A valid U.K. photo driving license lets tourists drive in Florida for up to three months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not legally required to drive or rent a car in Florida. However, be aware that some other U.S. states do require an IDP. This is important if you plan to travel outside of Florida.

What is a Valid U.K. Drivers License?

You must have a current plastic photo card. Visitors may also use a paper license. If you use a paper license, you must carry your passport or other photo ID at all times.

When Does the 3 Months Start?

The three-month maximum period begins on your date of entry into the USA. If you plan to drive for a longer period, an International Drivers Permit (IDP) is required.

Why Don’t I Need an International Drivers Permit (IDP)?

For full details, please see our dedicated article on IDPs. In short, U.K. visitors with a valid license do not need an IDP to drive in Florida. If you intend to drive in other states, we advise you to research their specific IDP requirements. It is suggested by some sources that the Florida car hire companies may request that you have an IDP. Having travelled to Florida on over 50 occasions, and rented cars each and every time, I have never been asked for an IDP from any of the companies that I have used which include Hertz, Thrifty, Alamo and Dollar.

When Do I Need To Carry My Drivers License?

You must carry your license while driving in Florida, its a legal requirement. We advise carrying your license at all times. It takes up very little room and you may be asked for ID in bars and restaurants.

Before You Travel

We advise checking all your travel documents well in advance of traveling. This ensures that all personal details are correct and up-to-date.

For more information about driving in Florida, see our dedicated article.

Florida Car Hire

If you are seeking an effortless and financially savvy car hire experience for your Florida getaway? Smarter Car Hire Florida is the definitive choice for U.K. residents, specializing in all-inclusive car rentals for any duration of your stay. We simplify your booking process with zero deposit and offer total flexibility, allowing you to cancel anytime up to 24 hours before your scheduled collection time and date.

Peace of mind is paramount, which is why all our car hires include fully comprehensive CDW and SLI insurance with zero excess. Should you have any queries, our 24/7 U.K.-based customer support line is always available. What truly sets us apart is our dedication to saving you money: book early to maximize your savings, as we automatically monitor your booking against your original criteria and rebook your car at a lower rate if the price drops by £10 or more, without you lifting a finger. Book your Smart car hire today and experience the difference! Get your free no obligation Florida car hire quote today.

What happened to Disney Celebration Village

Celebration, Orlando, was the brainchild of The Walt Disney Corporation, developed in the mid-1990s to create a master-planned community. Its location gives it direct access to Walt Disney World via the fantastic World Drive.

Initially, many Orlando visitors see Celebration as a clean, colourful place reserved only for the wealthy to live and shop. Yet, Celebration is also home to many famous people from all kinds of backgrounds, including former basketball player Michael Jordan.

Disney developed Celebration at a cost of $2.5 billion, and as a result, the area quickly became one of the most sought-after places to buy property. From the white picket fences to the swinging chair on the porch, Celebration perfectly captures the vision of America many people see in films and documentaries.

The village’s clean-cut, retro appearance shows everywhere, from the architecture to the public telephones—a refreshing change from the remainder of Orlando’s typical glass-fronted high-rise offices and modern malls. Ultimately, Celebration offers plenty of amenities for both residents and visitors.

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Things to Do and See in Celebration

To begin your visit, Celebration’s picturesque Town Centre, which overlooks Lake Rianhard, forms the community’s heart and activity hub.

Below are some of the best activities and attractions to check out:

• Walk, Stroll, and Bike: Take a leisurely walk or alternatively rent a bike from Celebration Bicycle Rental to explore the town’s scenic lakes and over 10 miles of beautiful trails. Rocking chairs line the lakefront, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the view.
• Take the Architectural Tour: Pick up a map at Town Hall and guide yourself through the town to learn about the unique buildings created by celebrated architects.
• The Lakeside Promenade Fountain: Find a lovely spot by Lake Rianhard to sit; children often enjoy playing in the interactive water jets here.
• Celebration Golf Club: This outstanding course offers golfers of all abilities a challenging test within a glorious natural environment.
• Farmers Market: The Celebration Farmers Market operates every Sunday on Market Street, offering fresh produce, local eats, and crafts.

