Sanibel, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave
Last updated September 03, 2023
Sanibel Short-Term Rental Regulations
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Short Term City Rating5.7
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Competition
7.9 -
Real Estate Cost
3.1 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
2.1 -
Rental Rates
9.9
Sanibel, Florida Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 6,382
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- January to April
- County
- Lee
- Airports
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
- Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
Want to learn more about Sanibel?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Sanibel rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Sanibel rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Sanibel.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Sanibel guests.
Interested in other Florida cities?
Check out the Florida short term rental regulations directory
What makes Sanibel a great place to invest?
- Pristine Beaches: Sanibel is renowned for its beautiful, shell-strewn beaches that attract beach lovers and shell collectors from around the world. The island's coastline is a haven for sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts, ensuring a steady demand for beachfront rentals throughout the year.
- Abundant Wildlife: The island is home to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a large protected area that hosts a diverse range of wildlife, including numerous bird species, alligators, and manatees. This natural attraction draws wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers, creating a demand for accommodations near the refuge.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Sanibel offers a variety of activities that cater to families, such as bike rentals, kayaking, and fishing. The island also has a lighthouse, museums, and interactive educational centers that make it a desirable destination for families looking for an educational and fun vacation.
- Limited Development: Sanibel has strict building codes and zoning regulations that limit the height and density of buildings. This controlled development helps preserve the island's natural charm and ensures that the supply of rental properties remains limited, which can lead to higher rental rates and occupancy levels.
- Seasonal Demand: While Sanibel is a popular destination year-round, it experiences a surge in visitors during the winter months when northerners seek to escape the cold. This seasonal demand can lead to higher rental rates and increased revenue for short-term rental property owners.
Sanibel Nearby Cities
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19 miles away
- Rating: 5.0
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22 miles away
- Rating: 4.9
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Sanibel?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Sanibel has decreased -22% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $897, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$1,021,628
-22% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$897
-2% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Sanibel, Florida
Common terms for Sanibel short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Sanibel has a description approximately 2,653 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 129 listings in Sanibel, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Beach, Resort, South Sea, Pool, View, Captiva Island, Beach Villa, Gulf, Captiva, and Pay.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Sanibel?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Sanibel involve Swimming, Sailing, the Marina, Cycling, and Outlet Shopping. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Swimming
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Sailing
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Marina
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Cycling
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Outlet Shopping
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Beach
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Adventure Activities
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Wildlife Viewing
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Kayaking
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Jet Skiing
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Eco Tourism
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Wind Surfing
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Sanibel, including Captiva Beach, Sanibel Island Southern Beach, Periwinkle Way, Bowman's Beach, and Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Sanibel Island Southern Beach
Included on 81% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Bowman's Beach
Included on 81% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Captiva Beach
Included on 81% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Sanibel Harbour
Included on 81% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center
Included on 81% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Included on 74% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Useppa Island
Included on 70% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Periwinkle Way
Included on 19% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Turner Beach
Included on 19% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Blind Pass Beach
Included on 19% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Captiva Beach
Included on 17% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
Included on 17% of listings
What’s the weather like in Sanibel, Florida?
The weather is generally warmer than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 82°, while the average low is about 68°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 38 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is scarce, with an average year having no snowfall. The humidity levels in Sanibel are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
59° Low 74° High
Spring
March through May
66° Low 82° High
Summer
June through August
76° Low 89° High
Fall
September through November
71° Low 84° High
Cities Near Sanibel
Sanibel, Florida, is located in Lee County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
