[treetorn]

My wife and I, with our two kids (both under 3) are considering moving to FL, or Texas. I am self employed and can move just about anywhere so I am not worried about employment. I plan to do this in August.

I would consider leaving the country for a few years, but I do need to keep in contact with my North East Clients and occasionally I will need to see them, which means I will need to drive to see them.

So, I plan to keep my current home for now, but I eventually plan to move somewhere warmer, with better sunsets, less expensive to live, great foods, lots of sunshine, and more tax friendly environment.

What I think I should do is rent a home for a month in FLorida, somewhere along the upper, western gulf coast, near Panama City, or just east of it. I was hoping to rent a secluded home with lots of privacy.

In this way we can travel to various destinations in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.

And, at the very least I can see some of the country with my wife and kids.

In addition, I would also like to be with in driving distance of the gulf beaches, so my wife can take the children there and test the warm water in order to see if she likes it. She is from south America and misses this. Also, I have two small dogs two that I would like to take with me.

So, I was wondering if people do rent for a month, at non vacation rental rates, and allow to do this with pets. And if so, where should I turn to look for these rentals.

[doggiebus]

You probably will not find a house to rent that has a lot of privacy and secluded to rent for just a month. You will probably find an apartment complex that you can rent from for a month.

[AustinTraveler]

Go to vrbo.com. There are tons of houses for rent and many are available by the month. Depending on the time of year, many owners are more than willing to lower their asking rate if they are guaranteed rent for a whole month.

[beachmouse]

Generally, prices fall very significantly in the off season for vacation rentals. So if you're thinking south Florida, rent in the summer, and if you're thinking north Florida, rent in the winter. (though you do get the worst of the weather that way)

Also late April through Memorial Day tends to be a slow vacation time so you can find deals during that time frame. September also tends to be slow on the vacation front, though you're at the peak of storm season that time of year.

[Broker Dave]

Yes you can but only in he vacation rental areas around Disney, I Drive areas as outside of these areas you must rent for 6 months 1 day which ends up being 7 months due to the 1 day over 6 months.

Hope this helps,

[It's Cin!]

How about looking for an "Executive" rental setup. These are often rented on a month to month basis. They are fully furnished, all utilities on, usually cable, etc. You pay a higher price of course, but if you just want a short stay that isnt a hotel these Executive setups might be what you're looking for. We had one in an apt. complex for four months once while my spouse was attending a school he needed. It had all brand new furniture, bedding, kitchen set up with microwave, all dishs, linens, etc. Everything was brand spankin' new.