Terms and Conditions
By confirming a reservation, guests acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to both the Terms & Conditions listed on our website and the Rental Agreement for their stay. These documents together form the binding legal contract. Failure to comply may result in additional charges, forfeiture of payments, or termination of the reservation without refund.
Guest Verification & Age Requirement
For the safety of our owners and our guests, we require the main Registered Guest (who must remain on-site for the entire stay) to be at least 25 years of age, provide a photo ID, and accept our Rental Terms & Conditions at the time of booking. Following booking, the Registered Guest must also accept and sign a rental agreement with comprehensive Terms & Conditions and Rental Rules. Any other individual submitting payment must also provide a copy of a photo ID.
This information is required for the same reason your ID is requested when using a credit card or staying in a hotel: to verify who is paying for and staying in the home, to help prevent fraud, and to assist with alerting authorities in the event of an emergency of any kind.
Rental Rate and Fees
a. Rental Rate
Nightly rates will not be adjusted after a booking is confirmed, as prices are subject to change without notice. After booking, if you wish to adjust dates within the same week or extend your stay, changes will be based on current nightly rates only. Standard occupancy is 2 persons per standard bedroom. An additional occupant fee of $25 per person, per night will be assessed for each occupant over standard occupancy, up to the home’s maximum occupancy (if applicable). This may be listed as a separate fee or included in the rental rate total.
b. Cleaning Fee
A cleaning fee is required for each stay and is not dependent on the number of nights booked or the number of guests. This fee includes standard cleaning and linen service following the rental of the unit. Daily housekeeping service is not included. For stays of 21 days or more, additional mid-stay cleans will be required, scheduled, and charged every 21 days.
c. Damage Waiver Fee / Protection Policy
In lieu of a refundable damage deposit (if any), a non-refundable damage waiver fee or damage protection plan may be required at the discretion of the Manager. This may relieve guests of the cost for unintentional and accidental damage to the property and its contents only, up to $500.
The non-refundable damage waiver covers accidental damage provided such damage is disclosed to Once Upon A Beach prior to check-out. This does not cover intentional or negligent damage, theft, unauthorized pets, flea/bed bug infestation, extensive cleaning at check-out, smoking, exceeding occupancy limits, or loss of rental revenue resulting from the property being held off market during remediation of damages caused by the guest.
The Registered Guest will be fully responsible and liable for all costs associated with unreported damage or damage that exceeds the $500 limit under the non-refundable damage waiver and will be charged to the credit card on file. Should any damage come to light after departure, the guest agrees and acknowledges that Once Upon A Beach may charge the guest’s credit card or send an invoice to the registered address for the amount due.
Once Upon A Beach will make an effort to rectify any damage internally prior to contracting specialists to complete repairs, thereby attempting to keep any guest-incurred costs to a minimum.
d. Pet Fee
See Pet Policy.
e. Booking Admin Fee
This fee is collected on all reservations for management and processing of the reservation and payment. This fee is non-refundable.
f. Taxes
Florida sales tax (7%) and Manatee County tax (6%) are collected (13% total) on all rental rates and applicable fees. In the event of any tax law changes applicable to the reservation dates, the guest is responsible for paying any monetary difference that may occur. These changes can affect reservations already paid in full, and the guest is responsible for paying additional amounts if applicable.
g. Additional Amounts / Fees & Rate Notes
Any additional amounts or fees may be deducted directly from the card on file for violations of rental rules and associated fees, including but not limited to property damage, pet policy violations, unauthorized early check-ins, or unauthorized late check-outs.
Rates are subject to change without notice on the website and no rates will be guaranteed until the booking is confirmed. The rates, rental listing descriptions, and information provided online, though deemed accurate, are not guaranteed and are subject to errors, omissions, changes, or withdrawal without notice.
Payments / Payment Schedule
a. Deposit
A deposit of 50% of the total amount due must be paid at the time of reservation request to confirm the reservation. For stays of 21 days or more, a deposit of 25% is due at the time of booking, with the remaining 25% deposit due 90 days prior to check-in.
b. Balance(s)
The remaining 50% of the total amount due must be paid on or before 30 days prior to check-in. For stays of 21 days or more, the balance must be paid 60 days prior to check-in.
Payment Methods & Timing
We accept all major credit cards, personal checks, certified checks, or money order in exact amount due only, and payments must be postmarked within 24 hours of the reservation request. No dates are held or confirmed without a deposit. Any outstanding payments not received within 3 business days of the due date will be subject to cancellation. The Registered Guest is responsible for ensuring all outstanding payments are submitted on time.
Cancellation Policy (General)
Upon booking, we agree to uphold our agreement to our guests by reserving the home in the advertised condition for the dates of their choosing. At that time, the Registered Guest knowingly enters into a two-way agreement to uphold their commitment to arrive as scheduled.
If unforeseen issues with the home’s condition or availability arise, the Manager/Owner will make every best effort to move the guest to a comparable home for the dates reserved at no additional cost to the guest. However, the Manager/Owner reserves the right to cancel any reservation and issue a full refund without penalty or responsibility for providing lodging elsewhere.
The Manager is not responsible for providing refunds due to circumstances beyond the Manager’s control, including travel disruptions, guest travel restrictions, changes in work or school schedules, or similar issues. Weather, tropical storms, hurricane threats, environmental conditions such as red tide, construction, water conditions, or beach conditions cannot be guaranteed.
If the reservation dates fall within a date range of a mandatory island evacuation, unforeseen unavailability of the reserved home and unavailability of a comparable alternative home, or inability for vacation rentals to operate due to executive order, the guest will receive a refund of all base rental rate, fees, and applicable taxes for impacted days minus the cost of the booking fee.
All cancellation requests must be initiated by the Registered Guest through the website where the booking was made and/or submitted in writing via email. Cancellation requests will not be accepted via phone, text, or by a party member other than the Registered Guest.
Any guests who cancel and receive no base rental rate refund or a partial base rental rate refund and do not stay for any portion of the reservation will be refunded the cleaning fee, damage waiver fee, and pet fee (if any), plus applicable taxes. If a cancelled reservation has not re-rented and the guest is ineligible for a refund, the guest(s) may reinstate the reservation for their originally cancelled dates at no penalty and come as originally planned.
Cancellation Policy (Detailed)
Please review the details of our Cancellation Policy page or Terms & Conditions at booking. We encourage you to review this information, as our policies have changed as of October 6, 2025.
For Reservations of 20 Days or Less
Cancellations More Than 30 Days Before Arrival:
If you cancel all or part of your reservation more than 30 days before your scheduled arrival date, you will receive a refund of your full deposit including taxes, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee that was originally assessed.
Cancellations 14–29 Days Before Arrival:
If you cancel all or part of your reservation 14–29 days before arrival, refunds will only be issued for 50% of total room rate, fees and taxes, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee.
Cancellations Less Than 14 Days Before Arrival:
If you cancel all or part of your reservation less than 14 days before arrival, refunds will only be issued for the base rental rate, fees, and applicable taxes for nights we are able to rebook, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee.
Please note: While we make every effort to rebook the property and issue refunds, we cannot guarantee the property will be re-rented at the same rate or for the same number of nights originally reserved. For any nights that cannot be re-rented, as well as non-arrivals, late arrivals, early departures, or alterations resulting in a loss of revenue, no refunds or price adjustments will be provided.
For Reservations of 21 Days or More
Cancellations More Than 90 Days Before Arrival:
If you cancel all or part of your reservation more than 90 days before arrival, you will receive a full refund of your deposit, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee.
Cancellations 60–89 Days Before Arrival:
If you cancel all or part of your reservation between 60 and 89 days prior to arrival, you will receive a refund equal to 25% of the base rental rate and applicable taxes, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee.
Cancellations 59 Days or Less Before Arrival:
If you cancel all or part of your reservation 59 days or less before arrival, refunds will only be issued for the base rental rate and applicable taxes for nights we are able to rebook, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee.
Please note: While we make every effort to rebook the property and issue refunds, we cannot guarantee the property will be re-rented at the same rate or for the same number of nights originally reserved. For any nights that cannot be re-rented, as well as non-arrivals, late arrivals, early departures, or alterations resulting in a loss of revenue, no refunds or price adjustments will be provided.
Important Cancellation Policy Information
The Manager is not responsible for providing refunds due to circumstances beyond their control, including travel disruptions, guest travel restrictions, changes in work or school schedules, or similar issues. Additionally, conditions such as weather, tropical storms, hurricane threats, environmental factors (e.g., red tide), construction, water quality, or beach conditions cannot be guaranteed.
Submitting a Cancellation Request
All cancellation requests must be initiated by the Registered Guest who booked the reservation. Requests must be submitted either through the website where the booking was made or in writing via email. Cancellation requests will not be accepted via phone, text, or from any party member other than the Registered Guest. These policies are in place to ensure clear communication and a smooth process for all guests.
Travel Insurance
We continue to offer our U.S. Citizen guests (with the exception of residents of NY and HI) the option of purchasing CSA Travel Insurance directly through us. We strongly encourage all guests to purchase Travel Insurance to protect their vacation investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Please note: Refunds or credits are not provided for COVID-19-related cancellations, weather, or beach conditions outside of our stated cancellation policy. Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30, and Travel Insurance can help safeguard your plans during this period.
In the event the dates of the reservation fall within a date range of a mandatory island evacuation, unforeseen unavailability of the home reserved and unavailability of a comparable alternative home, or inability for vacation rentals to operate due to executive order, the guest will receive a full refund of all base rental rate, fees, and applicable taxes without penalty.
If you have questions about the cancellation policy or Travel Insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact us for clarification.
CSA Guest Protect Travel Protection Insurance
Once Upon A Beach has partnered with CSA and is offering CSA Guest Protect Travel Insurance as an add-on service when booking with us directly to all U.S. residents (except residents of NY or HI). We encourage guests to purchase traveler insurance including comprehensive trip cancellation insurance due to unforeseen eventualities, including hurricane or tropical storms. Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30.
Policies purchased through CSA are eligible for cancellation and refund within 10 days of purchase only. After 10 days from purchase, there are no refunds for policy payments for any reason.
Please read the details of CSA Guest Protect Travel Protection offered through Generali Global Assistance and contact us directly if you would like to purchase this optional service and/or have questions regarding coverage. Travel Insurance can be purchased at time of booking and added onto an existing booking up until within 24 hours of final payment.
https://onceuponabeachami.com/cancellation-policy-trip-insurance/
Please note: CSA Guest Protect Travel Insurance is not available for residents of New York and Hawaii. You must contact CSA Travel directly at (877) 243-4135 or visit the CSA Travel website to purchase:
https://www.csatravelprotection.com
Disputes
I understand that if there are any disputes or dissatisfaction regarding the vacation rental property paid herein, that said dispute should be taken up directly with Once Upon A Beach. I agree that I will not request a chargeback or credit to my credit card in connection with any charge made pursuant to this agreement. I hereby expressly waive my rights to request any chargeback against Once Upon A Beach now and in the future.
All complaints must be reported during the duration of the stay and not after departing the property. If I do not comply with these terms and a dispute is filed, I acknowledge that all members of my travel party will be prohibited from renting a property with Once Upon A Beach in the future.
Use of Property Terms & Conditions
Property & Dates of Stay
The Registered Guest has booked a reservation for the address listed and the dates reserved only. The property address is listed in the Booking Confirmation and Rental Agreement provided at booking. Guests are not allowed on the property or grounds for any reason prior to or after the scheduled dates and times. Guests are not permitted to stop at the home to “view the property,” disturb current guests, or enter without authorization. Doing so is considered trespassing and may be subject to penalties and/or cancellation of the reservation.
Minimum Stay
Most properties require a minimum stay of 3 nights (at discretion of Manager). Longer minimum stays or specific check-in or check-out days of the week may be required during holiday or peak seasons.
