Cape Coral Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Rental Property Registration

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Apply online at CapeCoral.gov/RentalRegistration through Energov Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 11% of gross rental income.

Collection: Platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway) collect and remit tourist development tax on behalf of hosts. Hosts using property management software must self-remit.

Filing: Monthly or quarterly depending on volume; remit to Florida Department of Revenue (sales tax) and Lee County Clerk (tourist development tax)

Rental Limits

Cape Coral does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Zoning & Restrictions

No zoning restrictions — Florida state law preempts local vacation rental zoning regulations

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Cape Coral does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Owner must designate a local contact person who can respond to issues at the property 24/7
• Owner must provide current contact information
• Changes in information must be reported within 30 days

Penalties for Non-Compliance

First violation: $500 fine. Repeat offenses: $1,000 fine. Misrepresenting rental type - first offense: $1,000; repeat offenses within 36 months: $2,000. Late renewal (beyond 30 days): $50 fine plus Code Compliance referral.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Cape Coral:

1. Meet safety requirements. Owner must designate a local contact person who can respond to issues at the property 24/7. Owner must provide current contact information. Changes in information must be reported within 30 days.
2. Apply for Rental Property Registration. Submit application + $350 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Florida Department of Revenue (sales tax); Lee County Clerk of Courts (tourist development tax).
4. Collect and remit taxes. 11% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. $350 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Cape Coral?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Cape Coral requires a Rental Property Registration.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Cape Coral?

A Rental Property Registration in Cape Coral costs $350 per year.

Does Cape Coral require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Cape Coral allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Cape Coral?

Cape Coral does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Cape Coral?

Short-term rental stays in Cape Coral are subject to a combined 11% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Florida State Sales Tax + 5% Lee County Tourist Development Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Cape Coral?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $2,000.