Did the city of Fort Myers FL pass a law limiting Airbnb's to 29 days or more?

[Sky13]

I have found the laws passed for Cape Coral and Fort Myers Beach, but nothing for Fort Myers city limits where I live.

[Rebecca]

Hello @Sky13, 

That's a good question! Did you read or see anything that made you think something had changed in Fort Myers? If so, where?  

I wanted to mention a few other hosts from Fort Myers, who might have more insights on this as well: @Amanda2183 @Abigail357 @David9860 @Jerry610 

Let us know if you find out more as well please! 😊

[Sky13]

Hi there!

I am selling my home located a short distance from downtown Fort Myers and near the McGregor Estates where I have been successfully running two Airbnb units from the rear of the house for seven years. A real estate agent told some prospective buyers that they could not do short term rentals 29 days or less out of the home. Keep in mind these prospective buyers were specifically looking at the home for a short term rental property. I am aware of Fort Myers Beach and Cape Coral rules, but could not find anything that applies to my location. I understand real estate agents cannot get involved with this topic, however, I want to inform my real estate agent and myself of any applicable rules, regulations, or laws that are specific to my property location.

[Jerry610]

Within the Downtown city limits it is a month minimum. My wife operates one there and the city has cracked down on the owner about it multiple times. 

[Rebecca]

Thanks @Jerry610 for sharing your experience!

I'm tagging @Sky13 here so they receive a notification that you've replied to them specifically, and increase the chances of them seeing your message. 

Quick tip: To tag someone, tap "@" and select the host's username from the dropdown menu 😊

[Sky13]

Thank you @Rebecca 

I have searched for an ordinance on this topic to no avail. Does anyone know where this is written? I wouldn’t want to be caught unaware.

@Amanda2183 @Abigail357 @David9860 @Jerry610 

[Sky13]

Hi @Jerry610 

are you able to share the link where this is written? I can’t seem to find it!

[Sky13]

Also, @Jerry610 

do you know if this rule pertains to rental rooms located inside the house? Or, is it just whole house rentals? Really appreciate getting more information on this!

[Jerry610]

@Sky13 I am not sure. The particular situation I am referring to is an entire house. I am not sure about individual rooms. I am trying to find the info, I remember looking at a map that had the city limit.

[Sky13]

@Jerry610

I found this here: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/

"Do I need a license for my rental?

If renting rooms: Renting a single room or rooms other than the whole unit is not classified as a public lodging and would not require a license from DBPR, Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Please be advised your business may still be subject to city, county or other local authority jurisdiction.

If renting the entire unit: Yes, if you are renting an entire unit more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or 1 calendar month, whichever is less, or if it’s advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests."

So we know that in the state of FL short term rental operators of whole houses need a license, but not the retiree who is just trying to make ends meet by renting out a room.

After searching the Fort Myers Municode for anything limiting short term rentals, I found nothing stating that short term rentals must be 30 days or more.

https://library.municode.com/fl/fort_myers/codes/code_of_ordinances

As for the original question:

Does anyone here have a link to an ordinance, law, or other document that limits short term rentals to 30 days or more in the City of Fort Myers?