Guest Restrictions & Confirmation of Reservation
The Registered Guest must be at least 25 years of age, provide a copy of a photo ID, and be present at all times. Guests under the age of 25 who are unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian will not be permitted to rent or occupy any vacation rental. A signed copy of the rental agreement and a photo copy of ID must be on file prior to receiving the home’s access information. Failure to provide required information in a timely manner may result in cancellation of the reservation.
Successors & Assigns
Guests shall not assign their rights under this agreement or sublet the property, in whole or part, to another party. Reservations are not transferable.
Maximum Occupancy
Maximum occupancy and maximum number of vehicles are listed in the Property Description for each home. Maximum occupancy is the total allowable number of overnight guests over 2 years of age.
Additional daytime visitors may not exceed the occupancy amount times 2 at any given time in the home or on the grounds. For example, a home with a maximum occupancy of 8 may have a maximum of 8 overnight guests and no more than 16 total persons on the property during the day at any time.
We reserve the right to cancel/terminate or reject reservations made under false pretenses or in violation of this rule. Violations will result in loss of advance payments and immediate eviction without refund.
Standard occupancy is 2 persons per standard bedroom. An additional occupant fee of $25 per person, per night will be assessed for each occupant above standard occupancy, up to maximum occupancy (if applicable).
Responsible Party
The Registered Guest is responsible for the property and the conduct of all occupants and guests and is the primary point of contact throughout the reservation. Communications, reservation alteration requests, and issue/complaint handling will be directed to the Registered Guest only. Only the registered tenant may occupy the rental property; subletting is not permitted. Renters are responsible for daily upkeep of the property.
Once Upon A Beach shall not be liable for any violations incurred during the reservation, including but not limited to traffic tickets, noise complaints, or turtle ordinance violations. Sole responsibility lies with the responsible party, including any fees or fines.
Check-In / Check-Out
Check-in is at 4:00 PM on the check-in date and check-out is at 10:00 AM on the check-out date. These times will be strictly enforced to allow housekeeping sufficient time to clean between guests.
Complimentary early check-in (earliest 2:00 PM) and complimentary late check-out (up to 12:00 PM) are available only with prior approval from the Manager and are not guaranteed. Approved complimentary early check-ins and late check-outs are subject to change at any time. Late check-out requests made after 2:00 PM the day before check-out will not be granted.
Early check-ins as early as 10:00 AM and late check-outs up to 4:00 PM may be granted, if available, for a fee of $50 per hour for each additional hour beyond the complimentary time.
This home has a self check-in process. Please have your Arrival Information email readily available (sent directly to your email and not provided in Airbnb/VRBO apps). We recommend printing this information prior to travel. Cell reception may vary by carrier and location on the island and may not be easily accessible upon arrival. We cannot guarantee timely response after hours if you do not have your Arrival Information available.
Following agreement to the rental agreement (Agree to Terms), submission of required guest documents (Arrival Form), and final payment, Arrival Information (including access codes) will be sent automatically 14 days prior to arrival to the email on file. This information will not be provided before that date. For bookings made within 14 days of arrival, Arrival Information will be sent within 24 hours of receiving the Booking Confirmation.
Guests without an approved early check-in who enter the property prior to 4:00 PM without authorization may cause pre-arrival cleaning or inspections to be cancelled. If this occurs, we are not liable for the home’s condition and cannot guarantee handling of maintenance/cleaning items until the next business day.
Guests without an approved late check-out who fail to depart by 10:00 AM acknowledge that cleaners, management, and maintenance are authorized to enter at 10:00 AM. Guests may be subject to a fee of $25 per 15 minutes for unauthorized early entry and/or late check-out. Guests may not park in driveways or be on the property/grounds prior to check-in or after check-out.
Accidents, Injuries, or Loss
Special risks may be involved when using pools, spas/hot tubs, waterfront properties, rooftop decks, or outdoor equipment (bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, etc.), and the customer assumes all responsibility for themselves and their guests and the consequences of those risks. As with many coastal properties, the landscape may include palm trees that naturally shed coconuts and fronds. The customer agrees to waive any claim whatsoever and hold harmless Once Upon A Beach, its affiliates, and the Owner for accidents and claims resulting from accidents and/or injury arising from use of the rental property and any of its equipment, porches, decks, stairs, parking area, elevators, pools, hot tubs, etc.