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Enjoy Seasonal Events and Decorations

In addition to year-round amenities, Celebration has become famous for its festive holiday atmosphere, making certain times of the year especially popular for a visit.

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Celebration Shopping & Retail

The Town Centre offers a variety of unique shops for gifts and novelties. Even though the small cinema has closed, the shopping area remains colourful and beautifully presented.

Shops include:

• Market Street Gallery: This unique boutique gift store carries home décor, collectibles, as well as a popular year-round Christmas room.
• Soft as a Grape: A long-standing shop offering comfortable resort wear and apparel.
• Gypsy Moon Market: Sells unique gifts, jewellery, essential oils, and furthermore offers a menu of healthy items like smoothies and acai bowls.
• Kilwin’s: Makes ice cream, homemade fudge, and sweet treats.
• Le Macaron: An authentic French patisserie selling delicious macarons and other French sweets.
• Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming: A boutique for pets.

A Quick Guide to Must-Try Cuisines in Celebration

Looking for a specific flavour? Here’s a summary of the best cuisines available:

• For Spanish & Cuban Classics: Head to the iconic Columbia Restaurant.

• For Casual New England Seafood & Beer: The lively atmosphere and menu at Celebration Town Tavern is a local favourite.

• For Fine Italian Dining: Enjoy an elegant meal with delicious pasta and wood-fired pizza at Reggiano’s of Celebration.

• For Asian Flavours (Sushi & More): Ari Sushi is praised for its quality Japanese and Korean offerings.

• For Authentic Thai: Thai Thani provides an extensive menu of flavourful, traditional dishes.

Celebration is a great place to visit and experience, the relaxed atmosphere and colourful buildings make it feel as though you’re miles from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. Why not grab a coffee and sit by the lake and just relax!

When dining in Orlando restaurants, the standard tipping etiquette for good service is to leave a gratuity of 18% to 22% of the pre-tax bill. As a UK resident, you should budget for this amount, ensuring you allocate an extra $18 to $22 for every $100 spent on full-service dining.

The US vs. UK Tipping Culture: Understanding the Difference

Understanding Orlando’s tipping culture can be a daunting aspect for many U.K. visitors. This system differs greatly from the U.K. For U.K. customers, a tip is a bonus for truly exceptional service. In Orlando, and across America, tipping often functions as a mandatory part of a service worker’s wage

Why are we Paying Part of the Server’s Wage?

Tipping isn’t obligatory; you won’t be arrested for not leaving one. However, U.K. visitors must understand this: U.S. employment laws are vastly different from those in the U.K.

Those differences allow employers to pay their workers a much lower ”tipped minimum wage”. In simple terms, this allows the employer to pay a member of staff a reduced basic wage, assuming that gratuities will make up the rest of it.

I’ve visited the USA over 50 times and still struggle to fully understand tipping. Why am I, as a customer, responsible for providing part of the server’s income? That’s just the reality in the USA

How Much to Tip? The Orlando Restaurant Formula

The place where you eat greatly affects how much you should tip. Here are just some examples of the different eating experiences and their associated gratuity rates.

• Standard Table Service: State the expectation: 18% to 22% for good service (15% for simply acceptable/average).
• Buffets: A lower percentage, e.g., 10%, because the server is only handling drinks and plate clearing.
• Bartenders: A flat rate, e.g., $1 to $2 per drink (more for complex cocktails).

Don’t worry if working out percentages causes you concern, almost all of eateries and bars in my experience include this information on their receipts, saving you the time and effort.

Alternatively, if you pay you bill on a debit or credit card, then most card machines clearly show the percentage options. You simply press for your preferred tip amount ahead of completing payment.

