Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Cape Coral?

**Yes**, Cape Coral requires a Vacation Rental Registration for all short-term rentals. You need to register with the City Clerk and pass a life safety inspection to obtain this permit. Additionally, hosts must hold a state DBPR license to operate legally.

What is the TOT tax rate in Cape Coral?

**5% TOT** is the current Tourist Development Tax rate for short-term rentals in Cape Coral. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to Lee County. You must also register with Lee County for Tourist Development Tax collection to comply with local regulations.

How much does an STR permit cost in Cape Coral?

**$414** is the cost for the Vacation Rental Registration permit in Cape Coral. This fee is required to register your short-term rental with the City Clerk. Remember that in addition to the city permit, you must also obtain a DBPR license from the state of Florida.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Cape Coral?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Cape Coral, provided you comply with all local regulations. You need to obtain a Vacation Rental Registration from the City Clerk, pass a life safety inspection, hold a state DBPR license, and register with Lee County for Tourist Development Tax collection.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Cape Coral?

**Penalties** for operating an illegal STR in Cape Coral can include fines and legal action. Operating without a Vacation Rental Registration, a DBPR license, or failing to collect and remit the 5% Tourist Development Tax can result in enforcement measures by the city and county.

Cape Coral, FL Short-Term Rental Laws & Regulations

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Cape Coral, FL: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Cape Coral does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Cape Coral: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(16)

•Cape Coral STR warning: Trash cans cannot be placed at the curb more than 24 hours before pickup and must be removed within 24 hours after.
•Cape Coral STR warning: Any change in ownership requires a new registration application and fee; permits are not transferable.
•Cape Coral, FL: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.

Application Process(11)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Cape Coral: Step 1: State Licensing - Obtain a Vacation Rental - Dwelling license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Estimated time: 14 days. Cost: 170. More info: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/vacation-rentals/ Step 2: Tax Registration - Register for a Lee County Tourist Development Tax account and a Florida Department of Revenue Sales Tax number. Estimated time: 7 days. More info: https://leetc.com/tourist-development-tax/ Step 3: City Registration - Submit the Vacation Rental Registration application to the Cape Coral City Clerk's office. Documents needed: DBPR License copy, Tax account numbers, Floor plan. Estimated time: 15 days. Cost: 414. More info: https://www.capecoral.gov/department/city_clerk/vacation_rentals.php Step 4: Inspection - Schedule and pass a Life Safety inspection performed by City code enforcement or fire officials. Estimated time: 7 days.

Fees & Costs(3)

•Cape Coral: Any change in ownership requires a new registration application and fee; permits are not transferable.
•Cape Coral charges a registration fee of $414 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $322 (Annual renewal fee is $322. Initial application fee is $414 (includes $100 non-refundable application fee + $314 inspection/registration).).

Taxes(2)

•Florida has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Cape Coral charges a Lee County Tourist Development Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 183 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 5% Lee County TDT and 6% State Sales Tax for most bookings.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Cape Coral: Verify if you are in the 'City of Cape Coral' versus 'Unincorporated Lee County' as rules differ significantly across the border.
•Cape Coral limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total.
•Cape Coral enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Cape Coral: Pool safety is a major inspection focus; you must comply with the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act.

Penalties(3)

•Cape Coral enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $1000 fine. Third offense: Suspension of registration. Daily fine: Up to $500 per day. Maximum fine: Uncapped based on duration. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Cape Coral, FL: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Cape Coral: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Cape Coral exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•Cape Coral, FL: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(3)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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