Once Upon A Beach, its affiliates, and the Owners are not responsible for accidents, injury, death, or loss of personal belongings of any kind. Guests shall indemnify and hold harmless Once Upon A Beach, its affiliates, and the Owners from and against all liabilities, claims, expenses, fees, loss of use, or actions of any kind arising out of renters’ or their guests’ use and occupancy of the premises.
Construction / Home for Sale
In the event of neighboring construction, construction of or sale of the home, Manager shall not be responsible for providing advance notification. Property views are subject to change due to construction. If the home is for sale, while every effort is made to honor existing reservations, Manager/Owner shall not be responsible if the Buyer does not honor existing reservations and is subject to refund per the Cancellation Policy.
Requests for showings during the guest term will be minimized when possible but may require access to the unit with or without formal notice. Where circumstances arise beyond our control (fire, hurricane, damage/air conditioning malfunction, sale of unit, etc.), the confirmed property may be unavailable during the reservation dates. Once Upon A Beach reserves the right to substitute accommodations. We cannot guarantee the same home or amenities, but we will make every effort to provide a comparable home and a pleasant vacation experience. Neither Once Upon A Beach, its affiliates, nor the Owner are liable for damages or inconvenience in this rare circumstance.
Pool & Spa Use (If Present)
The pool and spa are offered for recreational purposes. The Manager or Owner is not responsible for any loss of use due to weather, maintenance, or any other circumstance that may cause the pool to become unavailable. Use of the pool and spa is an amenity, and unavailability is not a violation of this Agreement.
Guest acknowledges that pool/spa use and activities around the pool/spa involve potential risk of serious danger and bodily injury. Guest uses the pool/spa at their own risk and assumes all risks of bodily injury resulting from or around the pool/spa. This assumption of risk extends to all guests, their minor children, invitees, or anyone on the property.
Pool safety measures may be in place due to vacation rental safety requirements, city ordinances, or Owner preference, including routine maintenance service, chemical treatment, locking gates, safety fences, floating alarm buoys, and/or pool alarms. These items are inspected and maintained. Neither the Manager nor the Guest may remove or disable these items. We are not responsible for injury that occurs if a guest removes, tampers with, or disables a pool alarm or fails to notify management immediately of a non-operational pool alarm.
Guest agrees to take reasonable precautions for pool safety, including following posted signage, not tampering with equipment, alarms, or fences, notifying Manager of equipment or water clarity concerns, keeping the pool area free of debris and obstructions, locking entrances when unsupervised, and requiring life vests for any individual unable to swim independently.
Due to strict city noise ordinances, pool heaters and filters do not run during the city’s posted Quiet Hours. Pools are heated at no additional cost for guest comfort. Pool temperatures are set between 82–85°F and will not be set higher due to maintaining proper chemical balance, clarity, and cleanliness. Cooler ambient temperatures (greater than 20° difference between water temperature and air temperature) may prevent heaters from compensating. We are not responsible for or able to guarantee pool temperatures due to equipment failure, cold spells, or extreme heat.
A residential spa is part of the pool system and must be turned on to temporarily heat to warmer temperatures in the high 90s to low 100s and will auto shut off after some time. Spas are not permitted to run 24/7 and will not reach temperatures like a commercial hot tub. Spas may not be operational June through September to avoid excessively warm pool water impacting chemical balance.
All pools are serviced weekly or bi-weekly Monday through Friday during daylight hours. Treatment schedules may change without notice. We are not responsible for debris after storms and cannot guarantee extra services or timing.
• Guests must read and abide by posted rules, safety, and operating instructions.
• Guests may not adjust pool equipment. Failure to comply may result in fines and liability for damages.
• Guests must allow pool maintenance staff access and follow technician instructions while on site.