One thing to be aware of is that many restaurants add an automatic gratuity/service charge for parties of six or more. In such an event, you do not have to add any further gratuity to your bill, and if you disagree with the amount added, you can raise the matter with the manager.

Who Gets the Tip?

Typically your server does not get to keep 100% of the cash or credit card tip you leave them. Instead, the tips they receive are generally subject to a practice called tip pooling or tipping out, which the USA employment laws again link to.

Here is an example of how tip pooling or tipping out works.

• The pool is shared among staff who customarily and regularly receive tips and help with the service. This usually includes:
• Bussers (The Busser’s main responsibility is to clear, clean, and reset tables, ensuring the dining area is ready for the next customer. They focus on maintaining the physical space of the restaurant).
• Runners (The Runner’s main responsibility is to expedite the food from the kitchen to the customer’s table quickly and accurately. They act as the link between the kitchen and the dining room).
• Service Bartenders (who prepare drinks for the dining area)
• Hosts/Hostesses (depending on their duties)

The following staff are strictly prohibited from keeping any portion of the tip pool.

• Restaurant Managers
• Restaurant Supervisors
• Restaurant Owners

It is also worth pointing out that if you pay your gratuity by credit card, the employer can legally deduct the credit card processing fee (usually around 2-3%) from the total tip before passing it on to the employee. This is something to be aware of, as you may prefer to leave a cash tip instead.

When NOT to Tip (and the “Gray Areas”)

In order to try and provide some clarity t U.K visitors around the confusion of when to tip in Orlando. Here are some scenarios that do not warrant tipping, although the option is there if you feel it appropriate.

• Fast-food counters, most quick-service restaurants (where you order and pick up your own food)
• Coffee shops (though a tip jar may be present)
• The Disney/Universal Rule: Cast Members/Team Members in non-restaurant roles (ride attendants, store clerks) generally cannot accept tips.
• Retail Staff, places such as supermarkets or petrol stations do not require any tips to be paid to staff.

What to Do When Service is Subpar (The Diplomatic Exit)

Okay so let us deal with the elephant in the room, when service is below par or worse, what are your options. They key here is remaining calm and objective throughout. here are my suggestions based on my experiences of having had very or extremely poor service.

1. Do not simply leave a low tip without saying anything; it is often interpreted as being cheap or ignorant. Have you say, explain why you have come to this decision by providing clear examples of poor service. It is often best to bring any issues to the attention of your server as they occur, that way you are making them aware of the likelihood of a reduced tip.

• Politely ask to speak to the manager before you pay. Explain the issue, and then mention that you have adjusted your gratuity accordingly. I have found this to be the best option.

Remember: If your service was good but the food was below the standard you reasonably expected, then address this with the manager, but still give the server a reduced tip (e.g., 10%) for their effort.

Tipping In Orlando

To provide you with a broader overview of the services which warrants consideration of a gratuity whilst in Orlando, I have prepared a list of some of the other popular services which you may experience during your holiday.

• Hotel Housekeeping $3 to $5 USD per day per room. Leave cash in a visible spot (like on the pillow) with a note saying “Thank You Housekeeping,” as the staff often changes daily.
• Hotel Bellhop/Porters $2 to $3 USD per bag. Tip when they deliver the bags to your room, or when they assist you with checking luggage.
• Taxi/Uber/Lyft 15% to 20% of the total fare. The in-app tip options on ride-share apps are the easiest way to manage this.
• Delivery Drivers (e.g., Pizza/Takeaway) $5 USD minimum or 20% of the order, whichever is higher. Essential, as drivers use their own petrol and vehicle maintenance is their responsibility

Why not use our interactive map of Orlando villas to find your perfect Florida vacation rental.

