katykitten

I’m hoping to spend the winters in a gated independent living retirement community in Florida, maybe keys or Sarasota area
im 62 And a lively, sociable single retired lady who enjoys hiking, golf, and lots of other activities.
are there any communities in this area which do 6 month rentals?

scrubbedexpat099

Sounds like you have a B visa?

I am sure there are, must be many people who have second properties and can not travel currently, presumably you are aware of the quarantine requirements.

katykitten

Hi yes, im aware of the current challenges
Im struggling to find a lively community for people my age which offers rental properties in the Sarasota region but would consider others

katykitten

Ill be on a regular tourist visa

scrubbedexpat099

Well obviously most things community wise have been cancelled due to the Covid, I was told the Florida market had crashed, well friends who lived there, not sure how things will come back, if they will.

Never been to Florida so will leave that to others.

tht

All CV19 restrictions aside a B2 is the only US tourist visa I am aware of. Individuals from certain countries can apply for an ESTA to get them in a plane and apply enter at a POE on a VW for a shorter stay of up to 90 days.

SanDiegogirl

I think you are struggling because most independent living retirement communities are those that people live in permanently and they have either paid for their accommodation (ie, bought into the development) or have long term lease type situations. They don't rent out for short term.
(There may even be regulations whereby a resident cannot rent out their property in such a community while they are away). They have an overall management staff to administer the community.
Are you thinking about 55+ communities i.e those areas where homes/apartments are sold only to people over 55? These communities usually have a club house, social area and often a pool, but the house/apartment owners can usually rent out their property (with some restrictions) as they are individual purchases.

SanDiegogirl

As a Brit you don't need a visa to visit the US - however on the VWP (Visa Waiver program) you're only allowed up to 90 days in the country.
On a B2 visa you'll be allowed up to 6 months at a time.

katykitten

yes! that's what i thinking of, wasn't sure of the correct term so thankyou!

SanDiegogirl

duplicated.....

SanDiegogirl

OK, so you need to look at rentals which have the '+55 community' reference. Not all are gated though.....

Rete

https://www.after55.com/fl/sarasota

Now are the leases for 6 months? I don't know you would have to call them.

Jerseygirl

welcome to BE. Do you have any idea how much travel insurance for 6 mths will cost?

scot47

How long can you stay on a "regular tourist" visa ? Will US Immigration not become suspicious of someone doing this regularly for longer periods ?

Rete

She already admitted that she didn't know what to call it and know is aware that it is a B visa she will need to obtain. No, they will not be suspicious as it is regularly done each winter by hordes of foreigners (particularly Canadians) seeking warmth and sun.