Find vacation home listings through commercial and free websites, classifieds and real estate companies. There is higher probability of finding more places to rent at least six months before your trip date. Last-minute bookings are usually lower priced since the owner knows he is running out of time to get a renter into his property.
When vacationing near beaches or theme parks, travel off-season and not during school breaks, as homes are less in demand and cheaper to rent at those times.
Know the number of bedrooms you need and if the house is pet friendly. Ask questions while researching properties and request recent photos. This makes it more difficult for homes to be misrepresented.
After choosing a Florida rental, get a written contract listing all the rules, time frames and payment terms. Be aware of any penalties in the event the contract must be canceled.
Do not send any money by wire transfer, according to Vacation Rentals. Pay your deposit and balance by credit card, which will enable you to fight charges in the event that your Florida rental turns out to be a fraud. Be aware of Florida's local and homeowner association laws to avoid the risk of tickets and fines.
