Where short-term rentals are allowed in Sanibel, FL

What Sanibel asks of you

• Section 126-1076, which sets the four-week floor, traces back to Ordinance 85-26 of November 27, 1985. Ordinance 01-09 amended it in 2001.^[6]

• Some properties inside the district were permitted with restrictions that bar resort housing use, and the code lists them by address. One condominium on that list may rent for seven days or more.^[7]

• The same article lets nonconforming resort housing outside the district continue until the property is redeveloped.^[7]

• The city's September 2026 mailer to owners states that only properties within the district may be rented for under four consecutive weeks.^[8]

• That mailer calls the permit a Rental Dwelling License. It expires every December 31, and renewals open October 1.^[8]

• Sections 126-1077 and 126-1078 of the code name the same permit a dwelling rental license.^[6]

• The code leaves the license fee to a council resolution. Limited rentals may pay a different amount than unlimited ones. The city publishes no figure.^[6]

• Each application carries a notarized acknowledgment that the owner has read the city's rental use regulations.^[6]

• It also proves an account with the Lee County Tax Collector for tourist development taxes.^[6]

• A license not renewed on time goes inactive, so no rental may take place. The penalty starts at 10% for the first month and stops at 18% of the fee.^[6]

• Each rental unit also needs a business tax receipt at $34.65, under section 62-45. Section 62-37 puts receipts on sale from August 1 each year.^[10]

• The city's business tax page says receipts expire every September 30, with renewals opening July 1.^[9]

What Florida asks wherever you host

These rules apply at this address whatever the city decides.

• Florida licenses vacation rentals itself. A dwelling license covers houses, townhouses and buildings of up to four units. A condominium or cooperative unit takes a condominium license instead. The license costs $150 plus $10 per rental unit, plus a $10 hospitality education fee.^[2]

• No Florida city may ban vacation rentals. It may not set how long or how often you rent either. The one exception is a local ordinance already in force on June 1, 2011, which still applies.^[1]

• State sales tax is due on every rental of six months or less. A bona fide written lease for more than six months of continuous residence is exempt. So is the seventh month onward once a guest has stayed and paid for six.^[3]