How large should our rental home be?

Rental homes are governed by the State of Florida's Department of Hotels. Just like hotels, there is a maximum number of people that are allowed in each rental. The formula is very simple. If you have a two bedroom rental home, you may have no more than four in the bedrooms and two more guests using the sleeper sofa for a maximum of six guests. For each additional bedroom you can add two more guests. Therefore a three bedroom can sleep eight and a four bedroom can sleep ten etc....... unless otherwise stated.

	What size of home should I rent? What happens if the extra guests are children who can sleep on the floor?
	Florida Law is very strict. Most of our homes are in residential neighborhoods and between our pool, lawn and maid services we know if there are too many guests in the home. Florida Law allows us to evict guests who violate these laws with no opportunity for compensation.

How are prices determined?

Like hotels, there are really three rate seasons for rental homes in Orlando - Low Season, Peak Summer and Peak Holiday Weeks. Each period offers special discounts and rate changes. Please contact us for our best rates. (Subject to Availability) If your vacation dates cross between two different rate periods, then the rate is based on the period covered by the majority of the days. Please consult with us should you not be clear on any of our pricing formulas.

	Are pets allowed?
	Sorry, but we have too many guests that have allergies. Our properties are all privately owned by investor owners and therefore, our contract with each owner says we will not allow pets in our rentals. Guests who fail to honor this obligation will lose their security deposit and will be removed from the rental.

	Are there "non smoking" rental homes?
	All our homes are non smoking homes. We ask guests that do smoke to smoke outside on the pool deck. After each guest departs, the villa is professionally cleaned. Smoking has not been a problem in any of our villas.

	Is there extra maid service?
	This can be arranged in advance of your arrival for an extra fee. It is not always available during busier holiday periods. We have found that most guests change their minds after they arrive as they realize that they can complete most cleaning themselves, as all supplies are provided in the villa. Each villa comes equipped with a vacuum, broom, mop and pail.

	How can I make a reservation?
	There are several methods you can use. We actually prefer that you call us in Florida for the most personalized service. You can also fax us with your actual needs or simply e-mail us with your details. Whichever way you select, we always respond quickly.

Why do I have to provide a Security (Damage) Deposit with my reservation?

Each villa is privately owned. We need to protect ourselves and our investor owners against incidental or accidental damage while a guest is in residence. We also feel that the amount sends a clear message that each guest must be responsible for their own group or family. When you depart, our maids clean up the rental and submit a report. With each reservation there is the requirement that you register and supply a cash or check deposit. We hope that you will tell us if you break or damage any items. If you don't, then your deposit will be applied against these damages. Some guests question this policy and say they would never damage a rental villa. We know this may be the case but then accidents do happen. When you check in to a hotel or rent a car in Florida you also are required to leave a credit card imprint or leave a large cash deposit. Our policy is not unique. Last year, we handled a large number of vacations for families and only two of them substantially damaged the rentals. Our home owner investors were certainly pleased that there were deposits in place to replace the damage. After your departure, once we have the Maids Report in place, your deposit is returned. It generally takes 10 to 14 days for this to occur. Please note that we always write you a letter and maintain on file photographic evidence of any substantial damages.

What happens if I cancel a reservation?

If you cancel 60 days or more ahead of arrival there is no penalty. If you cancel 30 to 60 days you lose 1/2 your deposit. If you cancel 7 to 30 days before arrival you will lose your deposit. If you cancel 7 days or less or fail to arrive or cancel on the last day, you will be subject to loss of deposit and the cost of one night rental accommodation. The only exception to this rule is cancelled vacations at Easter, Christmas or New Years, when you must pay for the reservation 30 days ahead. We can hold deposits against future vacation plans for up to six months after your cancelled date. If you need to make changes in your vacation dates, after it has been mailed, please contact us immediately.

How do I select the right house?

We get this question everyday. Many guests decide in advance what is most important to them. We suggest you make a list and then decide on these items. How many bedrooms? Many guests do not actually spend a lot of time in the villa, so location is important. Others are here to relax, so having a private home in a quieter neighborhood may be the most important. As you get close to Disney®, houses tend to be smaller as land is so expensive. Will I be using the pool a lot of the time? Would I be happy in a standard home or do I want to upgrade to an executive home? Once you have made this list you can then start your search. All of the Kissimmee area is served by high speed motorways, therefore, it is just a matter of your deciding what your actual needs are. Remember, generally speaking, the closer you get to Disney® the smaller the properties tend to be and therefore the homes "may" have fewer amenities than you are looking for. It takes time and effort, but our friendly staff can best advise you if you need assistance.

	Am I guaranteed to get the house I requested?
	Yes, as it serves no interest for us to feature one home and substitute it with another. Once you have your confirmation we do not substitute homes unless there is a major breakdown in the house or it becomes unrentable due to unplanned circumstances. We always make every attempt to notify guests when changes have to be made.

Where are the rental homes located?

Many companies claim they have locations near Disney® but guests arrive to find that near could mean up to one hours driving time. We only manage homes in Kissimmee. Do not be fooled. So called vacation homes in areas such as Polk County or Lake County may seem to offer a great deal on-line, but the so called savings will be eaten up in gas prices as you fill your tank daily, not to mention your time. These so called "close to Disney®" neighborhoods also lack restaurants, shops and services. We will not even manage rental homes if they do not have a Kissimmee address so be assured that Florida Villas and Homes has its selection of vacation homes near Disney World®.

	How far are the homes from the airports?
	The traveling time from Orlando International Airport is approx 25 minutes and 45 minutes from Sanford.

	How far are the homes away from the theme parks?
	Disney® is at the most 10 minutes (approximately 8 miles), Universal Studios 20 minutes and Sea World 15 minutes.

	How far are the homes (in miles) from stores and restaurants?
	Homes are approximately 3 miles from a 24 hour grocery store, and approximately 3 miles away from restaurants and fast food outlets.

	How far are the nearest beaches?
	It takes approximately 60 minutes to get to the nearest beach.

	Are there golf courses in the area?
	There are courses close at hand and at least 5 within 20 minutes of our homes.

Do you offer a shuttle service?

No. Each property in privately owned and is not a hotel. Orlando/Kissimmee is really a resort with very little in the way of public transportation except for taxis. You need to rent a car or van to best maneuver through Florida. Some hotels offer shuttles services but most are not free. They tend to run once an hour and many guests find that after their vacation they wish they rented a car. Disney World®, Universal Studios and Sea World are about 20 miles apart and therefore reaching these parks can be inconvenient if you do not have a rental car of your own.

	What about air conditioning, washers and dryers, and televisions?
	All rentals have central air conditioning systems that you control. All have a washer and dryer. All rentals have at least two color televisions with cable, and all have VCR's and stereos. These homes are individually owned and therefore we can only suggest that each owner maintains a minimum standard. Some homes have extra TV's and VCR's.

Are all pools heated?

No. But, this is particularly advisable between October 15th and May 30th when pool temperatures are at the mercy of the air temperatures and generally fall below 75F. If you think that you will require a heated pool then you can request this. Please be aware that it does take a minimum 24 hours to heat a pool and you are invoiced from the day it is turned on. The pool should reach 82F temperature. Pool heating is required for a minimum of 5 nights. Electric Pool Heater rates are: $20 per day or $140 per week. Pool Heat is taxed by the State of Florida at 12 %.

	How are the kitchens equipped?
	Each kitchen is fully equipped with all major appliances and has an adequate supply of dishes and cutlery to satisfy the needs of the number of guests that are assigned to the rental. Vacation rentals are not intended or supplied for the needs of major meals. Please don't expect items like baking dishes or large roasting pans. As we say:" just remember that mom is on vacation too....."

	Do the homes have BBQ Grills?
	If you call our office before your arrival you can reserve a grill for a nominal fee.

	I have a baby, what facilities do you offer?
	You can rent baby strollers, cribs, and car seats upon availability.

	Are any homes designed for physically challenged people?
	All of our homes are wheelchair accessible.

	Who do I call if something goes wrong?
	You can reach our on-site property managers for any emergencies 24 hours a day.

	What do we do if we have a late flight?
	By simply calling our office, arrangements can be made for late key pickup and also, if requested in advance, Food Packs or Welcome Packs can be waiting in your home for an additional charge.

	Are any of these homes available for purchase?
	Absolutely! Let us know and a real estate agent can contact you.