How does Lee County, FL define a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR)?
- Any residential dwelling that is rented for stays of six months or less.
- This includes dwellings that are both individually and collectively owned that serve as transient public lodging establishments.
Source: Visit Fort Myers Rental Property Guidelines
Can investors own more than one vacation rental property in Lee County, FL?
Yes, investors are allowed to own more than one vacation rental property in Lee County, FL. There is no specific limitation on the number of Airbnb rental properties that an investor can own in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, or North Ft. Myers.
Source: Lee County Clerk of Courts
Does Lee County, FL have any zoning restrictions for STRs?
Yes, Lee County, FL has zoning restrictions for STRs, but they vary depending on the location. For example, North Fort Myers and Cape Coral do not have any zoning restrictions. However, in Fort Myers Beach, rentals in certain zoning districts are limited to a single-family during any one-month period with exceptions for specific areas and pre-existing weekly rentals. Condominiums with six or more units may have different rental duration requirements. So, it’s important to check the specific regulations for each property’s location.
Source: Fort Myers Beach Short Term Rental Ordinance
In Lee County, FL can an investor own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity?
Yes, investors in Lee County, FL can operate their Airbnb property as a business entity, enabling them to manage and run their vacation rental professionally while adhering to local regulations.
Source: Lee County Clerk of Courts
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In Lee County, FL, can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals?
Yes, investors in Lee County, FL can register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes as vacation rentals, as long as they comply with the relevant regulations and licensing requirements set by the county.
Source: Lee County Clerk of Courts
What is Lee County, FL requirement for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?
To obtain a vacation rental license in Lee County, FL, you need to:
- Register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and ensure compliance with their requirements.
- Ensure compliance with local zoning regulations and licensing requirements specific to vacation rentals.
- Provide all necessary documentation, including site plans, floor plans, and proof of restroom facilities.
- Pay the applicable fees associated with the vacation rental license application.
- Undergo inspections to verify compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Source: Florida DBPR Hotels and Restaurant Division
What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Lee County, FL?
The costs associated with a vacation rental license in Lee County, FL, can vary depending on the city. In Cape Coral, there is a $35 fee per property for vacation rental registration. In Fort Myers Beach, each unit available for Airbnb rental on a single property must be registered separately, with a registration fee of $300.00 plus $100.00 per bedroom per dwelling/dwelling unit. It is important to contact the licensing department of the specific city for accurate and up-to-date information on the costs associated with obtaining a vacation rental license.
Sources: Cape Coral STR Info & Fort Myers Beach STR Registration
Does Lee County, FL have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?
Yes. Lee County, FL defines occupancy limits for vacation rentals based on the definition of a “family” as stated in § 34-2 of the code. A family is described as one or more persons living as a single, nonprofit housekeeping unit. However, groups of five or more unrelated adults are not considered a family.
Source: Lee County Florida Ordinance
Does Lee County, FL require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license? What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental?
Yes. Lee County, FL requires inspections as part of the process to obtain a short-term rental (STR) license in Fort Myers, North Ft. Myers, and Cape Coral. The inspections ensure compliance with physical and structural requirements. These requirements include meeting building codes, fire protection, egress, and electrical and heating components.
Source: Lee County Florida Ordinance
Does Lee County, FL have any responsible agent requirements?
Yes, Lee County, FL has responsible agent requirements for vacation rentals. For example, in Fort Myers Beach, operators are required to provide a current local telephone number for each short-term rental unit. This contact number must be available 24/7 to address any complaints or concerns. These telephone numbers are considered public records and can be accessed during regular business hours at the town hall.
Source: Fort Myers Beach Short Term Rental Ordinance
Does Lee County, FL have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?
Yes, Lee County, FL has specific insurance requirements for vacation rentals. This is true for Cape Coral and Fort Myers Beach, where operators are required to maintain liability insurance coverage with minimum limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. The insurance policy must name the town as an additional insured party.
Source: Fort Myers Beach Short Term Rental Ordinance
What are the duration and renewal terms of a Lee County, FLVacation Rental license?
In Lee County, FL, the duration and renewal terms of vacation rental licenses are typically one year for all the cities mentioned. This applies to Cape Coral, North Ft. Myers, Fort Myers, and Fort Myers Beach.
Source: Lee County Florida Ordinance
In Lee County, FL, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf? Are there any taxes that the host must track and pay directly to Lee County, FL?
In Lee County, FL, if your Airbnb rental property is listed on online platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or others, they will typically handle the collection and remittance of the tourist development tax on your behalf. However, if you use an online property management program or advertise on other platforms without a tax collecting agent, you are responsible for registering, collecting, and remitting the tourist development tax on the gross rent received, including any mandatory fees.
Source: Lee County Clerk of Courts
Who should I contact if I have questions regarding Lee County, FL Vacation Rentals?
Lee County Tax Collector: 239-533-6000
Town of Fort Myers Beach: 239-765-0202
City of Cape Coral: 239-574-0624 & Crall@capecoral.gov
City of Fort Myers: 239-321-7900
Are there any new laws and regulations that the city is requiring?
At the time this information was compiled, Get Chalet did not find any new laws or regulations in Lee County, FL, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers,and North Ft. Myers that pertain to short-term rentals.
