Officially known as the "Sunshine State," Florida boasts over 663 miles of beaches and 11,000 miles of rivers, streams and waterways. The sun shines more than 300 days per year and the weather is nearly perfect year round; although temperatures have been known to drop into the low 30s during winter months. Often referred to as "Paradise", it's easy to see why Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States.

One of the best ways to explore Florida's beaches is to rent a beach house. With all the comforts of home, renting a beach house allows you the comfort of home living and eliminates the hassles and frustrations oftentimes associated with hotel accommodations. However, there are some things you need to know before you rent a beach house.

Tip #1: When planning your Florida vacation, take time to do your homework. Decide what area(s) you will visiting and become familiar with the different beaches. Not all beach house rentals are the same, so it is critical to know where desirable locations are. You want to choose a beach house rental that is safe and well maintained.

Tip #2: When looking for a beach house rental in Florida it's important to realize that the term "beach" means different things in different locations. For instance, beaches can be on bays rather than oceans. It's important to clarify exactly where the property is located when responding to ads that use terms such as "ocean view", "steps to the beach", or "beach accessibility". Scrutinize these terms and obtain clarity before acceptance of any rental agreement. Google Earth is a great resource to obtain satellite views of beach house rental locations.

Tip #3: Vacation with friends and share expenses. Many Florida beach house rentals accommodate up to 10 or more people. These larger homes oftentimes provide extra amenities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis, spas, golf courses, and community clubhouses. Most beach house rentals are attractively furnished and include basic amenities such as cooking appliances and cookware, linens and towels, televisions, stereos, telephones, and Internet access.

Tip #4: Most Florida beach house rentals are offered by private individuals or property management organizations and can be rented daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or for an entire season. Most beach house rentals can be found by searching the Internet or through advertisements in local newspapers and travel magazines. To locate local newspapers type in "US Newspaper List" at your favorite search engine. Additionally, people frequently turn to "Craig's List" as a source for beach house rentals all across the U.S.

Tip #5: When renting a beach house from a private individual, plan on spending time conversing with the individual and ask a lot of questions. Obtain a list of references and contact them. Find out if pets or smoking are allowed. If you are a smoker, find out if indoor smoking is allowed, as some property owners will retain your security deposit if you smoke inside. If you are not a smoker, be certain to obtain a guarantee that the house is smoke-free. Many non-smokers have allergies to cigar and cigarette smoke and you don't want to rent a house that has allowed indoor smoking. The same holds true for pets. If you are allergic to animals, make certain that no animals have been allowed in the rental home.

Tip #6: Once you decide upon your beach house rental, obtain a written contract that clearly states the terms. Generally, a security deposit is required within 10 days from the date you make the reservation and final payment is due two weeks prior to arrival. Many beach house rental properties require a deposit equal to or greater than the weekly rental. Although this deposit is generally refundable, there are a few renters who do not refund it. Additionally, some renters charge a higher deposit and rental rate for individuals with pets, children and smokers.

Tip #7: Make certain your contract includes a written confirmation of your travel dates, the amount of the beach rental, time of arrival and check-out, cancellation fee, and exactly what is covered. For example, does the beach rental include a boat dock or marina or will that be a separate expense? Will you receive a refund if a hurricane or other natural disaster occurs before you plan to arrive? Are house cleaning expenses covered or do you need to clean the house prior to departure?

Tip #8: Be aware of local laws. Depending on where you plan to stay during your visit to Florida, it's a good idea to research the area and familiarize yourself with local laws. Some beaches allow pets, while others do not. Some beaches allow people to smoke, while others charge a hefty fine if you light up. Regardless of where you stay; if you plan to engage in fishing, you'll need a fishing license.

Tip #9: Be aware of environmental laws. Different locations throughout Florida are home to various species of protected wildlife. These include manatees, panthers, and multiple species of frogs, turtles, corals, crustaceans, and fish. There are also laws which apply to fishing. Certain fish are off-limits, while others must be a certain length or caught only during specific months. If you catch and keep these fish, you can be charged with fines of up to $500 or more.

Tip #10: Be aware of your environment. Florida is full of plants and wildlife that can literally kill you or cause you to become seriously ill. Saltwater catfish and jellyfish inject neurotoxins which can quickly send a person into anaphylactic shock. Sharks frequently visit shorelines and tend to congregate in reef areas and areas where surfers like to catch waves. Florida is home to numerous venomous snakes including rattlesnakes, copperhead, cottonmouth and coral snakes. Last but not least, Florida experiences outbreaks of aquatic toxins including Red Tide and Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). These aquatic toxins can be extremely harmful to individuals with respiratory problems.

