Privacy

Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2026

This policy explains what information Forgotten Coast Sanctuary ("we," "the host," "Ely & Chuck") collects from guests who use this website and book direct, and how we handle it.

What we collect

When you book

• Identity: first and last name, email, phone number, party size.
• Stay details: chosen configuration (Suite / Main House / Full Sanctuary), check-in & check-out dates, special requests you write us.
• Acknowledgements + signature: the rules / cancellation / golf-cart / no-pet checkboxes you tick, plus the legal name you type as your electronic signature, with timestamp and browser user-agent for legal validity.
• Payment: your credit card details are entered directly into Stripe's secure hosted card element. Stripe transmits them — we never see, store, or log full card numbers. We retain the Stripe customer + payment intent IDs so we can capture, refund, and (with the saved-card feature) charge for after-stay extras like late checkout or damages.

When you visit

• Standard server logs (IP address, request URL, browser user-agent) handled by our hosting provider Cloudflare. These help us diagnose problems and rate-limit abuse. They are not used for tracking or advertising.
• If you subscribe to our list: just your email and where you signed up from.

What we don't collect

• We don't run third-party advertising trackers, Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or similar profiling tools.
• We don't sell, rent, or trade your personal information to anyone.
• We don't have interior cameras. Exterior security cameras are mentioned in our House Rules and only cover the front door, driveway, backyard, and side of the property.

Who else handles your data

• Stripe — payment processing. stripe.com/privacy
• Cloudflare — hosting + DNS + serverless functions. cloudflare.com/privacypolicy
• Email delivery — when you book we send guest-journey emails via a transactional provider (e.g. Resend or Postmark). These services handle email delivery only; they don't share your address with anyone else.

How long we keep it

• Booking records: kept indefinitely for tax (FL DR-15 + Gulf County Tourist Development Tax), accounting, and dispute resolution.
• Newsletter list: until you unsubscribe — email Ely or click the unsubscribe link we send.
• Server logs: retained per Cloudflare's defaults (typically 30 days).

Your rights

You can request a copy of the data we have on you, ask us to correct it, or request deletion (subject to tax-record retention requirements). Email Ely directly — contact info is on the homepage.

Children

This is a vacation rental booking site. We don't knowingly collect information from children under 13. Guests booking must be 25 or older to make a reservation.

Changes to this policy

If we materially change how we handle your information we'll update this page and the "last updated" date above.

Contact

Questions? Email Ely directly. Phone, address, and full contact info are on the homepage.

This policy is provided in good faith and in plain language. It is not legal advice. If you operate a similar property, please consult an attorney before copying.