Fort Myers Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental Registration

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Online via the Rentalscape Customer Portal; registration requires a 24-hour local contact, DBPR state license number, and (for pre-existing weekly-rental registry properties) proof of tax payments; annual renewal accepted Oct 1 - Dec 31; annual fire inspection required.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 11.5% of gross rental income.

Collection: State sales tax (incl. county discretionary surtax) is remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue; Lee County Tourist Development Tax is remitted to the Lee County Clerk of Court/Tax Collector.

Rental Limits

Fort Myers Beach does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Occupancy must be consistent with the town's definition of 'family'; a group of five or more unrelated adults (not related by blood, marriage, or adoption) is not deemed a family and is not permitted.

Zoning & Restrictions

Zoning divides the town into weekly-rental and monthly-restricted districts. In restricted districts, dwelling units may generally be rented to only one family per one-month period (minimum one-week stay, shorter for condos), unless the unit is exempt: land between Estero Boulevard and the Gulf of Mexico, land adjoining the bay side of Estero Boulevard, units on the pre-existing weekly-rental registry (as of 1/1/2003), or condos of 6+ units meeting pre-2003/pre-2020 grandfathering criteria (which may rent for 3+ days). Exempt/registered properties may rent weekly without the once-per-month cap.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Fort Myers Beach 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

• Annual fire inspection by the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• $250 fine (first violation)
• $500 fine (second violation)
• Six-month registration suspension (third violation)
• Two-year registration suspension (fourth violation)

Platform Requirements

The town-issued registration number must be included in all forms of public advertising of the unit, including internet listings.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Fort Myers Beach:

1. Meet safety requirements. Annual fire inspection by the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District.
2. Apply for Short-Term Rental Registration. Submit application + $300 + $100/bedroom fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Florida Department of Revenue; Lee County Tax Collector / Clerk of Court.
4. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 11.5% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $300 + $100/bedroom renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Fort Myers Beach?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Fort Myers Beach requires a Short-Term Rental Registration.

Does Fort Myers Beach require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Fort Myers Beach 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 Fort Myers Beach?

Fort Myers Beach 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 Fort Myers Beach?

Short-term rental stays in Fort Myers Beach are subject to a combined 11.5% in lodging taxes. This combines 6.5% Florida State Sales Tax (incl. Lee County Discretionary Surtax) + 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 Fort Myers Beach?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $500 fine; up to 2-year registration suspension for repeat violations.