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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cape Coral, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

All residential rental properties in Cape Coral must be registered annually; "short-term" is defined as leased for six months or less and is subject to a $350 annual registration fee. Owners must provide and keep current contact information (notify changes within 30 days); failures to register or renew carry progressive fines and referral to Code Compliance. Registration and enforcement are citywide (applies to single-family, duplexes, condos, multi-family).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Create an account and access the EnerGov Citizen Self Service portal via CapeCoral.gov/RentalRegistration; 2) Complete the residential rental registration for each property, provide owner/property contact details, and submit required information (no lease document required to register); 3) Pay the annual fee ($350 for short-term rentals), renew annually on the registration anniversary, and update contact info within 30 days of changes.

Regulatory Updates — Cape Coral

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJune 2023

Cape Coral Vacation Rental Registration Program

Cape Coral operates a vacation rental registration program requiring all STR operators to register with the city, designate a local contact person, and comply with occupancy, noise, and parking standards. The program complements the state-level DBPR licensing requirement.

PassedApril 2023

Post-Hurricane Ian STR Permitting Update

Following Hurricane Ian's September 2022 landfall in Southwest Florida, Cape Coral updated its STR permitting process to require documentation that rebuilt or repaired properties meet current building codes before registration is issued or renewed.

PassedJanuary 2024

Lee County Tourist Development Tax Enforcement

Lee County tax collector increased outreach to identify unregistered vacation rental operators following Hurricane Ian-era property market disruption. All STR operators in Cape Coral must collect and remit the Lee County tourist development tax (5%).

Official Resources

Official Cape Coral STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade association monitoring Southwest Florida regulatory developments and providing compliance resources for Cape Coral operators.

Cape Coral Chamber of CommerceLocal

Tracks local business regulations including vacation rental ordinance changes. Provides resources and advocacy for the Cape Coral tourism and hospitality sector.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and professional standards for vacation rental managers in Southwest Florida markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Cape Coral, FL?
All residential rental properties in Cape Coral must be registered annually; "short-term" is defined as leased for six months or less and is subject to a $350 annual registration fee. Owners must provide and keep current contact information (notify changes within 30 days); failures to register or renew carry progressive fines and referral to Code Compliance. Registration and enforcement are citywide (applies to single-family, duplexes, condos, multi-family).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Cape Coral?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cape Coral. 1) Create an account and access the EnerGov Citizen Self Service portal via CapeCoral.gov/RentalRegistration; 2) Complete the residential rental registration for each property, provide owner/property contact details, and submit required information (no lease document required to register); 3) Pay the annual fee ($350 for short-term rentals), renew annually on the registration anniversary, and update contact info within 30 days of changes.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Cape Coral?
1) Create an account and access the EnerGov Citizen Self Service portal via CapeCoral.gov/RentalRegistration; 2) Complete the residential rental registration for each property, provide owner/property contact details, and submit required information (no lease document required to register); 3) Pay the annual fee ($350 for short-term rentals), renew annually on the registration anniversary, and update contact info within 30 days of changes.
What permits are needed to operate a vacation rental in Cape Coral?
Operators need a City of Cape Coral vacation rental registration (which includes designating a local 24/7 contact person), a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (renewed every two years after a safety inspection), and registration with the Lee County Tax Collector for tourist development tax collection. The DBPR license number must be displayed in all online listings. Properties rebuilt or significantly repaired after Hurricane Ian must meet current building code standards.
What taxes apply to Cape Coral vacation rental income?
Operators collect Florida state sales tax (6%) and Lee County tourist development tax (5%), for a combined rate of approximately 11–12%. Lee County also imposes a school capital outlay surtax (0.5% to 1% depending on year) as part of the combined sales tax rate. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and Lee County taxes on behalf of hosts in most cases. Operators should verify platform coverage and retain documentation.
How did Hurricane Ian affect vacation rental regulations in Cape Coral?
Hurricane Ian (September 2022) caused widespread property damage in Cape Coral and disrupted the local rental market. Cape Coral updated its STR permitting requirements to require proof of code-compliant repair or rebuilding before registrations are issued or renewed for affected properties. The tourism market has largely recovered as of 2024–2025, and the regulatory environment has stabilized. Buyers considering hurricane-damaged properties should ensure permits are in order before listing.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction