FAQ for our Beach Rentals on St. George Island

Q - What are your office hours?

A - We are open 7 days a week year round from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except for Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Days.  Our reservations department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.  During the months of June and July, our office is open until 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Q - Where do I go to check-in? 

A - The Check-In Center is located at 140 W. First Street, St. George Island, Florida 32328.  Once you cross the bridge, take a right at the second street which is West Pine Avenue.   We are on the corner of West First Street and West Pine Avenue.

Q - What time is check-in?

A - Please plan your vacation accordingly as we need time to prepare your vacation home for you.  Check-in begins at 4:00 pm year round and in High Season, we guarantee it by 6:00 pm.  Check-out is 10:00 am.

Q - What if I arrive after hours?

A  - If you are certain you will arrive after 5:00 pm, (or 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays in June and July), please notify us via email at latearrival@rvpsgi.com or by fax at (850) 927-4040.  Guests must call our office at 1-866-927-2322 to obtain late check-in procedures.

Q - What are your payment policies?

A - Within 10 days of booking, reservations made in advance require 25% of the total rent due to confirm your reservation.  A second payment of 25% is due 90 days prior to arrival with the final balance due 30 days prior to arrival.  For last minute reservations made less than 45 days prior to arrival, full payment is due within 48 hours of booking.  In addition to making payment, our "Guest Registration" form must be completed and turned in during the same time frame as described above.  If your vacation home is located in the St. George Plantation, we also need receipt of the "St. George Plantation Rental Agreement."  These forms can be submitted electronically.  They can also be obtained from our office or downloaded & either mailed with your payment or faxed to our office.  Our fax number is (850) 927-4040.

Q - What forms of payment do you accept?

A - We have several methods for payment:  By postal service, we accept your personal check, money order or cashier's check.  Payment can be made online with a "web check" which is a personal check submitted electronically through a secure site.  We also accept Visa, MasterCard & Discover online with a convenience fee of $30.  For more information about web checks, please visit www.affirmativeusa.com.  For last minute reservations, full payment is due within 48 hours of booking.  The payment method is the same as described above except that payment made through the postal service must be sent via an overnight carrier.  It is required that the name of the carrier as well as the tracking number be provided within 24 hours of making a reservation.  Additionally, neither personal checks nor web checks are accepted 14 days prior to arrival.

Q - What is your Cancellation Policy?

A - Once the reservation deposit has been received, there will be no refunds given unless:

1.  The reason for the cancellation is covered by travel insurance.

2.  We can re-rent the property for the same dates and rental rate.  A 10% cancellation fee of the total rental amount will apply and be deducted from the advance rental payment.  If it is not possible to re-rent the home for the same dates and rental rate, the cancellation fee and any difference in the re-booking rate will be deducted from the advance rental payment.

3.  Guests are welcome to change their vacation dates if the new dates are for the same property/calendar year and the rates are of equal or greater value.  In these circumstances, we must be contacted at least 30 days prior to arrival.

4.  After arrival, there should be no expectation of refunds or relocation because of dissatisfaction with the home rented.  Unlike a hotel, we cannot relocate guests without specific authorization.

Q - What furnishings are provided in each home?

A -  The vacation rental homes are fully furnished and unless otherwise specified in the individual property description have central heat and air, feature a fully-equipped kitchen (cookware, dishes, flatware, glasses, blender, coffee maker, dishwasher, icemaker or ice trays, microwave and toaster), a washer & dryer, bed linens, pillows and bedspreads, bath, hand towels and washcloths, a telephone, at least one TV and deck furniture.

Q - What linens are provided?

A - We want to save you some room in your suitcases.  Don't worry about packing bed linens and bath towels - we have provided them for you at no extra charge.  Arrive at your vacation home to find your beds freshly made and waiting for you so that you can start enjoying your vacation as soon as you arrive.  You will also find a set of bath towels, (including a hand towel and wash cloth), folded neatly on each bed for every person in your party.  We will gladly bring extra towels and provide same day service if notified prior to 11:00 am.

Q - What else is provided?

A - Little touches make a big difference.  Our homes offer all of the comforts of home with a little extra.  We are pleased to provide you with a starter supply of garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher soap, hand soap and coffee filters.  Depending upon the size of your group, usage, and the length of your stay, you may need to supplement some of these items throughout the course of your stay.

Q - What should I bring?

