Airbnb Host Services: Fort Myers and Cape Coral, FL

Hosting an Airbnb in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, FL: what to know

Fort Myers and Cape Coral share Lee County, the Caloosahatchee River and a winter-heavy season. Cape Coral's canal homes with pools and docks are the classic vacation rental here, while Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach mix condos, cottages and homes still being rebuilt after recent hurricanes. Each city has its own rules, so know which one your property is in.

Short-term rental rules and taxes

Florida requires most vacation rentals to hold a state license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and to collect state sales tax. Lee County adds a 5% tourist development tax on stays of six months or less, administered by the Lee County Clerk's Tourist Tax Office.

Cape Coral launched an expanded rental property registration program on January 1, 2026. Short-term rentals of six months or less pay $350 per property per year, renewed on the anniversary of your first registration, with a $50 late fee after 30 days. The city lists penalties of $500 for a first short-term violation and up to $2,000 for repeat misclassification. The Town of Fort Myers Beach has its own registration program and requires the registration number on ads. The City of Fort Myers relies mainly on business licensing and tax accounts. Check the city where your property sits, since rules changed recently.

On taxes, the Lee County Clerk says Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit the tourist development tax for bookings on their platforms. If you book direct or through a property manager's software, you register and file by the 20th of each month yourself.

What turnover cleaning costs in Fort Myers and Cape Coral

We found no published local price survey. Quotes depend on size and extras common here: pool cages and lanais that collect leaves and pollen, boat docks and kayaks, outdoor kitchens and the drive across bridges between Cape Coral, Fort Myers and the islands. Ask whether pool service is separate, since most hosts use a dedicated pool company alongside the cleaner.

When to book help

Peak season runs roughly January through April, when snowbirds arrive and spring training brings baseball fans to Fort Myers. Many stays are a week or longer, so turnovers are fewer but bigger. Summer and early fall are slower and fall in hurricane season. Book your cleaner and co-host by fall so they are ready for winter.

How to choose a cleaner or co-host here

• Ask whether they will check the pool, lanai screen and dock during every turnover.
• Confirm they have a hurricane plan: securing furniture, photographing the home before and after storms and handling insurance documentation.
• For a co-host, make sure they handle the Cape Coral registration renewal date and tourist tax for any direct bookings.
• Ask how they manage long winter stays, such as midstay cleans and linen swaps.

Fort Myers and Cape Coral Airbnb host FAQ

Q: Do I need to register my Cape Coral vacation rental?

Yes. As of 2026, Cape Coral requires every rental property to register, with a $350 annual fee for short-term rentals.

Q: Does Airbnb pay Lee County's tourist tax?

According to the Lee County Clerk, Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit the 5% tourist development tax on their bookings. Direct bookings are your responsibility.

Q: When is the busy season?

Winter and early spring, roughly January through April, with spring training adding demand in March.

Sources:

• City of Cape Coral: Rental Property Registration
• Lee County Clerk: Tourist Development Tax
• Town of Fort Myers Beach: Short Term Rentals