8 Injured After Deck Collapse at Vacation Rental Near Jacksonville

A sudden deck collapse at a vacation rental home in St. Johns County left eight people hospitalized and raised serious questions about property maintenance and rental safety, officials said.

The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. Sunday at a home along South Ponte Vedra Boulevard, near Jacksonville. Emergency crews from St. Johns County Fire Rescue responded quickly after reports that a two-story deck had collapsed while multiple people were on or near the structure.

Fire rescue officials confirmed that 13 people were evaluated at the scene, and eight were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Fortunately:

• No one was trapped beneath the debris
• No rescues were required
• All victims were able to be accessed quickly by first responders

“We evaluated a total of 13 patients on scene and ended up transporting eight of them,” said Chris Naff, spokesperson for St. Johns County Fire Rescue.

Authorities did not immediately release the severity of the injuries, but officials said the victims were conscious and receiving medical care.

Crime scene tape surrounded the rental property as investigators worked to determine what caused the deck to fail. Nearby residents expressed shock — and concern — over the safety of frequently rented homes in the area.

“We weren’t sure what happened, so to hear that the deck collapsed is pretty insane,” said nearby homeowner Nicholas Recco.

Another neighbor raised concerns about maintenance practices at short-term rental properties.

“That house is rented quite a bit,” said Frank Recco. “A lot of these houses are not maintained. I guess that’s the problem with a lot of these rental properties.”

Officials have not yet released details about:

• The age or condition of the deck
• Whether the structure complied with building codes
• If overcrowding or structural defects played a role
• Whether the property owner or management company could face liability

Investigators are expected to examine construction records, inspection history, and whether the deck was properly maintained — especially given the property’s use as a vacation rental.

Potential Legal Options for Injured Guests

Victims injured in a deck collapse at a rental property may have legal rights depending on the findings of the investigation. Potential claims may include:

• Premises liability against the property owner for unsafe conditions
• Negligence claims if routine inspections or maintenance were neglected
• Claims against property management companies responsible for upkeep
• Construction defect claims if the deck was improperly built or repaired

Injured guests may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term rehabilitation or disability

A Reminder About Rental Property Safety

This incident underscores the importance of structural safety and regular inspections, particularly at short-term rental properties that frequently host large groups. Elevated decks, balconies, and staircases are known risk areas when maintenance is deferred or building standards are ignored.

As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release more information about the cause of the collapse and whether violations contributed to the injuries.