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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Fort Myers Beach, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted but subject to a mandatory registration and a Code of Conduct. Key constraints include occupancy limited to the Town’s definition of 'family' (no more than four unrelated adults), quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., specific refuse/takeout timing rules, and a requirement for operators to provide a 24-hour local contact number.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register the property through the Town’s Rentalscape/Deckard STR registration portal; 2) Schedule and pass a fire safety inspection with the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District; 3) Submit required documents (such as condominium opt-out letters if applicable) and pay the registration fees.

Regulatory Updates — Fort Myers Beach

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedApril 2023

Post-Ian Rebuilding Requirements for STR Licensing

The Town of Fort Myers Beach updated its STR licensing process to require all rebuilt or substantially repaired properties to provide proof of completed building permits, FEMA flood zone compliance, and final inspection sign-off before vacation rental licenses are issued or renewed.

PassedOctober 2023

Florida DBPR Licensing Coordinated with Recovery Process

The Florida DBPR worked with Lee County to streamline vacation rental licensing inspections for the large number of Fort Myers Beach properties entering or re-entering the market following post-Ian reconstruction.

Official source
PassedJune 2024

Town Rebuild Plan and Zoning Amendments

Fort Myers Beach adopted a post-Ian Community Redevelopment Plan that includes updated zoning amendments affecting property setbacks, building heights, and permitted uses in the recovery zone. STR operators rebuilding properties should verify compliance with the updated plan before construction.

Official source

Official Resources

Official Fort Myers Beach STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group providing compliance resources for Lee County operators and defending SB 280 preemption rights as the Fort Myers Beach market recovers from Hurricane Ian.

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of CommerceLocal

Leading local recovery advocacy and business support organization. Tracks STR regulatory developments and provides permit compliance resources during the post-Ian rebuilding phase.

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 Fort Myers Beach, FL?
Short-term rentals are permitted but subject to a mandatory registration and a Code of Conduct. Key constraints include occupancy limited to the Town’s definition of 'family' (no more than four unrelated adults), quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., specific refuse/takeout timing rules, and a requirement for operators to provide a 24-hour local contact number.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Fort Myers Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Fort Myers Beach. 1) Register the property through the Town’s Rentalscape/Deckard STR registration portal; 2) Schedule and pass a fire safety inspection with the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District; 3) Submit required documents (such as condominium opt-out letters if applicable) and pay the registration fees.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Fort Myers Beach?
1) Register the property through the Town’s Rentalscape/Deckard STR registration portal; 2) Schedule and pass a fire safety inspection with the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District; 3) Submit required documents (such as condominium opt-out letters if applicable) and pay the registration fees.
How badly was Fort Myers Beach affected by Hurricane Ian and how is the STR market recovering?
Hurricane Ian made near-direct landfall on Estero Island on September 28, 2022 as a high-end Category 4 storm with a catastrophic storm surge. The iconic Fort Myers Beach pier was destroyed, and most waterfront and low-lying structures sustained severe or total damage. The vacation rental market effectively ceased for many months. Recovery has been slow relative to inland Lee County — rebuilding a barrier island community takes years. The STR market is gradually returning as rebuilt properties obtain licensing, but the inventory remains significantly below pre-Ian levels as of 2025.
What permits are required for a Fort Myers Beach vacation rental?
Operators need a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (biennial renewal with safety inspection), a Town of Fort Myers Beach business tax receipt, and Lee County tourist development tax registration (5%). Post-Ian rebuilt or repaired properties must provide completed building permit documentation and FEMA flood zone compliance certification. All license numbers must appear in online listings.
Is Fort Myers Beach the same as Fort Myers for STR regulations?
No. Fort Myers Beach is a separate incorporated town on Estero Island (a barrier island). The City of Fort Myers is an inland city on the Caloosahatchee River. Each has its own STR ordinance, though both are in Lee County and subject to Lee County tourist development tax. Fort Myers Beach sustained far more severe Hurricane Ian damage than Fort Myers proper.
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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