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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Captiva, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Property owners on RSC-2 zoned lots in Captiva Island may not rent or lease for periods of less than seven days, and may not rent or lease units under more than one lease at a time. Redevelopment of nonconforming hotels and motels is restricted to an average unit size of 550 square feet and a density limit of three units per acre.

Regulatory Updates — Captiva

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedMarch 2023

Lee County STR Permit Program

County requires annual STR permit ($100/year) for all unincorporated county properties including Captiva Island; safety compliance and county business license required.

PassedMay 2023

Florida SB 280 Preemption Reaffirmed

Florida legislature reaffirmed SB 280 preemption; Lee County cannot ban STRs or impose primary-residence requirements on Captiva or any other unincorporated area.

PassedJanuary 2024

Captiva Post-Hurricane Ian STR Permit Guidance

Lee County issued updated STR permitting guidance for Hurricane Ian-affected properties; permits available for restored and rebuilt structures meeting current code.

Official Resources

Official Captiva STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Lee County Vacation Rental AllianceLocal

Local organization representing STR operators throughout Lee County including Captiva, Sanibel, and Fort Myers Beach; monitors county proceedings.

Florida Vacation Rental Managers AssociationStatewide

Statewide professional association representing Florida vacation rental managers; led advocacy for SB 280 preemption protections.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Captiva, FL?
Property owners on RSC-2 zoned lots in Captiva Island may not rent or lease for periods of less than seven days, and may not rent or lease units under more than one lease at a time. Redevelopment of nonconforming hotels and motels is restricted to an average unit size of 550 square feet and a density limit of three units per acre.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Captiva?
No permit is currently required to operate a short-term rental in Captiva.
Does Captiva Island allow short-term rentals?
Yes. Florida's SB 280 preemption prevents Lee County from banning STRs on Captiva. An annual Lee County STR permit ($100/year) is required, along with safety compliance and county business license.
What taxes must Captiva STR operators collect?
Florida state sales tax (6%), Lee County Tourist Development Tax (5%), and any applicable county surtax. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for a Business Partner Number before your first rental.
Were STR permits affected by Hurricane Ian?
Captiva Island was severely impacted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Lee County issued updated permitting guidance in 2024; fully restored and rebuilt properties are eligible for new STR permits meeting current building codes.
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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