Short-Term Rental Allowance in Bonita Springs, FL

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Bonita Springs, Florida, but they require proper permits and licensing. The City of Bonita Springs requires rental permits for all rental properties, including short-term rentals (defined as rentals for six months or less). These permits are mandatory before any rental activity can commence, whether for short-term vacation rentals or longer-term leases.

However, it's important to note that many properties in Bonita Springs may be restricted from short-term rentals due to homeowners association (HOA) regulations. Most gated communities and HOA-governed properties have minimum lease requirements of 30 days or longer, effectively prohibiting traditional short-term vacation rentals.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Bonita Springs

To successfully establish a short-term rental business in Bonita Springs, investors must navigate both city requirements and private restrictions:

Property Selection Considerations

• Choose properties outside of HOA-governed communities if planning traditional short-term rentals
• Verify zoning compliance through the Community Development Department
• Confirm the property is not homestead exempt, as homestead-exempt properties cannot be rented
• Consider seasonal rental patterns - peak pricing only occurs during winter months
• Evaluate cash flow potential - most properties do not generate positive cash flow year-round

Market Analysis Requirements

• Understand that premium rental rates are primarily limited to winter months (seasonal market)
• Account for Florida's tourist development tax obligations
• Consider property management costs and local competition
• Evaluate guest occupancy limits based on building codes and fire prevention codes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Bonita Springs Requirements

Rental Permit Application

• Application Fee: $100.00 per unit
• Permit Validity: Three years from application submittal date
• Required Documentation:
  • Completed rental permit application
  • Property inspection by Code Enforcement Officer
  • Proof of compliance with International Property Maintenance Code
  • Evidence of all city ordinance compliance

State-Level Requirements

• Florida DBPR License: Required for short-term vacation rentals
• Tourist Development Tax Registration: Mandatory for rentals less than six months
• Sales Tax Registration: Required for collecting and remitting applicable taxes

Property Compliance Standards

Properties must meet the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code requirements:

• Smoke/fire alarms in every sleeping room and adjacent hallway
• Proper window and door functionality for light, ventilation, and safety
• Weather-tight doors and windows with functional locks
• Compliant kitchen facilities with proper utilities
• Intact floors and walls without cracks or holes
• Adequate bathroom ventilation
• Proper room square footage for occupancy limits
• Functional plumbing and electrical systems without hazards
• Screens on all openable windows
• Properties free from rodent or pest infestation
• Clean properties without trash, junk, or debris
• Proper drainage to protect foundation integrity

Specific Regulations for Bonita Springs and Lee County

Bonita Springs City Regulations

Under City Code Chapter 12 Article VI, rental permits are required for:

• Non-owner occupied single-family homes
• Duplex properties
• Multi-family properties (excluding buildings with more than six units regulated under Florida Statutes Ch. 718 Condominiums or Ch. 719 Homeowners Associations)
• All rental terms, whether transient (short-term under six months) or long-term

Lee County (Collier County) Additional Requirements

Properties in unincorporated areas may also fall under Collier County's Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration requirements, which became effective January 3, 2022, under Ordinance No. 2021-45.

Florida State Regulations

• Transient Rental Tax: Approximately 6% on rental income for stays of six months or less
• Discretionary Sales Surtax: County-specific rates (Lee County: 1%) applied to first $5,000 of rental charges
• DBPR Licensing: Required registration with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Consumer Protection: Compliance with Florida Statutes Chapters 509 and 212

Tax Obligations

• Tourist Development Tax collection and remittance
• State sales tax registration and collection
• Local discretionary sales surtax
• Income tax reporting on rental revenues
• Potential penalties for non-compliance

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Bonita Springs - Neighborhood Services Department

Address:

• Mailing: 9101 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
• Physical: 27300 Old 41 RD - Liles Hotel, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Phone: 239-949-6257
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website: www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/neighborhood_services/rental_permits

Collier County Growth Management (for unincorporated areas)

Address: 2800 Horseshoe Drive N, Naples, FL 34104
Phone: (239) 252-2400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: www.colliercountyfl.gov/government/growth-management/divisions/operations-regulatory-management/short-term-vacation-rental-registration

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2007

Source Links

• City of Bonita Springs Rental Permits
• Collier County Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration
• Vacation Rental License Guide
• Local Real Estate Insights

This comprehensive guide provides the essential information needed for STR investors considering Bonita Springs, Florida. Success in this market requires careful property selection, thorough understanding of local regulations, and compliance with both city and state requirements. Investors should consult with local real estate professionals and legal advisors to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.