As a Miami resident for over 50 years, I have always enjoyed getting away to Key Largo for the fishing, boating,
and relaxation that is unique to the area. Being able to share the Key Largo laid back life style with other families from
all over the world has truly been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. Over the years I have been
able to meet so many people and share stories with them. They all seem to have the same things in common, they all
love experiencing nature and the outdoors in a way that brings them closer together as a family.
I'm married to a very supportive wife Charlene and have two great kids, Sofia and Fernando Jr. They all love
the outdoors just as much as dad. I'm a Civil Engineer by trade, having worked for 12 years at a firm in Miami
primarily in the areas of Land Development and Highway Design. In the mid 90's I began renting out my second home in Key Largo
to generate extra income and as the saying goes "The Rest is History"! I am truelly blessed for being able
to do something that I love, never feel like I have to work a day in my life. Immigrated to the US at the age of 4 from Cuba
and am so greatful it has allowed me to live the Amerincan Dream. I still keep my Engineering License active, worked
to hard to get it. And I'm currently a member of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce as well as serving as President
of the Kawama Yacht Club Board of Directors and Vice President for The Mariners Club Board of Directors.
IMPORTANT FACTOR TO CONSIDER
Many of the
most popular vacation rental websites have been infiltrated by more and more con artist that advertise properties and take
payments/reservations for properties that do not exist. Also, many private owners throughout the keys are operating illegal
vacation rentals in areas not zoned to allow for rentals of less than 28 days. This is an activity that the county is aggressively
cracking down on for a variety of reasons. Owners that are caught by Code Enforcement face steep fines and are required to
immediately stop advertising and cancel all of their reservations.
So
to insure you have the peace of mind in knowing that you are dealing with a legitimate vacation rental manager and will not
become the next victim of Internet fraud and finding yourself stranded in the keys without a place to stay. Or reserving a
property from someone that is running an illegal vacation rental. It is imperative that you make sure the owner/manager you
ultimately rent from is licensed by both Monroe County as well as The State of Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
