sea grass in the canal, the smell of sea grass, natural causes, insects, or any malfunctioning of the pool, hot tub, or plumbing, including issues with pool heating. Additionally, Vrotfk is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from weather conditions, including hurricanes.

If you are traveling during hurricane season (June 1 – November 30), we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. This insurance can protect you in the event of natural disasters, acts of God, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our/your control. Please refer to the Travel Insurance section for more information.

Damage Protection & Travel Insurance
Vacation Rentals of the Florida Keys partners with Rental Guardian for damage insurance, which is already included in the rental cost. There are no refundable security deposit options. If you book through a third-party platform, such as Airbnb, the damage insurance may not apply.

We offer optional Travel Insurance at 7% of the total rental cost, and a second option, "Cancel for Any Reason," at 10.8% of the rental cost. These options can be added up until the final payment is made (60 days prior). However, the "Cancel for Any Reason" policy must be added within 14 days of booking; after this window, it is no longer available. If you choose to add travel insurance, be aware that you have a 10-day window to cancel the insurance for a refund. After this period, the travel insurance becomes non-refundable. The "Cancel for Any Reason" option is available only to U.S. traveler and excludes the following states: NY, NH, WA & PR. If you book through a third-party platform, you will need to purchase travel insurance directly through them, as we cannot offer it for those reservations.

This insurance covers trip cancellation, trip delay or interruption, rental car collision damage waiver, baggage delay, medical expenses and emergency medical transportation, roadside assistance, concierge services, identity theft, and more. If you are traveling between June 1 and November 30, which is hurricane season, purchasing this insurance is highly recommended. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, there is no guarantee of any refund in the event of cancellation or disruption.

In the event of a Hurricane and no insurance is purchased you will be refunded for the days of mandatory evacuation only. We encourage guests who are traveling during hurricane season to purchase travel insurance.

Rates & Fees
Published rates are subject to change without notice. Required fees that are mandatory are the following: Cleaning fee (varies from property to property), Processing fee (varies from property to property), 7.5% State Sales tax, and 5% Monroe County Tourist Tax. Depending on the property there might be other fees such as pet fees, pool heat fees, resort fees or boat fees. If you are booking on a third-party platform, they have their own service fees that have nothing to with Vrotfk.

Housekeeping
Cleaning fees vary depending on the property, and we also offer mid-stay cleanings. The cost of a mid-stay cleaning is based on the specific tasks you request, and payment is typically requested after the service is completed.

If you find the property is not clean upon your arrival or if there are any cleaning issues, please contact your property manager immediately. Our cleaning staff will address and resolve the issue promptly. We cannot be held responsible for issues that are not reported, and concerns cannot be addressed after check-out or once you have returned home.

Please do not enter the property early on your arrival day without the manager's permission. If cleaning staff are still working, do not disturb them or attempt to gain access. If you arrive and the cleaning has not been completed, please contact your property manager immediately so they can provide you with an estimated time of completion. We do try our best to make sure that each home is ready by 4pm but in high season that are no guarantees.

Smoking
All of our properties are strictly non-smoking. Smoking of any kind is prohibited within the units. If evidence of smoking is found, your credit card will be charged five hundred dollars ($500.00) plus the cost of removing all evidence of smoking. This typically includes expenses for dry-cleaning window treatments and bedspreads, shampooing upholstery and carpets, ozone air treatments and replacing air filters. Additionally, you will be required to vacate the property immediately without a refund of any payments. Please ensure that you smoke only outside and clean up any evidence of smoking. By signing this agreement, you authorize us to charge your credit card for any costs associated with smoking in the property.

Arrival & Departure
Check-in time is 4:00 PM, and check-out time is 10:00 AM. If the property is booked back-to-back on the day of your arrival or departure, early check-in or late check-out will not be available. In some cases, certain properties may allow for early check-in or late check-out for an additional fee, depending on the requested time. Please verify with the property manager if this option is available for your stay, as not all properties permit early or late access. Please note that entering the property early or departing late without prior permission may result in additional charges.

Check-in instructions are sent two days prior to your arrival via text and email in the form of a virtual guidebook link. This link will also include departure instructions. We kindly ask that you assist our cleaning staff by completing some of the departure tasks, though we understand if time does not permit.

Pets
Not all homes are pet-friendly. Please note that even if a property is not designated as pet-friendly, it does not guarantee that the owner has never had a pet on the premises. If anyone in your party has pet allergies, please inquire about this before booking. Pet-friendly homes will clearly state the maximum number of pets allowed and any specific restrictions in their descriptions. The pet fee is non-refundable and varies based on the breed, size, and number of pets. Most properties are dog-friendly and do not allow cats or other animals. If you wish to bring a pet that is not a dog, you must verify this with the manager or refer to the property description.