• Pool alarms are installed on every door exiting to pool areas and must remain operational per city ordinance. We are not responsible for injury if a guest disables alarms or fails to report non-operation immediately.
• Swim and walk at own risk; pool decks may be slippery when wet.
• Pool fences must remain closed when not in use.
• Remove sand before entering pool. Sunscreen can discolor and cloud pool water.
• No glass permitted in pool deck area.
• Children under 10 require adult supervision at all times.
• Non-toilet trained children must wear swim diapers. Notify us immediately if bodily fluids enter pool to schedule treatment; do not use until complete.
• No pets, food, diving, or horseplay in pool. Do not swallow pool water.
• Pool use is prohibited during severe/dangerous weather.
• Remove floats/toys after each use. Do not throw gravel, stones, or shells in pool. Guests may be liable for costs related to removal/repairs caused by foreign objects.
• Water level must remain at mid-skimmer. If low, fill with hose or contact management.
• Auto-refillers or crawling vacuums may not be removed or touched without permission and instruction.
• Spa use has health risks. Follow posted instructions. Do not put soap/bubbles in spa. Spa is not a hot tub and may not get “hot.” Cooler temps slow heating. Do not run continuously. We are not responsible for water clarity or temperature issues caused by failure to follow these rules.
Failure of Equipment / Condition
If equipment fails to work, notify us first so repairs can be made. Renter expressly waives and relinquishes any rights or claims against Owner or Manager for any damage that may result from lack of maintenance, cleanliness, repairs, or defects, including ordinary negligence. There will be no refund of any portion of the rental amount for equipment failure.
Maintenance and inspection may occur during your stay and service providers may require access with or without formal notice. Elevators (if any) are provided as a convenience only and are not intended for reliance by mobility-impaired guests. Homes are not ADA compliant. Elevator service is provided by residential elevator companies during normal business hours only; therefore we cannot guarantee timeliness of repair.
Staff, Service Technicians, and Maintenance
Once Upon A Beach uses due diligence to schedule preventative maintenance during unoccupied times. However, due to limited technician availability and scheduling constraints, staff and/or authorized technicians may require entry during a guest stay. Once Upon A Beach will notify the guest ahead of time when possible.
Weekly/monthly maintenance (including pool care, yard care, and pest control prevention) is required. Guests may not deny entry to staff or service technicians for home, pool, or grounds service, inspections, or repairs.
Lost and Found
Once Upon A Beach is not liable for items left behind under any circumstance. If you notice a lost item after departure, contact us immediately and do not return to the home. Guests are responsible for mailing/shipping charges plus a processing fee.
Property Security / Safety
This home may be equipped with Ring, Nest, or other exterior cameras viewing the front door, driveways, pool equipment, and backyard entry/exit points only. Cameras are intended to maintain safety, monitor deliveries, and assure occupancy compliance. Cameras do not face private areas where guests expect privacy unless otherwise noted for a specific property.
Illegal Activity
If any guest or occupant uses the property for illegal or unlawful purposes, including but not limited to underage possession/consumption of alcohol, house parties or keg parties, filming, disturbances resulting in neighborhood complaints or police action, or other violations of this agreement, the reservation will be terminated immediately. Guests and occupants must vacate and all monies paid will be forfeited.
If Once Upon A Beach or law enforcement is dispatched due to illegal activity or disturbances emanating from the home or grounds, there will be a minimum $500 charge to the tenant’s credit card and this is grounds for immediate eviction without refund.
Firearms
No firearms of any kind are allowed on the property. Tenant will immediately lose rental rights and may be subject to expedited eviction with no refunds if a firearm is discovered. If any firearm is found or left on the property, it will be removed and handled by appropriate authorities, not by Once Upon A Beach.
Pets
A maximum of 2 dogs are allowed in pet-friendly homes only, and only if they comply with specifications in the Pet Policy/Agreement, receive manager/owner approval, complete and return the Pet Policy/Agreement, and pay the pet fee. If a renter brings a pet without authorization, the Owner and Once Upon A Beach reserve the right to terminate the rental agreement immediately without refund or obligation to provide lodging elsewhere. If an exception is made, a $500 surcharge plus a $200 pet fee per pet may be charged.
