TOURISM
Barbara Unger-Lengen has set up special areas of her property for vacation
renters such as this carport, comfortably decorated and supplied for early
morning coffee and solitude.
makes sure guests understand the rules and regulations and
he answers questions. “I’m very present at the beginning, and
then they have complete privacy.”
ST. LUCIE COUNTY’S THREE-IN-ONE
Airbnb host Barbara Unger-Lengen says that good communication
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is the key to a good vacation rental. She gives her
phone number to neighbors, alerting them when renters will
arrive. Renters are told exactly what is and is not permitted
and the fact that she has a cat — details that may make the
difference between a good experience and a bad one.
ARE YOU IN THE ZONE?
There’s more to owning a vacation rental than buying
new towels. Airbnb, Vrbo and others offer help features
online, but they also urge owners to check out local laws
before listing. Permitted uses for property varies by county,
city and homeowners associations, but here are some starting
places:
• For the state of Florida, call 850-487-1395
or visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com
• In Indian River County, call 772-226-1237
or visit http://www.irccdd.com/
• In St. Lucie County, call 772-462-1650
or visit https://www.tcslc.com
• In Martin County, call 772-288-5600
or visit http://taxcol.martin.fl.us
Unger-Lengen’s property is unique. She lives onsite, renting
out three spaces: a room in her home, an RV site, and a
“glamping” tent in the back yard. She requires a minimum of
one week for rentals and no longer than three months.
For many vacationers, any spot in Florida is attractive,
but Unger-Lengen’s location draws a certain clientele. It’s
close to the hospital, Indian River State College, beaches and
freeways. She’s single but has never felt unsafe with strangers
there. “Airbnb vets both its hosts and renters,” she says,
“and the company is very supportive to hosts if there are
ever any issues.” >>
Whether renting a room
in Unger-Lengen’s home,
the RV site beside it, or the
“glamping” tent in the back
yard, renters have access to a
tropical, peaceful space that
includes a pool.
/www.tcslc.com
/
/www.myfloridalicense.com
/taxcol.martin.fl.us