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Okaloosa submits “Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan” to state for approval

Okaloosa County staff have worked since yesterday’s announcement of the possibility of reopening vacation rentals to visitors by Governor Ron DeSantis to create an acceptable plan for moving forward with rentals. After coordinating individually with commissioners, County Administrator John Hofstad made the decision to proceed with submitting a plan to the Governor for approval today […]

Okaloosa County staff have worked since yesterday’s announcement of the possibility of reopening vacation rentals to visitors by Governor Ron DeSantis to create an acceptable plan for moving forward with rentals.

After coordinating individually with commissioners, County Administrator John Hofstad made the decision to proceed with submitting a plan to the Governor for approval today

“The plan is largely consistent with similar plans created in Walton and Santa Rosa counties and meets the guidelines provided by DBPR late yesterday,” wrote Commissioner Boyles in an email. “The plan prohibits renting to visitors from several states (including Louisiana) unless the stay length exceeds the 14-day self quarantine requirement currently in place by the Governor.”

The county will now await for approval of the plan from the state, however, the TDC will still meet on Monday to review the plan and can still suggest adjustments.

“The Commission will meet on Tuesday and presumably ratify the decision to submit the request and the plan and direct any adjustments to the plan if needed,” said Boyles. 

According to Okaloosa County, the plan still has to be voted on by the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday. There is no timeline yet how how fast the state will approve the plans submitted from any county.

Here is what the plan currently looks like:

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Community Comments

“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
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“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”
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“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
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“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
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“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
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“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
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“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
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“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”
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“Will there be a new traffic signal on Beal Parkway for the new Eglin Credit Union Ops Center on Beal Parkway?”
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