Villas in Orlando near Disney

For UK families heading to Florida, choosing the right base is as crucial as picking your theme park tickets. However, nothing rivals the space, privacy, and exceptional value of a luxury vacation villa in Kissimmee. Just a stone’s throw from the world’s most famous theme parks, Kissimmee offers the perfect ‘home away from home’ experience, thereby ensuring your precious annual holiday is one of relaxation, convenience, and magic.

Why Kissimmee is the UK Family Favourite for Villas

UK holidaymakers consistently choose villas in Kissimmee for their unbeatable combination of location and luxury. Specifically, the following benefits stand out:

Space and Privacy: Forget cramming into two hotel rooms. Instead, Villas in Kissimmee feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen (consequently saving a fortune on dining out), and spacious living areas.

• Your Own Pool: The ultimate holiday luxury! In fact, most villas in Kissimmee feature a private, screened-in swimming pool and spa. This is perfect for a cool-down dip after a busy park day or a relaxing evening under the Florida sky—plus, there’s no need to fight for a sun lounger!
• Resort Amenities: Many villas in Kissimmee are situated within secure, gated resort communities (for example, Windsor Hills or Champions Gate). As a result, these complexes often offer incredible communal facilities, including lazy rivers, water parks, clubhouses, on-site dining, and gyms—thus adding resort luxury to your private villa stay.
• Entertainment Built-In: Many villas in Kissimmee cater specifically to families with games rooms (featuring pool tables, air hockey, and arcade machines) and sometimes even home cinemas, which means providing fantastic entertainment on your designated rest days.

Getting There and Getting Around: Travel Times for UK Guests

For a UK holidaymaker, hiring a car is highly recommended to make the most of your villa and the surrounding attractions. Therefore, be sure to review the travel times below.

Airport	Primary Airlines (UK)	Approximate Driving Time to Villas in Kissimmee	Key Benefit
Orlando International (MCO)	Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Norse Atlantic UK, Aer Lingus	25 – 35 minutes	The main international gateway; consequently, generally the quickest and most direct transfer to the villas in Kissimmee.
Tampa International (TPA)	British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Norse Atlantic UK	1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes	Excellent option for a multi-centre holiday, allowing you to combine parks with Florida’s West Coast beaches and attractions like Busch Gardens.
Melbourne Orlando International (MLB)	TUI Airways	1 hour – 1 hour 20 minutes	A smaller, less busy option often used by charter flights, providing a scenic drive from the coast.

Drive Times to the Major Attractions from Villas in Kissimmee

One of Kissimmee’s biggest draws is its proximity to the theme parks. In other words, your villa will place you in the heart of the action with minimal daily driving.

Major Attraction	Approximate Driving Time from Villas in Kissimmee	Key Park/Attraction
Walt Disney World Resort	10 – 20 minutes	Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Water Parks
Universal Orlando Resort	20 – 30 minutes	Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter), Volcano Bay
SeaWorld Orlando & Discovery Cove	20 – 25 minutes	Marine-themed shows, thrilling rides, and unique animal encounters
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay	1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes	World-class rollercoasters and an excellent zoo environment
I-Drive Area	20 – 30 minutes	Home to Icon Park (The Wheel), shopping, and diverse restaurants

Breaking Up the Parks: Local Kissimmee Gems

Alternatively, give your family a break from the theme park queues with these local highlights, which are minutes from your villas in Kissimmee:

• Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures: A truly Floridian experience! Glide across the wetlands and spot alligators, turtles, and local birds up close—truly a perfect antidote to a day of rides.
• Old Town Kissimmee: A slice of classic Americana featuring charming shops, unique eateries, carnival rides, and the famous Saturday night car cruises. Moreover, it offers a lovely change of pace.
• Kissimmee Lakefront Park: Ideal for a relaxing morning picnic, hiring a paddleboat, or simply watching the local wildlife by the water. This means it’s perfect for a designated rest day.

