Frequently Asked Questions

You have a variety of lodging options at Carter Vacation Rentals. It’s an ideal alternative to a hotel room. Studios, 1,2,3 bedroom apartments, Villas, beachfront cottages and private beachfront homes. A few of the key advantages are: They are more charming ,usually better locations, more amenities and more space for less money than a hotel room along the Gulf. Spread out in your private bedrooms, relax in the living room, soak up the scenery, and enjoy your fully equipped kitchen.

We require a down-payment to secure a reservation, which must be made on a major credit card (MASTERCARD, VISA, AMEX, DISCOVER). We do not accept checks for the Reservation Down-Payment. This down-payment varies depending on the property, rental fees and length of stay. The minimum down-payment for shorter stays is $200. However for all reservations of 28 days or more, the down-payment is a $500 or 20% of the total rental fee, whichever is greater. Note this is a Reservation Down-Payment and NOT a Security Deposit.

After you have selected one of our properties and made a reservation with Carter Vacation Rentals, we will process your down-payment (typically within 24 hours) and email you an updated reservation confirmation. The week prior to your arrival date we will email you a Welcome note and directions, along with how to obtain the keys to your rental property.

The driving directions should bring you directly to your reserved property and the access information should indicate any special instructions (such as gate and key lock box codes). Two key rings are located within the property. The beauty of this system is that you can arrive any time after the 3:00 pm check-in (at your convenience). If you should have any problems, contact us at 813-454-9443.

The onsite rental office is not responsible for any problems within your unit. Since we have NO association with the complex office, the ONLY reason to go to the office is to obtain a parking or pool pass (if applicable).

The Reservation Down-Payment is strictly to secure your reservation and does not cover any damage to the vacation property. This original deposit is applied to the balance due on your final rental fees. 

A standard departure cleaning charge is added to each reservation. However, the vacation property should be left in an orderly condition with all items put back the way they were when you first arrived. The standard cleaning fee includes laundering of one set of sheets for each bed and towel bath sets equivalent to the maximum occupancy of the property. Please let us know if you would like to arrange any additional mid-week cleaning service.

Check out is 10 am. Leave property reasonably clean and in order with all items put back the way they were when you arrived. Double check property so you don’t leave anything behind. Clean all dishes or Dishwasher should be loaded and run upon leaving. Leave property keys and parking pass on the kitchen counter. Keep the door unlocked, a house keeper will be in soon after you check out. Set AC to 78.

Yes, all of our condos and vacation homes are non-smoking (including the balcony or porch).

Since our properties are privately owned, the contents of each individual one will of course vary. However, in a standard rental property in our network you will find fresh linens, bedding, towels, beach towels (for beach locations), dishes and silverware and wifi. All of our facilities have a kitchen equipped for basic cooking needs. For your convenience, initial set up supplies such as soap and toilet paper, are furnished in property. Note that vacation rental properties are self-catering accommodations.

Most of the parking areas at the vacation properties are limited, so many (especially older complexes) have parking space for cars only. There are exceptions, so please search amenities on the property description page for boat parking. To avoid the hassles of wrestling with a trailer and boat ramps, not to mention parking issues, you might want to contact any of the numerous fishing charter captains or boat rental companies in the area.

Carter Vacation Rentals is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. If you have lost an item during your stay, please notify us as soon as possible. We will contact the cleaning company and/or inspect the residence in an effort to help you in locating your missing item. If we discover any personal property, Carter Vacation Rentals will notify you to arrange retrieval. If you do not claim your lost personal property within a month, we will donate or dispose of the items. You will be responsible for paying for any and all shipping charges plus a $15 handling fee (consider that sometimes it costs more to return your property than it is actually worth).

You may block out your reservations for holidays online as early as 365 days prior to the date of arrival. Holiday weeks book up early, so the sooner you book the more likely the property you are requesting will still be available. If you have not found an answer to your question, please call or text us at 813-454-9443 and we will be glad to help you.

 We will do everything possible to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable.