Fort Myers Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Fort Myers, Florida?

John and Sarah had always dreamed of owning a vacation rental property in Fort Myers, Florida. They loved the sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant community. When they finally purchased a charming condo just a block from the Gulf of Mexico, they were thrilled to start their short-term rental business.

However, as they began researching the process of listing their property on Airbnb and VRBO, they quickly realized that Fort Myers had some specific regulations around short-term rentals. According to the town's website, they would need to obtain a business license and comply with Ordinance 18-01 before they could start renting out their condo.

The licensing process involved registering their property, providing information about the number of bedrooms and maximum occupancy, and paying an annual fee of $100. They also had to designate a local property manager who could respond to any issues that arose during a guest's stay.

In addition to the licensing requirement, Fort Myers had a comprehensive code of conduct that both operators and guests had to follow. The code outlined rules related to noise, parking, trash, and other issues. John and Sarah knew they would need to carefully review the code and ensure their property met all the standards.

One of the more challenging aspects of the regulations was the requirement to only list properties with at least four units on the town's website. Since their condo was a single unit, they would need to find a way to market it to potential guests without running afoul of the rules.

Despite the hurdles, John and Sarah were determined to make their short-term rental business a success. They hired a professional property management firm to handle the day-to-day operations and ensure their property was well-maintained. They also made sure to collect and remit the 6% state sales tax and 5% Tourist Development Tax on all rental income.

As they navigated the regulatory landscape, John and Sarah connected with other Airbnb hosts in Fort Myers through online forums like Bigger Pockets. They found that while the town took short-term rental regulations seriously, with a dedicated hotline and enforcement mechanisms in place, it was still relatively Airbnb-friendly compared to some other Florida cities.

One host they spoke with on Bigger Pockets noted that while the licensing process could be a bit of a hassle, the regulations in Fort Myers were not overly burdensome compared to other cities. Another host mentioned that they had been operating a successful short-term rental business in the city for several years without any major issues.

Ultimately, John and Sarah found that by taking the time to understand the regulations, complying with all the requirements, and operating their property in a responsible manner, they were able to build a thriving short-term rental business in Fort Myers. While there were certainly some challenges along the way, they were grateful for the opportunity to share their little slice of paradise with visitors from around the world.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Fort Myers

To start a short-term rental business in Fort Myers, you must first familiarize yourself with the relevant laws and regulations. According to the Fort Myers Beach website, you are required to obtain a license and comply with Ordinance 18-01 if you own a vacation rental property in the city. The process involves registering your property, paying the necessary fees, and adhering to the local code of conduct for short-term rentals.

Fort Myers has taken steps to regulate the short-term rental market in recent years, aiming to strike a balance between supporting tourism and maintaining the character of residential neighborhoods. By requiring licenses and enforcing certain rules, the city hopes to ensure that short-term rentals are operated responsibly and do not create nuisances for nearby residents. The regulations are designed to protect the quality of life for permanent residents while still allowing property owners to generate income from their investments.

The city recognizes the economic benefits that short-term rentals can bring, particularly in terms of attracting visitors and generating tax revenue. However, they also acknowledge the potential negative impacts, such as increased noise, traffic, and parking issues. By implementing a regulatory framework, Fort Myers aims to mitigate these concerns while still allowing the short-term rental market to thrive.

The short-term rental industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO making it easier than ever for property owners to list their homes and apartments for short-term stays. This has led to a proliferation of vacation rentals in many cities, including Fort Myers, which has seen a significant increase in the number of short-term rental properties in recent years.

While some residents have welcomed the influx of visitors and the economic benefits they bring, others have expressed concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on their neighborhoods. Issues such as noise, trash, and parking have become more common in some areas, leading to complaints from local residents.

In response to these concerns, Fort Myers has taken a proactive approach to regulating the short-term rental market. By implementing a licensing system and code of conduct, the city aims to ensure that vacation rentals are operated in a way that is respectful of the surrounding community and minimizes negative impacts on nearby residents.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Fort Myers

In Fort Myers, you must obtain a license to operate a short-term rental business. The town has a formal registration process in place, and parties engaging in short-term rentals should familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct. The registration form can be downloaded from the town's website and submitted via email.

The licensing requirement applies to any property that is rented out for periods of less than 30 days. Owners must provide information about the property, including the number of bedrooms and maximum occupancy, as well as contact information for a local property manager who can respond to issues that arise. There is a fee associated with obtaining the license, which must be renewed annually.

The licensing process is intended to ensure that short-term rental properties meet certain standards for safety, cleanliness, and noise control. By requiring owners to provide contact information for a local property manager, the town hopes to ensure that issues can be addressed quickly and efficiently. Failure to obtain a license or comply with the code of conduct can result in fines or other penalties.

Required Documents for Fort Myers Short Term Rentals

The key documents required for short-term rentals in Fort Myers include the registration form, proof of ownership or management authority, and compliance with the local code of conduct. Condominium associations can also opt-out of the town's enforcement program and self-perform their own code of conduct compliance.

In addition to the registration form, short-term rental owners must provide a copy of their driver's license or other government-issued ID, as well as proof of ownership or management authority for the property. They must also agree to abide by the town's code of conduct, which outlines rules related to noise, parking, trash, and other issues.

The code of conduct is designed to ensure that short-term rental properties are operated in a way that is respectful of neighboring properties and the surrounding community. Owners who fail to comply with the code of conduct may face penalties or have their licenses revoked.

Fort Myers Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental owners in Fort Myers must charge a 6% state sales tax on rental rates and distribute this income to the Florida Department of Revenue. Additionally, a 5% Tourist Development Tax on the gross rental amount must be paid to Lee County.

These taxes are in addition to any federal or local income taxes that may be owed on rental income. Short-term rental owners should consult with a tax professional to ensure they are complying with all applicable tax laws and regulations.

The state sales tax and Tourist Development Tax are important sources of revenue for the state and county, helping to fund infrastructure, public services, and tourism promotion efforts. By collecting these taxes, short-term rental owners are contributing to the economic well-being of the community.

Fort Myers-wide Short Term Rental Rules

Beyond the licensing and tax requirements, Fort Myers has several other rules for short-term rentals. These include maintaining a local phone number and address for guest contact, ensuring the property is handled locally, and only listing properties with at least four units on the town's website. The town also has a 24-hour hotline to report short-term rental violations.

The local phone number and address requirement is intended to ensure that there is a point of contact available to respond to any issues that arise during a guest's stay. The town also requires that properties be managed locally, either by the owner or a professional property management company. This helps to ensure that any problems can be addressed quickly and efficiently.

The requirement to list properties with at least four units on the town's website is designed to prevent the proliferation of short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods. By focusing on larger properties, the town hopes to minimize the impact of short-term rentals on the character of the community.

Does Fort Myers Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Fort Myers appears to take short-term rental regulations seriously, with a dedicated hotline and enforcement mechanisms in place. However, based on discussions on forums like Bigger Pockets, some hosts still operate in the city despite the rules, though the level of enforcement and penalties is unclear.

Overall, Fort Myers seems to be relatively Airbnb-friendly compared to some other Florida cities that have implemented stricter regulations.

While Fort Myers does have a number of rules and regulations in place for short-term rentals, the city appears to be more lenient than some other Florida destinations. For example, Miami Beach has implemented strict limits on the number of short-term rental licenses it will issue, while Fort Lauderdale has banned short-term rentals in certain residential neighborhoods.

That being said, it's important for short-term rental owners in Fort Myers to take the regulations seriously and comply with all applicable rules. The town has demonstrated a willingness to enforce the regulations, and failure to comply could result in fines or other penalties.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Fort Myers

• Research and understand the relevant laws and regulations, including Ordinance 18-01 and the local code of conduct.
• Obtain the necessary license by completing the registration form and submitting it to the town.
• Ensure your property meets the requirements, such as having a local contact and being managed locally.
• Set up your pricing and marketing strategy, potentially hiring a professional property management firm.
• Comply with the tax requirements, including the 6% state sales tax and 5% Tourist Development Tax.
• Maintain the property to the standards outlined in the code of conduct and respond promptly to any issues that arise.
• Renew the license annually and stay up-to-date on any changes to the regulations.

By following these steps and complying with all applicable regulations, short-term rental owners in Fort Myers can operate a successful and compliant business. It's important to remember that the regulations are designed to protect the community and ensure that short-term rentals are operated responsibly.

Who to Contact in Fort Myers about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions or inquiries regarding short-term rental registration, zoning, or compliance, you can contact the Town of Fort Myers Beach at (239) 765-0202 or email STR@fmbgov.com. The town's website also has a dedicated page for short-term rental information, which includes links to the registration form and code of conduct.

The town's staff is available to answer questions and provide guidance on the short-term rental regulations. They can help you navigate the registration process, understand the code of conduct, and ensure that your property is in compliance with all applicable rules.

What do Airbnb Hosts in Fort Myers on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

On the Bigger Pockets forum, some Fort Myers Airbnb hosts have discussed the local regulations, noting the licensing requirements and tax obligations, but also mentioning that the city seems relatively Airbnb-friendly compared to other Florida destinations. However, there are also reports of hosts operating in the city despite the rules, suggesting that enforcement may not be as strict as in some other areas.

One host on Bigger Pockets noted that while the licensing process can be a bit of a hassle, the regulations in Fort Myers are not overly burdensome compared to other cities. Another host mentioned that they have been operating a successful short-term rental business in the city for several years without any major issues.

However, it's important to note that the experiences of individual hosts may vary, and it's always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to complying with local regulations. Failure to obtain a license or comply with the code of conduct could result in fines or other penalties.

By understanding the regulations and requirements for short-term rentals in Fort Myers, you can ensure a successful and compliant business. While the city may be relatively Airbnb-friendly compared to some other destinations, it's important to take the regulations seriously and operate your property in a way that is respectful of the community.

The short-term rental market in Fort Myers has grown significantly in recent years, with many property owners seeing it as a way to generate additional income from their investments. However, the city has also recognized the need to balance the interests of short-term rental owners with those of permanent residents who may be impacted by the presence of vacation rentals in their neighborhoods.

By implementing a licensing system and code of conduct, Fort Myers aims to ensure that short-term rentals are operated in a way that is safe, clean, and respectful of the surrounding community. While some hosts may still operate outside of the rules, the city has demonstrated a willingness to enforce the regulations and impose penalties on those who fail to comply.

Ultimately, the success of a short-term rental business in Fort Myers will depend on the owner's ability to navigate the regulatory landscape and operate their property in a responsible manner. By working closely with the town, hiring a professional property management firm, and maintaining their property to a high standard, short-term rental owners can build a successful and sustainable business while contributing to the economic vitality of the community.

The short-term rental market in Fort Myers is likely to continue growing in the coming years, as more property owners recognize the potential for generating income from their investments. However, it's important for both owners and guests to be aware of the regulations in place and to operate within the bounds of the law.

By working together to ensure that short-term rentals are operated responsibly, the city of Fort Myers can continue to reap the benefits of a thriving tourism industry while maintaining the character and quality of life that residents have come to expect.

Disclaimer: While we here at BNBCalc strive to keep all of our city regulation guides updated and accurate with all the latest local laws, we still do not suggest using them as your sole or primary source for local regulations. We also do not recommend you rely on the third-party sources we link to or reference, and we are not responsible for any of the information on these third-party sites. These guides are for entertainment purposes only and only provide basic information and should not be considered as legal advice.

We highly recommend directly contacting the responsible parties for each city and hearing what their officials have to say. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as an investor to ensure you fully comply with the local laws, and it's best to speak with professionals before making an investment decision.