By choosing a villa in Kissimmee, you secure a luxurious, spacious, and conveniently located home base that ultimately gives your UK family the freedom to explore Central Florida at your own pace. In conclusion, book one of the incredible villas in Kissimmee with a private pool, and you’ve secured the key ingredient to a stress-free and truly magical Orlando holiday.

Ready to trade in a cramped hotel room for the space and luxury of your own Florida retreat? Whether you dream of a Villa in Kissimmee with a private pool villa minutes from Disney or a quiet resort home with family-friendly amenities, your perfect getaway starts here. Don’t waste time sifting through endless listings—our intuitive website is the ideal starting point for your search, featuring a curated selection of stunning villas in Kissimmee. Take the first step toward an unforgettable vacation by exploring our collection and securing your home-away-from-home today!

Why not try our interactive map to find your perfect Villa in Kissimmee.

Say it ain’t so! After years of rumours, the iconic, bone-shaking attraction Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is finally facing its own asteroid. Disney confirmed the thrilling time-travel adventure will close on February 2, 2026.

But don’t panic! This isn’t just an extinction event. It’s a metamorphosis! The space is being completely re-imagined. It will become part of a brand new land: the vibrant Tropical Americas (Pueblo Esperanza). This new area is slated to open in 2027.

From Iguanodon to Indy

Many of us have spent years being violently thrashed around in a Time Rover. We raced against an incoming meteor to save an Iguanodon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (Thanks a lot, Dr. Seeker!) This news is bittersweet.

Here’s a fun fact that makes the change a natural fit: The Dinosaur ride and the famous Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland use the exact same Enhanced Motion Vehicle (EMV) technology and a near-identical track layout. You’ve essentially been riding a dinosaur-themed Indy ride all along!

The new version will complete the family resemblance. It’s set to become a new Indiana Jones adventure inside a mysterious Mayan temple. We hear it will be unlike any Indy experience you’ve seen before. That’s great, because who doesn’t want a new thrilling adventure where a giant snake might appear?

The Last Chance to Ride

If you want one last chance to yell “WE’RE NOT GONNA MAKE IT!” at the top of your lungs, you have until February 1, 2026. That will be the ride’s final day of operation. After that, your Time Rover will be grounded indefinitely.

The new Tropical Americas land is a massive project. It will completely re-imagine Dino Land U.S.A at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It will also feature the first-ever ride-through attraction based on Disney’s Encanto. While the Indiana Jones attraction will re-use the former Dinosaur structure, the whole land is expected to be a stunning new addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

So, get your last ride photos. Say goodbye to the massive Carnotaurus that jumps out in the dark. Prepare to trade in your palaeontologists’ tools for a fedora and a whip. The age of the dinosaur is ending, but a whole new adventure awaits in 2027!

Why not use our interactive map to see our Florida Villas near Walt Disney World Florida

 What to know before going to Florida?

Booking the various elements of your Florida holiday separately can potentially save you money and offer greater flexibility. However, if you decide to ‘go it alone,’ you must know your rights and ensure you secure the necessary consumer protection and security.

Consumer Protection and Separately Booked Trips

While independent booking offers flexibility, you must clearly understand the level of consumer protection you are receiving.

Package vs. Separate Booking Protection

• Package Holiday Protection (ATOL/PTR): The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 (PTRs) protect package holidays. A package combines at least two travel services (like a flight and accommodation) sold together. For flight-inclusive packages, the Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) scheme protects you, ensuring a refund or repatriation if the organiser fails.
• Linked Travel Arrangements (LTAs): A Linked Travel Arrangement (LTA) offers limited insolvency protection. This may apply when a trader prompts you to book another travel service immediately after the first (e.g., booking a hotel through the airline’s website right after your flight).
• Booking Separately: When you book flights, hotels, and car hire entirely separately, you do not benefit from package holiday protection. Your security depends on individual providers and your payment method.

The Vital Role of Section 75 Protection

You should always pay for any element costing over £100 up to £30,000 using a credit card. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 then makes the card provider jointly responsible with the seller. This offers a vital layer of financial protection if the service provider fails.

Conditions for Section 75 Protection:

1. Direct Relationship: Section 75 generally requires a direct link between the buyer, the seller, and the credit card provider (a three-party agreement). It often does not apply if a fourth party, such as a third-party payment processor (like certain uses of PayPal) or an agent, breaks this direct relationship.
2. Single Item Price: The price limit applies to the cost of a single item or service. If you buy two items costing £75 each (total £150), they would generally not be covered, as neither item’s cash price exceeds £100.
3. Credit Only: The protection only applies when you use a credit card (or certain other regulated credit arrangements), not a debit card.

Your Rights for Flight Delays and Cancellations

The UK-retained European law, UK Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, governs compensation rights for flights from the UK. This law strengthens passengers’ positions and requires the airline to compensate for long delays, cancellations, or denied boarding if the airline controls the circumstances.

Delays, Care, and Refunds

Compensation applies if the flight arrives over three hours late due to a reason the airline controls (e.g., technical faults, crew issues).

• Eligibility: The regulation covers:
• Flights departing from a UK airport (on any airline).
• Flights arriving at a UK airport on a UK/EU airline.
• Right to Care: For long-haul UK to Florida flights, the airline must provide care after a four-hour delay, regardless of the reason. This includes meals, refreshments, and two complimentary communications.
• Overnight Delays: If a delay requires an overnight stay, the airline must provide and pay for hotel accommodation and airport transport.
• Five-Hour Delays: If your flight is delayed by five hours or more, you have the right to a full refund for the unused part of the journey, plus a free flight back to your original point of departure if your onward journey is pointless.

Compensation Amounts and Denied Boarding

Long-Haul Compensation (UK to Florida)

The fixed compensation depends on the arrival delay time, provided the airline caused the delay:

• 3 to 4 hour delay: £260 per person.
• 4 hours or more delay: £520 per person.

Denied Boarding (Overbooked Flights): If an airline involuntarily denies you boarding, you are immediately entitled to compensation. You choose between a full refund/return flight or re-routing on an alternative flight, plus the fixed compensation amount.

Key Conditions for Compensation Eligibility

To be eligible for this financial compensation, the following key conditions must be met:

1. Arrival Time is Key: The delay is measured by the time the aircraft doors open at the final destination, not the departure time.
2. Flight Coverage: The flight must have departed from a UK airport (on any airline) or arrived at a UK airport on a UK or EU-licensed airline. A flight from the UK to Florida is covered.
3. Airline Fault: The delay must be the airline’s fault. You are not entitled to compensation if the delay was caused by “extraordinary circumstances,” such as:
   • Severe weather conditions.
   • Air traffic control strikes.
   • Political instability or security risks.
4. Long-Haul Distance: The flight distance must be more than 3,500 km. Flights between the UK and Florida easily meet this criterion.

Note: The compensation amounts are fixed and are paid per passenger, regardless of the price of the ticket. If an airline refuses to pay out, you can refer your complaint to the relevant body, such as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Florida Villas Verification Process: How Direct Villas Florida Verifies Listings

Choosing a Florida villa rental for your vacation offers unparalleled flexibility, space, and freedom. This applies whether you pick an ocean-view apartment on the Gulf Coast, a resort-style Florida town house in Orlando, or a detached Florida villa with a private pool. Finding your dream Florida vacation rental is just the first step. However, the next question is: how can you be sure you’re booking safely? Therefore, this guide provides prospective holidaymakers with the benefits of direct booking. Crucially, it also outlines the essential steps to ensure your chosen Florida rental property is genuine.

The Advantages of Booking Your Florida Villa Direct

Booking directly with the property owner or manager cuts out the middleman. Consequently, this gives you access to the very best prices. This, in turn, allows your vacation budget to stretch further. This direct relationship means you can often afford little extra luxuries. These might not come with a standard hotel package.