Certain dog breeds are prohibited due to insurance liabilities. These include Pit Bulls (also known as American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bulldog), Rottweilers, Chows, Akitas, Wolf Hybrids, Beaucerons, German Shepherds, and Dobermans, as well as any mix of these breeds or any dog with a history of biting. If any of these breeds are found in your unit or on the premises, you will be required to vacate immediately without a refund.

If a pet fee has not been paid, but there is evidence of an animal in the house, a charge of three hundred dollars ($300.00) per pet will be applied to your credit card. If any dogs or cats are found in a non-pet-friendly unit or on the premises, a charge of five hundred dollars ($500.00) per pet will be applied to your credit card, and you will be required to vacate immediately without a refund.

As a guest, you are responsible and liable for any damage to the property or any items within the property caused by your pet. Please ensure that your pet is crated when you are not in the unit. You are also responsible for any personal injuries to any person caused by your pet. Any issues must be reported to your property manager immediately. Additionally, it is your duty to remove all pet waste from the property. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) if pet waste is found on the property after your departure.

Please note that the above pet policies do not apply to service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs) as defined under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). However, if you are bringing an ESA, you are required to provide an up-to-date ESA letter upon request.

Amenities & Inventory
All properties are equipped with linens, towels, cooking utensils, pots and pans, dishes, basic housekeeping items, and some small appliances such as coffee makers and blenders. If you are looking for specific items, please verify with the manager or check the property description. Note that not all properties include grills due to fire code regulations.

All properties are equipped with a starter set of paper and soap products, which includes two rolls of toilet paper per bathroom (larger homes may have three rolls), one roll of paper towels in the kitchen (larger homes may have two rolls), one box of tissues, and starter quantities of laundry detergent, dish soap, dishwasher soap, hand soap, and travel-sized shampoos, conditioners, and body wash. Guests are responsible for bringing or purchasing any additional supplies as needed.

Each property is individually and privately owned, reflecting the personal taste of its owner(s). While we strive to provide accurate descriptions, we cannot be held responsible for changes made by owners to furnishings or equipment.

Some properties offer access to a pool, whether private, shared, or through an off-site pool club. This information will be detailed in the property description, and it is the guest's responsibility to verify pool access. The same applies to hot tubs and dockage. Guests should also confirm dockage availability and any restrictions for boats and vessels.

Boats, Trailers & Vehicles
RV’s, boats, motor homes, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and similar vehicles are not permitted without explicit approval, which may involve additional charges. Under no circumstances are boats or vehicles allowed to be used for accommodation purposes or connected to the utilities of the main home. Some properties may have docks, which may or may not provide power or water. Guests are responsible for confirming the available space for vehicles and boat trailers at the property. Please note that not all properties offer on-site trailer storage.

Rules, Regulations & Quiet Hours
All guests must adhere to the rules, regulations, and quiet hours specific to the area where the property is located. Guests agree not to disturb neighbors with loud noise, music, or any unlawful or unsafe behavior. If you engage in or allow such behavior, you will be asked to vacate the property and will forfeit the remaining rental fee and deposits. Participation in unlawful activities, including environmental destruction, natural resource violations, or public nuisance violations, may also result in eviction. Quiet Hours are from 10pm till 8am.

You may be required to sign additional documents related to the area or the complex. Copies of the rules and regulations for the property’s location will be provided in the virtual guidebook and posted at the property in a binder or other format. Each city and county in the Keys has specific rules regarding occupancy, noise, pets, and other rental restrictions.

Utilities
Most homes are equipped with cable TV, satellite TV, or internet access, but this is not guaranteed for all properties. Some homes may offer streaming services only, while others have cable TV. Typically, homes provide a basic cable package, but not all channels may be available. It is the responsibility of the guest to verify whether the property includes the desired amenities by reviewing the property descriptions or confirming with the property manager. Vrotfk is not responsible for any service interruptions or for services not being available in every room of the property. Guests are not entitled to refunds or credit card chargebacks for service interruptions. Any calls or services, including but not limited to pay-per-view, downloaded games, or movies, that are not billed to your own payment method will be charged to your credit card.

Canals, Sea Grass, Pests, Camera & Construction
The Florida Keys, being in a tropical climate, are prone to pests such as ants, scorpions, no-see-ums, and palmetto bugs. While we take every precaution to minimize their presence, we cannot guarantee that the interior of the property will be entirely free of pests.