A - The most important items are your flip-flops and a bathing suit.  Additional items needed include beach towels, beach chairs and umbrellas, and sunscreen.  Many guests, during certain seasons, also find bug spray to be helpful.  Our kitchens are fully stocked with cookware, dishes, flatware, glasses, a blender, coffee maker, dishwasher, icemaker or ice trays, a microwave oven and toaster.  Please bring any speciality cooking items you may need and food.  Condiments and cleaning supplies can be purchased locally.  Staples to remember include aluminum foil, plastic wrap, sandwich bags, laundry detergent, shampoo, bath soap and medicines.  Baby equipment, (if not specified as already provided in the individual property descriptions) can be rented from local vendors.  The fishing is great so don't forget your poles and tackle box!

Q - Are there grocery stores on the Island?

There is a small, but well stocked grocery stored on the Island.  There is also a small grocery store in Eastpoint and two larger grocery stores in Apalachicola which is about a 20 minute drive from here.  There are also two convenience stores on the Island.

Q - Where are the nearest commercial airports?

The two airports nearest to St. George Island are in Tallahassee and Panama City, Florida.  Both are about 75 miles from St. George Island. 

Q - Can I rent a boat, jet ski, bicycle, chair, etc.?

A – There are rental businesses for these items on the Island and/or nearby towns such as Eastpoint and Apalachicola.  You may pick up brochures in our office when you arrive, or you may call or email for information.  Chamber of Commerce.

Q - Do you provide baby beds and high chairs?

A – We do not have these items available for guest use however they can be rented from local vendors.

Q - Are fireworks allowed? 

A – Fireworks are prohibited in the Plantation and Sunset Beach.  In other areas, fireworks in compliance with Florida law, are allowed only during the 4th of July and the New Year holidays.   

Q – May we have a fire on the beach?

A – Open fires are prohibited in the Plantation.  In other areas, you may build a small campfire on the beach away from vegetation and bury the ashes when finished.

Q – Is there a public boat launch or marina on the Island?

A – There are no marinas on the Island. 

The St. George Island boat ramp is located on the northeast side of the St. George Island fishing bridge.  This newly constructed ramp has become very popular and can accommodate various size boats.  It offers parking for 13 cars and 14 boat/trailer combos.

There are two natural, not paved or maintained ramps for boat access into the Apalachicola Bay located in the State Park.  One ramp is located at the youth camp area and the other is 2.5 miles from the entrance.  Both ramps can accommodate boats not much larger than 24' in length with a shallow draft, depending on the current tide.  A small fee is required. 

Apalachicola offers several public boat ramps that can accommodate any trailer-able boat.  Battery Park is located at the foot of the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge on Bay Avenue between 4th and 6th Streets in downtown Apalachicola.  The park offers several public boat ramps, a playground and a fishing pier.  Another ramp is located on Market Street at Mill Pond on Scipio Creek.  The Lombardi boat ramp is located near the westerly entrance info Apalachicola on US Highway 98.

Q - Are there restaurants on the Island? 

A – There are terrific restaurants in the commercial district located in the center of the Island.  Click Here for a list.

Q - What is the procedure for having an item I left behind returned?

A – If you leave an item in your rental home, please contact us by phone or email and we will check to see if the item has been found.  If it is located, we will return the item along with a statement for the shipping or mailing charge. The Lost and Found department is located in our linen facility in Eastpoint. The telephone number is 850-670-1266.

Q - Are dogs allowed on the beach?

A – Dogs are restricted in some areas of the State Park.  You may view detailed information about this on their website http://www.floridastateparks.org/stgeorgeisland/default.cfm.   Dogs are allowed in other areas of the Island in compliance with our local leash laws.  You may view the leash laws at  http://www.resortvacationproperties.com/vacationrentals/leashlaws.php. Dogs must be leashed in the St. George Plantation.

Q - Is there a fitness center or day spa nearby?

A –  Apalachicola Fitness Center is located at 45 Avenue D in Apalachicola.  The phone number is (850) 653-1920.  Scissor’s Palace Nail Care and Day Spa is located at 471A Highway 98 in Eastpoint.  The phone number is 850-670-5220.

Q - Where are the nearest golf courses?

A – The two nearest golf courses are in Carrabelle and Port St. Joe.  Please visit their websites for additional information. 
http://www.stjamesbay.com/
http://www.sjbcc.com/

Q – Can I have a wedding, wedding reception or other large gathering at your rental properties?

A - Weddings and events are welcome at participating homes.  Guidelines and certain restrictions apply.  For more information, please email us at specialevent@resortvacationproperties.com.

Q - What if there is a tropical storm or hurricane during my stay? 

A - No refunds will be made for early departures for mandatory hurricane evacuation orders or for unavailability of a rental home due to severe weather damage.  Refunds may only be obtained through the Travel Insurance provider.