Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Cancellations:  Reservations canceled 30 days or more prior to the scheduled arrival date may be refunded less a 5% cancellation fee of the advance payment amount  Reservations canceled 29 days or less prior to the scheduled arrival date will not receive a refund unless the home is re-rented for the same dates and rental rate.  If the same dates are rented at a lesser rate, the difference in the rental rate will be forfeited from the deposit.  If the same dates are not re-rented, the deposit will be forfeited in full or the reservation may be reinstated.  A reservation may be rescheduled up to 14 days prior to arrival;  Rescheduled dates must be booked at the same property for dates within 12 months of the originally scheduled arrival date with rates equal to or greater in value as the original reservation.  Once dates have been rescheduled, any future cancellation will be a forfeiture of rent.  We strongly encourage the purchase of a travel insurance policy as a protection of your vacation investment.

Will I be refunded in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm?

Refunds will not be given for weather-related cancellations. If traveling during Hurricane Season (June 1 - November 30), please consider the purchase of a travel insurance policy to protect your vacation investment. Claims filed thru travel insurance may be reimbursed for cancellations/delays caused by mandatory evacuation orders issued by Franklin County, FL. In this case, coverage applies to specific dates of a mandatory evacuation order.  Please be sure to read thru any travel insurance policy details for specific coverage information.

What is Check-In & Check-Out Time?

Check-in time begins at 4pm on the day of arrival; Check-out time is 10am on the morning of your departure.

Is an early Check-in or late Check-Out available?

Early Check-in/Late Check-out are not available during Spring Break or Summer seasons.  Off season early check-in/late check-out will depend on a number of factors.  Please call us to inquire about this possibility.

Entrance to a home is NOT allowed while a property is being cleaned.  To reduce losses, please DO NOT purchase groceries that may need to be refrigerated with the expectation of being able to enter the home prior to the regular check-in time.  

What linens are provided?

Beds will be made upon arrival with fresh sheets (fitted/flat/pillowcases) and bedspreads, and 1 set of bath towels (bath towel, washcloth, hand towel) per max occupancy, bath mats and kitchen towels will be available.  Bedspreads/comforters are laundered in-between guest stays.

Beach towels are not provided unless indicated in the individual property description.

When should I expect my damage deposit returned?

Damage deposits will be returned 7 days from departure date providing no damages to the property were incurred during the dates of stay.  This will be refunded via the same payment method used to pay the deposit.  Please note, it may take up to 7-14 business days for the refund to post to your credit card statement.  We offer additional damage protection coverage via CSA Damage Protection Insurance which can be purchased with your reservation for $59 and offers $1,500 worth of damage protection insurance.

Do any properties allow smoking?

All properties are NON-smoking.  Evidence of smoking is grounds for eviction with no refund of rent and/or damage costs.

What is the Administrative Fee?

The Administrative Fee is a one-time fee per reservation regardless of the amount of nights booked and is used to cover administrative costs such as booking-related expenses (reservation and payment processing fees, subscription/preparation costs), registration fees, keyless entry lock subscription and equipment costs, program subscription costs. 

What is the FREE beach gear credit?

For participating properties, your reservation includes a complimentary beach gear credit of $150-$350 toward beach gear offered by our partners at VayK Gear!  This can be used for beach chairs, umbrellas, bicycles, kayaks SUP boards and more!

How do I receive my FREE beach gear credit?

Once you book a reservation, you will receive an email from VayK Gear inviting you to view and make selections for your stay.   Be sure to book in advance in order to secure your preferred gear!  Gear selected 48 hours or less prior to arrival incur a late fee and delayed delivery.

Items are delivered to your beach property prior to arrival and are picked up upon your departure.  VayK Gear charges guests a $25 delivery fee for delivery/pickup.  If you select additional gear above the credit threshold (shown in your cart as you add gear), the $25 delivery fee is waived.  Please note, the FREE beach gear credit cannot be used toward the $25 delivery fee.

Optional Gear Protection is automatically added to your cart, but can be removed prior to checkout.

How do I make a reservation?

Follow the Instructions here, or call our office at 850-670-1025.

ST. GEORGE PLANTATION FAQ

Do I have to pay the $100 Plantation Entrance fee referenced in the St. George Plantation Agreement?

The $100 entrance fee is included in the rental rate for properties located inside the St. George Plantation.  You will not be asked to pay this fee upon arriving at the Plantation security gate.

Can I bring my golf cart, motorcycle , ebike or ATV inside Plantation?

No.  Golf carts, motorcyles, ebikes or ATVs are not allowed inside the Plantation community.  These vehicles will not be allowed thru security.  Property owners are the only authorized users of golf carts inside the community.

What amenities are available inside the Plantation community?

The St. George Plantation offers guests use of 2 community swimming pools, tennis/pickleball courts and a state of the art Clubhouse with fitness center.  And, don't forget the bike path!

Does the house I rented have access to the Plantation amenities?

Certain neighborhoods are not authorized to use the Plantation amenties, but all of the homes inside Plantation offered by Forgotten Shores Properties will have access to these amenities.

How do we access the beach if we are staying on the bayside or interior? 

Each beachfront street has a community boardwalk at either end of the street.  You can walk to these boardwalks via nature paths or along residential roads.  The walk will depend on the location of the home you have reserved.  There are also 4 designated parking areas for easier beach access (please note, there is no off-street parking allowed inside the community).

Is there a public boat launch available inside the community?

No, there is no public launch available. Boats can be launched at the foot of the Island bridge.

Are fireworks or bonfires allowed inside Plantation?

No, fireworks or bonfires are not permitted at any time.

View the Community Rules/Guidelines Here:  St. George Plantation Rental Agreement

For more information about the St. George Plantation, click here.

SUNSET BEACH FAQ

What amenities are available inside the Sunset Beach community?

The Sunset Beach community amenities include a community swimming pool (open 9AM until dark) and a community tennis court.  Restroom facilities are available at the pool area.

Does the house I rented have access to the Sunset Beach amenities?

Absolutely!  All guests staying inside the Sunset Beach community will have access to these amenities.

How do we access the beach if we are staying on the bayside of Sunset Beach? 

There are 5 community boardwalks available. All other areas are private property, please do not trespass on private property.

Can I bring a golf cart to Sunset Beach?

Golf carts must be street legal to be driven along Gulf Beach Drive. If your cart is street legal, parking is allowed in the driveway of your rental property only. No parking on the street and all applicable laws and speed limits should be adhered to.

Sunset Beach Rules & Regulations

FRANKLIN COUNTY LEASH LAWS

St. George Island is a pet-friendly vacation destination.  We love pets!  But, they must be leashed at all times.

Please note, dogs are not allowed in certain areas of the State Park.

LEAVE NO TRACE ORDINANCE

In order to keep our beaches beautiful and for the safey of our visitors and wildlife, Franklin County has a year-round 'Leave No Trace' Ordinance in effect.  This requires beach visitors to remove all personal property (tents, canopy frames, chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, etc) from the beach between 9pm and 7am.  Any items left unattended on the beach may be removed and disposed of.

Any holes dug on the beach should be filled back in prior to leaving.

Please help us keep our beaches clean and safe for sea turtles that nest on our beaches May - October!