Tip #11: Rent during the off-season. Many people enjoy renting a beach house when visiting Florida; particularly during the winter months. However, you can save a considerable amount of money if you wait until the off-season to rent. Florida's off-season falls between May and October, while the peak season falls between November and April.

Tip #12: Invest in travel insurance. Let's face it… things can go wrong when vacation time rolls around. Even the most carefully laid plans can be interrupted by unexpected illness, travel delay, emergency evacuation, or lost luggage. Trip insurance policies are designed for travelers going on a single trip. They can be used for cruises, tours, flights, house rentals, medical emergencies and more.

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The Ten Thousand Islands have attracted humans since before written history was kept. Prehistoric humans inhabited the area. They constructed large shell midden complexes on several islands. Then Spanish explorers traded with the native population and exposed them to diseases for which they had no natural immunity and the native dwellers were wiped out by disease.

It was during the 1880's when white settlers first inhabited some of the larger islands. They made their livings by fishing. Then creature comforts like electricity, telephones and indoor plumbing became available in places like Everglades City, Marco Island and Naples so the pioneer families that were living on the islands chose to relocate to the mainland. Today the Ten Thousand Islands are uninhabited and the area appears much as it did when the first settlers arrived.

In 1996 The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established. It is located in Collier County on the Southwest coast of Florida. There are 35,000 acres that are protected that include mangrove habitats and a rich diversity of native wildlife, including several endangered species. The lower two-thirds is mostly mangrove forest. The northern third of the refuge is made up mostly of brackish marsh and ponds. There are small coastal hammocks of oak, cabbage palms, and tropical hardwoods such as gumbo limbo.

The Ten Thousand Island National Wildlife Reserve is home to at least 200 varieties of fish…that many have been documented but there may be many more that are yet to be documented. There are sea grass beds and mangrove bottoms are virtual nurseries for fish.

More than one hundred ninety species of birds call the refuge home at some time of the year. These birds include species of wading birds, shorebirds, diving water birds, and raptors.

Bottle-nosed Dolphins, river otters and raccoons call the Ten Thousand Islands home and all can be seen in abundance. Some of the endangered species that live in the Ten Thousand Island National Wildlife Refuge are West Indian manatees, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, wood storks, and the Atlantic loggerheads, green, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles.
The Ten Thousand Islands are a maze of mangrove islands and waterways. Mangrove trees are a dark shade of green. Birds roost in the trees and fish use the undersides as nurseries for their young. Along the Gulf of Mexico there are narrow beaches that are shaded by sea grapes, gumbo limbo, and Jamaican dogwood. In the spring time there is a riot of color. On all of the islands black mangroves and red mangroves serve to prop up the white mangroves that can't tolerate as much salt water. There actually two very amazing ecosystems that can be seen. In the northern third of the refuge you find cattails, bulrushes, cord grass, and black needle rush. At the far upper end of the refuge there is enough high ground for slash pine, live oak cabbage palms and pigeon plum to grow.

The Ten Thousand Island Wildlife Refuge is a truly amazing place and one that you should see. Even the bug bites are worth the trip!

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When making vacation plans that include a visit to the beaches of Florida; consider renting a beach house. Not only will you have all the comforts of home available, you could also save a considerable amount of money.

Florida is divided into eight sections: Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Central West, Central, Central East, Southwest and Southeast. Many of the popular tourist attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort and Wet 'N Wild Water Park are located in Central Florida. However, there are no beach house rentals in this area.

Since this article focuses on the cost of renting a beach house, Central Florida rental costs are not included. There are numerous vacation rental homes available in this area; many of which include pools. To locate reputable resources for vacation rental homes in Central Florida visit the "Official Florida Website".

Most beach house rental properties are attractively furnished and include basic amenities such as cooking appliances and cookware, linens and towels, televisions, stereos, telephones, and Internet access. Many are equipped with swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and outdoor showers.

Some Florida beach house rental properties include access to golf courses or community clubhouses. Others include boats and other watercraft rental. Many include amenities for children such as inflatable backyard swimming pools and water slides, play houses, and swing sets.