Furthermore, beyond savings, booking direct gives you access to an invaluable resource: the owner. They are a fantastic source of local information and travel tips. They can help you make the most of your time right from day one. Since it’s their holiday home too, they are highly motivated to share up-to-date knowledge. This includes everything from must-see attractions to advice on sourcing flights or attraction tickets.

Moreover, booking a Florida villa direct has another huge advantage over booking through a travel agency. Specifically, you know the exact property location before you arrive. You can confirm the community details, like if it’s gated. You also know the inside layout, the property’s facilities, and the pool area’s aspect. In contrast, a travel agency allocates Florida villas upon arrival, which completely differs from direct booking.

How to Verify a Florida Rental Property and Owner

Worrying about internet scams is natural in the age of online booking. Thus, a little upfront research is crucial. This helps you avoid the nightmare of a non-existent or double-booked property. Below are some steps you can take to confirm you are dealing with a genuine owner:

1. Check for Genuine Reviews and History

Established websites often feature owners who have advertised since the beginning. Therefore, look for listings with genuine reviews from previous guests. A multi-year track record of positive feedback strongly indicates a trustworthy owner and property.

For example, Direct Villas Florida only allows star-rated reviews from guests who enquire and book via their website. As a result, this ensures a significant level of credibility and value for each review. Additionally, property owners can include a maximum of three testimonials on their listing. These are reviews from guests who booked elsewhere, like another website or platform. These reviews do not include a star rating. Instead, the review area clearly identifies them by wording that explains the property owner added them.

2. Make Direct Contact

Importantly, call the owner using the contact number provided on the advert before exchanging any money. A phone call serves multiple important purposes:

It helps confirm their identity and payment details.

It allows you to ask any final questions about the property or area.

It establishes a personal connection, which builds confidence.

3. Request a Rental Agreement

Finally, always ask for a formal rental agreement. This is an essential document. It clearly outlines the owner or manager’s specific payment policies, cancellation terms, and the property’s house rules. A legitimate owner will always provide one.

Safe Payment Methods for Your Booking

Your payment method can offer an extra layer of protection against fraud.

Preferred Methods: Some owners accept credit card payments or use services like PayPal. These methods may offer you additional buyer protection if issues arise with your booking. Always check with your card company or service provider about their specific coverage.

Avoid These Methods: Never pay by cash in advance or use instant money transfer services such as Western Union or Money Corp. Because these payment methods are highly susceptible to fraudulent activity, they offer no recourse if something goes wrong.

If an online payment option isn’t available, then consult your own bank for advice. They can recommend the safest way to transfer money securely.

Direct Villas Florida: Free Owner Verification Service

If you still have lingering concerns about booking direct, some platforms offer services to put you at ease. For instance, Direct Villas Florida provides a completely free verification service. This gives you peace of mind before you confirm your booking.

Once you find your ideal vacation home, confirm the dates, and agree on the price, you can request these free-of-charge checks:

Legal Owner Confirmation: They confirm the legal owner using data held by the relevant local government department in Florida.

Outstanding Matters Check: They check for any outstanding matters registered against the legal owner with the relevant County Court in Florida.

Data Match Confirmation: They confirm that the data gathered from the government departments matches the information the property owner provided.

Confirmation of a Valid Vacation Rental License.

To use this service, simply contact them. Provide the property ID, the name as featured on the site, and the name of the person you have been corresponding with. They will respond by email to confirm all of the above for you. Ultimately, this quick check aims to remove any doubt, no matter how small. It allows you to move forward and book your ideal Florida vacation rental with total confidence.

Ready to find your perfect, verified Florida escape? Start browsing our Florida vacation rentals today and book with complete confidence!

Check out our article on Orlando villas in Kissimmee, were we drill down on the benefits of this great location near to the major Florida theme parks and attractions.

It Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

Villas to rent in Florida