Non-pet-friendly properties indicate the Owner does not allow animals in the home, often due to severe allergies, asthma, or medical conditions. Guests with service animals are asked to select a pet-friendly home when possible to comply with Owner requests. Some Owners may not allow outside pets but may bring their own pets. Guests with severe pet allergies should be aware that pets may have entered or resided on the premises at some point.
Service animals trained to assist an individual with a disability are permitted as required by ADA guidelines in all vacation rental homes regardless of pet policy. If a service dog is accompanying you, while not required, we request you notify us so it can be noted on your reservation. In Florida, emotional support dogs are not required to be allowed in non-pet-friendly homes and must follow all pet policies set forth.
Rental Rules
Guest Restrictions
No daytime guests are allowed to stay overnight if doing so exceeds maximum occupancy. Any person on property is the responsibility of the Registered Guest. Guests may not hire vendors who need inside access without notifying us directly to grant access. Guests must not share lock codes or garage codes (if any) with vendors or additional parties at any time.
Property
Keep the property and furnishings in good order. Close and lock doors/windows when not occupied. Do not remove any items, including bath towels and linens (excluding beach chairs, toys, umbrellas, and beach towels), or throw any items away without notifying the manager first. If anything is broken or damaged, notify the manager immediately. Guests must inspect the home upon arrival and report issues within 24 hours.
Smoking
All rental properties are smoke-free. Smoking of any kind (cigarettes, vape, e-cigarettes) anywhere on property, including patios or near open doors/windows, will result in a $200 charge per day to the Registered Guest. Additional damages exceeding this amount will also be charged.
Furniture and Amenities
Do not move furniture between floors or remove it from the property. Blankets and bath towels must remain in the unit. Beach towels are provided for beach use and towel quantities must match at departure; quantities are determined by unit size. Beach chairs, towels, and other equipment may be used as intended. If lost, damaged, or stolen, the renter will be charged replacement value. Inventory is taken before and after each stay.
Air Conditioning
Setting AC too low during warm outdoor temperatures can freeze the unit and cause damage. Fan should be on AUTO and system on COOL. Do not set thermostat below 72°F. Do not operate AC with doors/windows open. Damage due to improper operation is guest responsibility. Reference the rental binder for HVAC information.
Parking
Parking is limited and designated areas are posted per home. Park only in designated areas. Road parking is not permitted. Do not block other parking. Illegally parked vehicles may be towed or ticketed; all fees are the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner.
Noise Ordinance
The City of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach have noise ordinances enforced by law/code enforcement. Please be mindful of neighbors. Exceeding the ordinance may result in a warning and continued violation may result in fines and/or termination of the rental agreement without refund.
Fire Safety
Use appliances only as intended. Do not leave grills or stove/ovens unattended. Smoke/CO detectors are installed; do not tamper. Fire extinguisher is under kitchen sink. Hearing-impaired detectors are available upon request. Review emergency exits map in rental binder.
Housekeeping / Supplies
Linens and bath towels are included at arrival. Daily housekeeping is not included. We provide starter supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, soaps, etc.). After starter supplies are used, guests are responsible for purchasing additional items for their needs.
Garbage / Toilets
Trash must be placed in appropriate trash/recycling bins. Follow posted trash day instructions. Only toilet paper may be flushed. Paper towels, wipes, feminine products, etc. may cause plumbing issues, and guests will be responsible for service calls/repairs. Do not put peelings or fibrous material in the disposal; run water and feed slowly.
Pests
Florida has bugs. Grounds are routinely treated for pests. Treatments may be non-toxic but use caution with children/pets. Follow mosquito prevention recommendations.
Grills / Propane (if any)
Grills and propane tanks are provided as a courtesy. We try to provide an extra filled tank. Notify us if you swap tanks so we can replace. If all tanks are empty, refill and provide a receipt for reimbursement.