During certain times of the year, sea grass may accumulate in canals or along the shore of properties. Sea grass is common in the area and may have a distinct, unpleasant odor. We are unable to control or remove sea grass and will not offer refunds or credits if it is present during your stay.

Some properties may have exterior security cameras. Interior cameras are not permitted; if you discover one, please notify Vrotfk immediately. All properties with cameras will have them disclosed in their description. Do not touch, adjust, unplug or block any cameras on property. They are for both your safety and the owner’s safety.

We strive to keep our guests informed about any construction near the rental properties. However, Vrotfk is not responsible for any inconveniences caused by construction on roadways, utility easements, or surrounding properties, and no refunds or credits will be provided for such disturbances.

Lost & Found
Please ensure that you have collected all of your belongings before departing from the property. Any items left behind will be turned in by the cleaning staff or property manager, along with the date and property where they were found.

We may not contact you about items unless they are of significant importance (such as passports, plane tickets, or wallets). If you realize after your departure that you left something behind, you will be responsible for the shipping cost to return the items to you. Any unclaimed items after 30 days will be donated or discarded.

Errors, Omissions & Changes
Vrotfk and our managers make every effort to ensure that the information for each property is accurate and current on all our websites and integrated platforms. However, we cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Vrotfk is not liable for any inadvertent errors, omissions, or recent changes made by property owners. Our policies, descriptions, conditions, rates, and amenities are subject to change without notice prior to your occupancy. We are also not responsible for any external conditions, such as construction, neighboring properties, or neighboring pets. Additionally, we do not assume responsibility for on-site amenities such as ice makers, bait freezers, bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards, or similar items. Please review all property descriptions carefully to confirm the availability of these amenities, as not all properties include them.

Non-Liability for Personal Property
Guests acknowledge and agree that neither the Owner nor Vrotfk will be liable for any loss of or damage to personal property located in or on the premises, or stored in rooms or other areas provided to the Guest. Additionally, the Owner, Vrotfk, and their employees will not be responsible for any failure to repair or maintain any part of the premises or its contents. Guests further agree that neither the Owner nor Vrotfk, or their employees, will be liable for damage to personal property resulting from theft, vandalism, fire, water, rain, acts of God or government, utility interruptions, or any other third-party or external causes.

Hold Harmless
The Guest agrees to be responsible for and indemnify Vrotfk, holding them harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, actions, causes of action, expenses, damages, losses, or injuries sustained by any person, including the Guest, their family, agents, guests, or invitees, resulting from or arising out of the Guest's occupancy. This includes, but is not limited to, claims related to the use of any pools, hot tubs, spa pools, ponds, open water (such as the Ocean, Gulf, or Bay), canals, water areas, docks, bunk beds, grills, fire pits, water toys, floats, kayaks, bikes, paddle boards, or similar items, whether supplied by the owner or not.

Additionally, the Guest shall be liable for and indemnify Vrotfk against any attorney's fees and court costs incurred by Vrotfk in enforcing any terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement or as a result of any claims arising during the Guest's occupancy.

Hurricane Policy
Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. Tenants are required to vacate the premises if a mandatory evacuation order is issued due to a hurricane. In the rare event that such an order occurs during your stay and you have not purchased travel insurance, you will be issued a credit refund for any unused portion of your stay. We encourage guests traveling during this time to purchase travel insurance.

If you have a confirmed reservation and are unable to travel due to the closure of local airports or connecting roadways because of a mandatory evacuation, and you have not purchased travel insurance, you will receive a refund for any unused portion of your stay.

If a property is damaged by a storm and is not available for rental, we will make every effort to relocate you to a similar property or issue a refund. However, no refunds will be provided if the hurricane is not a direct threat to the Florida Keys and travel issues arise from canceled flights or adverse conditions outside the Keys.

We offer two types of travel insurance that cover storms. We strongly recommend purchasing one of these options if you plan to rent during hurricane season.

Property Listed for Sale & Showing Requests
Upon your arrival, the property may be listed for sale. We require agents to provide at least twenty-four (24) hours' notice before scheduling showings. The property manager and listing agent will be present during these showings. If we do not receive a response from you, we will proceed with the showing as planned. Guests are allowed to decline showings if they do not feel comfortable. Guests also do not have to vacate the property during the showing either, you are welcome to hang inside or out. If the property is sold before your arrival and the new owners do not honor the existing agreement, Vrotfk will make every effort to find an alternative accommodation. If we are unable to secure an alternative, you will receive a full refund.