| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — annual City Rental Registration ($350/property, eff. Jan 1, 2026) + FL DBPR Vacation Rental License |
| Tax Rate | FL State 6% + Lee County TDT 5% = ~11% |
| Night / Day Cap | 7-day minimum stay required |
| Minimum Stay | 7 days minimum |
| Permit Fee | $350/year city registration + DBPR license fee |
| Penalties | 1st violation: $1,000; 2nd: $2,000; subsequent +$2,000 |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
| Occupancy Limit | Per unit |
Short-term rentals in Cape Coral, Florida are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — annual City Rental Registration ($350/property, eff. Jan 1, 2026) + FL DBPR Vacation Rental License. The associated permit fees are $350/year city registration + DBPR license fee.
Short-term rental operators in Cape Coral should be aware of these tax obligations: FL State 6% + Lee County TDT 5% = ~11%.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Cape Coral include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: 7-day minimum stay required. Occupancy limit: Per unit. Minimum stay: 7 days minimum.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Cape Coral: 7-day minimum stay; annual registration required.
Hosts who fail to comply with Cape Coral's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. 1st violation: $1,000; 2nd: $2,000; subsequent +$2,000.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Cape Coral: Yes — DBPR.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Cape Coral but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. 7-day minimum stay required. Jan 1, 2026: all residential rentals must register annually ($350). Governed by Resolution 279-25 and Ordinance 53-25. Owner must provide 24/7 local contact. Anniversary-d
Yes. Cape Coral requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — annual City Rental Registration ($350/property, eff. Jan 1, 2026) + FL DBPR Vacation Rental License.
Short-term rental hosts in Cape Coral are subject to the following tax obligations: FL State 6% + Lee County TDT 5% = ~11%.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Cape Coral may face enforcement. 1st violation: $1,000; 2nd: $2,000; subsequent +$2,000.
7-day minimum stay; $350/year registration from Jan 2026; $1,000 first violation; 11% combined tax.
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