Forensically verified with 3+ official sources
Short-term rentals in the City of Sanibel are strictly regulated and generally prohibited for durations of less than 28 consecutive days in residential zones. All rental properties must obtain an annual Dwelling Rental License and remit a local 5% Resort Tax directly to the city in addition to county and state taxes.
Score: 23 (restrictive)
To host an Airbnb in Sanibel, you must follow one of the strictest '28-day minimum' rules in Florida. Unless your property is in a specifically designated 'Resort Housing' zone, you cannot rent for less than 4 weeks at a time. You must apply for a Dwelling Rental License from the city (costing $100/year) and a Local Business Tax Receipt. Additionally, you are responsible for collecting and paying a 5% Sanibel Resort Tax yourself, as platforms like Airbnb do not automatically send this specific city tax for you.
Permit Required
Yes
Night Limit
None
Primary Residence
Not Required
Total Tax Rate
0.2%
Permit Fee
$100
Processing Time
7-14 business days
Disclaimer
Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.
Researched and verified by Learn STR by GoStudioM