Rooftop Deck / Balconies
Supervise children at all times. Do not hang items from railings. Keep rooftop doors closed. Do not stand on roof or lean on railings. No jumping from balconies into pools at any time.
Weather / Storms
Lightning is a real threat in Florida. Exit pool areas and take cover during storms.
City Ordinances
Guests are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and following ordinances in the city where they are renting or visiting.
Internet / WiFi
Internet is provided by third-party providers. We cannot guarantee availability and are not responsible for outages, weak signals, downed lines, equipment failure, etc.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators and freezers may take up to 24 hours to fully cool items after stocking. This does not mean the unit is malfunctioning. Stock perishables first, add warm items gradually, and keep doors closed. We are not responsible for spoiled food due to improper stocking, use, or equipment failure. Grocery delivery is permitted only with prior permission and we must be notified to coordinate access and cleaners. Vendors must be informed of refrigeration recommendations. We are not responsible for food delivered prior to arrival.
Rental Binder / Posted Signage
Each home includes a rental binder with key information including WiFi details, rules, ordinances, local information, emergency contacts, emergency exits map, hurricane preparedness, and contact information. Guests must familiarize themselves with binder contents.
Parties / Events / Social Gatherings
Small daytime gatherings may occur, but large parties or events exceeding occupancy/noise ordinances are not permitted. Outside vendors (musicians, DJs, private chefs, performers, etc.) are not allowed without express written permission. Confetti, silly string, fireworks, smoke bombs, water balloons, and attaching items to walls with tape/nails/staples are prohibited. Photography/videography for promotional or paid use is prohibited without management/owner approval.
Smart Technology / TVs
Guests are responsible for logging in/out of apps used on TVs or in-home iPads. Do not log out of existing Spectrum or YouTubeTV accounts. Guests may not alter settings on sound systems or iPads.
Trash
Trash is collected twice weekly. Follow posted instructions for disposal/recycling. We are not responsible for overflowing trash due to missed pickups or service interruptions beyond our control. Trash bins are routinely cleaned and sanitized.
Termination of Agreement
Failure to abide by the Terms & Conditions of Once Upon A Beach or Florida law may result in termination of the rental agreement without refund. This agreement is governed by Florida law. The prevailing party in any lawsuit to enforce any provision of this agreement shall be entitled to recover attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses for mediation, arbitration, trial, or appellate proceedings.
This agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and may only be amended in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. Renters may not assign or transfer this agreement.
Indemnification, Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Assumption of Risk
While Once Upon A Beach and its property owners strive to maintain vacation properties in excellent condition, no guarantees are expressed or implied regarding suitability for any particular purpose. All guests and their invitees use the property structures, appliances, furnishings (including hot tubs and BBQs), landscaping, and premises at their own risk.
Once Upon A Beach and its property owners shall not be held liable or otherwise responsible in any way for injury to any guest or invitee caused or permitted to be caused by: (1) the intentional or unintentional acts of guests or invitees, (2) failure, malfunction, or misuse of structures, appliances, furnishings, or equipment, and/or (3) acts of God/nature or naturally occurring conditions.
No guarantees are expressed or implied as to: (1) the suitability or reliability of utilities or services provided, (2) the suitability or compatibility of construction materials or contents, or (3) the absence of allergens or irritants, including mold, spores, pet/animal allergens, chemical agents, and materials utilized in appliances, linens, carpeting, utensils, fixtures, hot tubs, landscaping, and/or other equipment.
As with many coastal properties, the landscape may include palm trees that naturally shed coconuts and fronds.
By written or electronic acceptance of this agreement, guests and invitees agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Once Upon A Beach and its property owners from and against all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, damages, or expenses (including the cost of defense) arising out of or in any way connected with their use of the property.
Guests are responsible for the care of the property and its furnishings. If items are lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged due to neglect, guests agree to pay fair market value for replacement, charged to the credit card on file with Once Upon A Beach for incidentals.
Acknowledgment: By accepting this agreement, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to these terms. I am aware that I may be waiving certain legal rights, including the right to sue, as part of the Once Upon A Beach Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions, and I do so freely without inducement.