Most Florida beach house rentals are offered by private individuals or property management organizations. Some are pet-friendly and many offer handicap accessibility. Beach houses can be rented daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or for an entire season. It's important to note there is a 9.5 percent lodging tax added to rental rates.

Last, but not least, nearly every beach house owner requires a 50 percent deposit due within ten days from the date you make your reservation. Additionally, most charge a Reservation Fee (usually $50 to $150); and a refundable Damage Deposit (approximately $200 to $500). Other fees may include pet deposits or cancellation penalties.

Northwest: Popular destinations in this area include Pensacola, Panama City, Destin and Fort Walton Beach. The average beach house rental in this area consists of a 2-3 bedroom home which includes 1-2 bathrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, and laundry/utility room. Generally, rental rates range from $650 to $1200 per week.

You can also find quaint one bedroom cottages or spacious three-story homes with rooftop balconies and crows nest for an expansive view of the ocean.

Attractions in Northwest Florida include Belmont Arts and Cultural Center, Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway, Sam's Fun City, Charter Boat Fishing, Water Sports, Museums, and Historic Sites.

Northeast: This area is home to Amelia Island, Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Beach house rentals range in price from $800 to $1500 for a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Palm Coast offers the most affordable beach house rental rates, while Amelia Island and St. Augustine are more expensive.

Attractions in Northeast Florida include the Budweiser Brewery Tour, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Cruises and Fishing Charters, multiple museums and historic sites, and an abundance of entertainment and nightlife.

North Central: This area includes the coastal cities of Gainesville, Levy, Dixie, Taylor, Wakulla and Alachua. For the most part, beach house rentals in this area are actually located on rivers and bays. Homes in this area offer a more "woodsy" feel, as many are located in secluded locations.

Vacation home rental prices range from $400 to $650 per week in this area. Oftentimes, vacation homes in North Central Florida can be found for as little as $1200 per month.

Attractions include Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Florida Museum of Natural History, NHRA racing, Waldo's Antique Village, guided and unguided kayak and canoe trips, and an abundance of outdoor activities.

Central West: Here you'll find St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Brandenton and Tampa. The average cost of a rental beach house in Central West Florida is approximately $800 per week for a two bedroom, one bathroom home.

Popular attractions include the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway, St. Petersburg Pier (most recognized waterfront landmark), The Pier Aquarium, Sunken Gardens, Captain Memo's Original Pirate Cruise, Saltwater Fishing Charters, Museums, and Trail of the Lost Tribes (a nonprofit network of 28 archaeological sites, parks, and museums).

Central East: Most of Florida's quaint and intimate beaches are located in this area. Charming beach house rentals are abundant in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, and Vero Beach.

New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater offer some of the best rental rates in the area, with rates starting as low as $250 per week. Not only that, they are located on some of Florida's most beautiful stretch of white sandy beaches and are considerably less crowded than other locations.

Central East Florida attractions include Daytona USA Speedway tours, Highland Park Fish Camp, Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center and Visual Arts Gallery, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Manatee Scenic Cruises, St. Johns River Cruises, Deep Sea Fishing, Sky Diving, Water Sports, and New Smyrna Dunes Park.

Southwest: This area attracts tourists who enjoy the finer things in life. Naples, Everglades City, Marco Island and Cape Coral are just a few of the gems you'll find in this area of Florida. Beach house rentals in this area range between $1500 and $6500 per week. The majority of beach houses include enclosed swimming pools, golf courses and recreational facilities. Many are in gated communities.

Popular attractions include Naples Botanical Garden, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Everglades adventure tours, kayaking and canoeing, Airboat excursions, and saltwater fishing charters.

Southeast: For those who enjoy hot weather and hot fun, Southeast Florida is the place to be. Home to Miami, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Key Largo and Key West, this area of Florida offers an abundance of high energy activities, concerts, restaurants, and nightlife.

Rates for rental beach houses in Southeast Florida range between $2500 and $10,000 per week. Ft. Lauderdale rentals start at around $1500 per week, while rentals in Palm Beach can be found for $900 per week or less. Key Largo and Key West rental properties range between $975 and $8500 per week.

Southeast Florida is rich in culture and offers an abundance of culinary delights and exciting nightlife activities. Popular attractions include Everglades Alligator Farm, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Miami Sea Aquarium, Monkey Jungle, Parrot Jungle Island, Ecological Tours and Adventure Expeditions, Yacht charters and cruises, museums and historic sites.

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