Fort Myers Beach, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

On May 7, 2018, the Town Council of Fort Myers Beach formalized the registration process for Short Term Rentals. Parties engaging in Short Term Rentals should familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct. Click here for the Code of Conduct, Resolution 18-01, setting the registration fees and the application form. All guests must observe quiet hours between 10.00 PM and 7.00 AM. Any outdoor activities, including swimming, must be kept at reasonable levels that are respectful to neighbors.
If a property incurred three or more town violations in a calendar year, a decision by a special magistrate could make the cost of registry rise – by as much as 10 times for the subsequent year. Further, a special magistrate can impose fines of $500 per incident for certain infractions, such as failing to register or not using the registration number in advertising.

Once notified of a complaint, the person designated as responsible for the rental property is expected to take "corrective action" within one hour. That action might be calling the tenant, the sheriff's office, or other appropriate first steps.

Business License Requirements

The Ordinance states that short-term rentals must register and pay the Town fee within 90 days of any STR business; receive a registration number to place in all advertisements; supply the unit address; owner contact information; 24/7 contact to address any issues within one hour; and renew this information and fee annually, among other items.

Registration Fees are $150 after July 1 through 2019; $100 annually beginning January 1, 2019; and $50 annually if made prior to December 15 of each subsequent year without violations. If the Special Magistrate finds that a property owner has three violations in a 365-day period, the fee increases to $1,000 for the next year, and for those with four or more violations in a 365-day time frame, it is $1000 for each of the next three years.

Click here for the 2022 STR Registration/Renewal Form.

Building and Housing Standards

Fort Myers Beach enforces rules and regulations specifying minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and safety. Certain rules and regulations applicable to residential and non-residential regulations may be relevant to your listing. Visit the Ordinance No. 2021-1, the Fort Myers Beach webpage, and/or contact the City's Building Department for more information.

Tourist and Local Taxes

Guests who book in Lee County, FL, will pay the following taxes as part of their reservation:

• Lee County Tourist Development Tax: 5% of the listing price, including any cleaning fee for 182 nights and shorter reservations. For detailed information, please visit the Lee Clerk website.

Other Rules

The laws listed may not be up to date as they're subject to change. We recommend you consult with your city authorities for updates and further clarifications.