Fort Myers Beach, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave
Last updated August 23, 2023
Fort Myers Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
On May 7, 2018, the Town Council of Fort Myers Beach formalized the registration process for Short Term Rentals. Parties engaging in Short Term Rentals should familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct. Click here for the Code of Conduct, Resolution 18-01, setting the registration fees and the application form. All guests must observe quiet hours between 10.00 PM and 7.00 AM. Any outdoor activities, including swimming, must be kept at reasonable levels that are respectful to neighbors.If a property incurred three or more town violations in a calendar year, a decision by a special magistrate could make the cost of registry rise – by as much as 10 times for the subsequent year. Further, a special magistrate can impose fines of $500 per incident for certain infractions, such as failing to register or not using the registration number in advertising.
Once notified of a complaint, the person designated as responsible for the rental property is expected to take "corrective action" within one hour. That action might be calling the tenant, the sheriff's office, or other appropriate first steps.
Business License Requirements
The Ordinance states that short-term rentals must register and pay the Town fee within 90 days of any STR business; receive a registration number to place in all advertisements; supply the unit address; owner contact information; 24/7 contact to address any issues within one hour; and renew this information and fee annually, among other items.Registration Fees are $150 after July 1 through 2019; $100 annually beginning January 1, 2019; and $50 annually if made prior to December 15 of each subsequent year without violations. If the Special Magistrate finds that a property owner has three violations in a 365-day period, the fee increases to $1,000 for the next year, and for those with four or more violations in a 365-day time frame, it is $1000 for each of the next three years.
Click here for the 2022 STR Registration/Renewal Form.
Building and Housing Standards
Fort Myers Beach enforces rules and regulations specifying minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and safety. Certain rules and regulations applicable to residential and non-residential regulations may be relevant to your listing. Visit the Ordinance No. 2021-1, the Fort Myers Beach webpage, and/or contact the City's Building Department for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Guests who book in Lee County, FL, will pay the following taxes as part of their reservation:- Lee County Tourist Development Tax: 5% of the listing price, including any cleaning fee for 182 nights and shorter reservations. For detailed information, please visit the Lee Clerk website.
Other Rules
The laws listed may not be up to date as they're subject to change. We recommend you consult with your city authorities for updates and further clarifications.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating5.0
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Competition
4.9 -
Real Estate Cost
5.5 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
3.1 -
Rental Rates
7.3
Fort Myers Beach, Florida Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 86,395
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- March and May
- County
- Lee
- Airports
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
- Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
Want to learn more about Fort Myers Beach?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Fort Myers Beach rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Fort Myers Beach rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Fort Myers Beach.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Fort Myers Beach guests.
Interested in other Florida cities?
Check out the Florida Airbnb rules directory
What makes Fort Myers Beach a great place to invest?
- Fort Myers Beach - With over 7 miles of beautiful, white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Fort Myers Beach is a top destination for sun-seekers, water sports enthusiasts, and beachcombers alike. Visitors can enjoy everything from parasailing and jet skiing to simply lounging in the sun and taking in the view.
- Sanibel Island - Just a short drive from Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island is a nature lover's paradise. This barrier island is home to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can hike, bike, and kayak through pristine wetlands and see a wide range of native wildlife, including alligators, herons, and egrets.
- Lovers Key State Park - This state park is a secluded haven for beach-goers, bird watchers, and nature lovers. Visitors can kayak through mangrove tunnels, hike through coastal hammocks, and enjoy some of the best shelling in the area.
- Spring Training - Fort Myers is home to both the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins during spring training, making it a must-visit destination for baseball fans. Catch a game at JetBlue Park or Hammond Stadium and enjoy the excitement and energy of America's favorite pastime.
- Fort Myers River District - This historic downtown area is home to a variety of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, making it the perfect spot for a day of shopping and exploring. Visitors can stroll through the palm-lined streets and take in the beautiful architecture and vibrant culture of this unique Florida city.
- Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium - This 105-acre nature center features a planetarium, butterfly and bird aviaries, and a wide range of educational exhibits and programs. Visitors can learn about Florida's diverse ecosystems and wildlife, as well as the history and culture of the Calusa Native Americans.
Fort Myers Beach Nearby Cities
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- Rating: 4.9
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- Rating: 5.7
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Fort Myers Beach?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Fort Myers Beach has decreased -7% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $350, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$524,321
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Median per Square Foot
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$350
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,270
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Fort Myers Beach, Florida
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Fort Myers Beach has a description approximately 1,949 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 3,448 listings in Fort Myers Beach, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Pool, Beach, Cape Coral, Fort Myer, Myers Beach, Beautiful, Outdoor, Boat, Lanai, and Gulf.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Fort Myers Beach?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Fort Myers Beach involve Boating, Swimming, the Marina, Outlet Shopping, and Kayaking. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Boating
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Swimming
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Marina
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Outlet Shopping
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Kayaking
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Jet Skiing
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Water Sports
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Beach
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Adventure Activities
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Wildlife Viewing
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Sailing
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Cycling
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Fort Myers Beach, including Key West Express, Estero Boulevard Beach, Fishing Pier Fort Myers Beach, Florida Southwestern State College, and Sanibel Island Southern Beach. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Fishing Pier Fort Myers Beach
Included on 64% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Included on 64% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Sanibel Harbour
Included on 63% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Port Sanibel Marina
Included on 63% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Bunche Beach
Included on 62% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Sanibel Island Southern Beach
Included on 49% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach
Included on 38% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Estero Boulevard Beach
Included on 35% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Jungle Golf Ft. Myers
Included on 35% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Florida Southwestern State College
Included on 35% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Key West Express
Included on 35% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Fort Myers Country Club
Included on 34% of listings
What’s the weather like in Fort Myers Beach, Florida?
The weather is generally warmer than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 83°, while the average low is about 68°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 38 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is scarce, with an average year having no snowfall. The humidity levels in Fort Myers Beach are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
58° Low 75° High
Spring
March through May
66° Low 82° High
Summer
June through August
76° Low 90° High
Fall
September through November
70° Low 84° High
Cities Near Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach, Florida, is located in Lee County. Some cities that are located nearby include: