Overview: Are STRs allowed in Bonita Springs?

• Short-term rentals are allowed in Bonita Springs, Florida. The City of Bonita Springs requires a rental permit for non-owner occupied single-family, duplex, and multi-family dwellings (excluding buildings with more than six units regulated under Florida Statutes Chapter 718 or 719) regardless of lease length, including transient rentals under six months. The permit is issued through the City’s Neighborhood Services Department after inspection and compliance review and is valid for three years. Source: City of Bonita Springs — Rental Permits (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/neighborhood_services/rental_permits).

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bonita Springs A practical, step-by-step approach for investors:

• Confirm property eligibility and legal status

  • Verify zoning with the City of Bonita Springs Community Development Department (permits/uses by district). Contact: Community Development, phone via City Directory (239-444-6160); site: www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/community_development.
  • Confirm the property is not homestead exempt (homestead exemption typically precludes renting). If homestead is present, remove it before leasing.
  • Review HOA, condo, or co-op governing documents. Many communities restrict or prohibit short-term rentals or require minimum stay periods; obtain written approval if needed.
  • For properties inside associations regulated under Florida Statutes Chapters 718/719 with more than six units, the City’s rental permit is not required, but the association’s rules apply. Source: City of Bonita Springs — Rental Permits (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/neighborhood_services/rental_permits).

• Obtain city-level authorization and pass inspection

  • Submit a completed Rental Permit Application to Neighborhood Services with the $100 per unit fee. The permit is valid for three years from the application date. You must schedule an inspection by a Code Enforcement Officer to confirm compliance with the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and all city ordinances. Violations must be corrected before permit issuance. Source: City of Bonita Springs — Rental Permits (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/neighborhood_services/rental_permits).
  • Application document link: Rental Permit Application (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11726458/File/2025_Rental_Application_Form.pdf).
  • Sample inspection materials: I.P.M.C. Basic Guidelines & Common Violations Packet (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11726458/File/IPMC_BASIC_GUIDLINES_and_COMMON_VIOLATIONS_PACKET.pdf); Sample Inspection Sheet (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11726458/File/2025_Rental_Inspection_Sample_Sheet.pdf).
  • Submit by mail or in-person:
    • Mailing: City of Bonita Springs, 9101 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
    • Physical: City of Bonita Springs, 26876 Pine Ave, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

• Secure state-level licensing and tax registrations

  • Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Vacation Rental License: Required for short-term rentals; separate licenses exist for condos vs. single-family dwellings; renew annually. DBPR — Vacation Rental Licensing (www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2007).
  • Florida sales tax and local tourist development taxes: For stays under six months, you must collect and remit Florida sales tax (6%) plus applicable Lee County tourist development taxes (5% as of the cited sources) and any discretionary sales surtax; register with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR). Sources: STRProfitMap (www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/FL/bonita-springs), AgentsGather (agentsgather.com/how-short-term-rental-laws-are-changing-in-southwest-florida/).
  • Business Tax Receipt (City): Obtain and renew annually through the City’s Finance Department. Finance Department contact: www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/finance_department/contact_us.

• Tax collection, remittance, and advertising compliance

  • Display your DBPR license number in all advertising (Airbnb, VRBO, websites, listings) per state practice. Source: AgentsGather (agentsgather.com/how-short-term-rental-laws-are-changing-in-southwest-florida/).
  • Set up systems to collect, report, and remit sales tax and tourist development tax; maintain records consistent with Florida statutes.

• Operational readiness

  • Guest communications and occupancy limits: Comply with IPMC and fire/life-safety standards; ensure posted occupancy limits if applicable.
  • Local contact: Designate a local responsible party/manager and include contact details in listings and guest materials.
  • 24/7 guest support: Maintain a response plan and property management arrangements for maintenance, emergencies, and code compliance.
  • HOA/association compliance: If inside a governed community, follow all posted rules, quiet hours, parking, and occupancy restrictions.

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• City of Bonita Springs Rental Permit (Chapter 12, Article VI)

  • Scope: Applies to non-owner occupied single-family, duplex, and multi-family dwellings, including short-term rentals (under six months), excluding buildings with >6 units regulated under Florida Statutes Ch. 718/719.
  • Fee: $100 per unit.
  • Validity: Three years from application date.
  • Process: Complete application, inspection, correct violations, receive permit. City Code — Rental Permits (library.municode.com/fl/bonita_springs/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH12BU_ARTIVRERE); City of Bonita Springs — Rental Permits (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/neighborhood_services/rental_permits).

• IPMC compliance (2015 International Property Maintenance Code)

  • Safety systems: Smoke/fire alarms in every sleeping room and adjacent hallway; functional egress.
  • Structure and utilities: Weather-tight doors/windows with working locks; screens on openable windows; proper plumbing/electric with no hazards; clean, pest-free units; adequate ventilation; room sizes to avoid overcrowding; proper drainage to protect foundations.
  • Guidance: I.P.M.C. Basic Guidelines & Common Violations Packet (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11726458/File/IPMC_BASIC_GUIDLINES_and_COMMON_VIOLATIONS_PACKET.pdf); Sample Inspection Sheet (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11726458/File/2025_Rental_Inspection_Sample_Sheet.pdf).

• Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License

  • Requirement: State license for operating short-term rentals; separate tracks for condos vs. single-family dwellings.
  • Renewal: Annual.
  • Use: Must be displayed in all advertising.
  • Link: DBPR — Vacation Rental Licensing (www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2007).

• Taxes and registrations

  • Sales tax registration (DOR) and tourist development tax registration (county). For short-term rentals, you must collect/remit Florida sales tax (6%) plus Lee County tourist development tax (5% cited) and any discretionary sales surtax. Sources: STRProfitMap (www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/FL/bonita-springs), AgentsGather (agentsgather.com/how-short-term-rental-laws-are-changing-in-southwest-florida/).
  • Business Tax Receipt (City of Bonita Springs): Annual. Finance Department contact: www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/finance_department/contact_us.

• Additional documents

  • Application forms and packets: Rental Permit Application (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11726458/File/2025_Rental_Application_Form.pdf); “Rental-packet-2014.pdf” referenced on the City site (historic) (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11726458/File/Departments/Neighborhood%20Services/Rental%20Permits/rental-packet-2014.pdf).

3. Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals: City, County, and State

• City of Bonita Springs (municipal)

  • Rental permits required for non-owner occupied rentals (single-family, duplex, multi-family) regardless of rental term; excludes >6 unit properties governed under Florida Statutes Ch. 718/719. City Code Chapter 12, Article VI governs permit requirements, inspections, and compliance with IPMC and city ordinances. City — Rental Permits (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/neighborhood_services/rental_permits); City Code (library.municode.com/fl/bonita_springs/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH12BU_ARTIVRERE).
  • The City adopts the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code to set minimum living standards (safety, sanitation, habitability). City — Rental Permits (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/neighborhood_services/rental_permits).
  • Non-compliance can result in revocation or non-issuance of the rental permit, preventing leasing/occupancy. City — Rental Permits (www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/neighborhood_services/rental_permits).

• County (Lee County) — context

  • If your property sits outside the City of Bonita Springs but within unincorporated Lee County, county-level rules may apply in addition to state requirements. The sources used do not provide official Lee County STR registration or fee details. Confirm current county registration, fees, and local contact requirements with Lee County government before operating. Source: AgentsGather (agentsgather.com/how-short-term-rental-laws-are-changing-in-southwest-florida/).

• State of Florida — core requirements

  • DBPR licensing for vacation rentals; annual renewal; separate licensing for condos vs. single-family dwellings; license number must be displayed in advertising. DBPR — Vacation Rental Licensing (www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2007).
  • Taxation for short-term rentals (under six months): Collect/remit Florida sales tax (6%) plus Lee County tourist development tax (5% cited) and any discretionary sales surtax; register with DOR. Sources: STRProfitMap (www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/FL/bonita-springs), AgentsGather (agentsgather.com/how-short-term-rental-laws-are-changing-in-southwest-florida/).
  • Florida’s framework provides local flexibility. A recent attempt to centralize control via Senate Bill 280 did not pass, preserving municipal authority to regulate STRs (subject to Florida’s preemption rules). AgentsGather (agentsgather.com/how-short-term-rental-laws-are-changing-in-southwest-florida/).

4. Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

• City of Bonita Springs — Neighborhood Services Department

  • Phone: 239-949-6257
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Mailing Address: 9101 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
  • Physical Address: 26876 Pine Ave, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
  • Department webpage (Rental Permits): www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/neighborhood_services/rental_permits

• Florida DBPR (State licensing)

  • Vacation Rental Licensing information: www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2007

• City of Bonita Springs — Community Development (Zoning/Permitting)

  • Phone: City Directory (239-444-6160) or via department contact page
  • Web: www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/community_development

• City of Bonita Springs — Finance Department (Business Tax Receipt)

  • Contact page: www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/finance_department/contact_us

• County (if applicable — unincorporated Lee County)

  • Confirm current registration/requirements directly with Lee County government. The sources used do not include county contacts or details. AgentsGather (agentsgather.com/how-short-term-rental-laws-are-changing-in-southwest-florida/).

5. Links to Source Pages (Important)

• City of Bonita Springs — Rental Permits: www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/neighborhood_services/rental_permits
• City of Bonita Springs — Code of Ordinances (Rental Permits, Chapter 12, Article VI): library.municode.com/fl/bonita_springs/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH12BU_ARTIVRERE
• Rental Permit Application (2025): www.cityofbonitasprings.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11726458/File/2025_Rental_Application_Form.pdf
• I.P.M.C. Basic Guidelines & Common Violations Packet: www.cityofbonitasprings.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11726458/File/IPMC_BASIC_GUIDLINES_and_COMMON_VIOLATIONS_PACKET.pdf
• Sample Inspection Sheet (2025): www.cityofbonitasprings.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11726458/File/2025_Rental_Inspection_Sample_Sheet.pdf
• City of Bonita Springs — Community Development Department: www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/community_development
• City of Bonita Springs — Finance Department (Business Tax Receipt contact): www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/finance_department/contact_us
• Florida DBPR — Vacation Rental Licensing: www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2007
• STRProfitMap — Bonita Springs STR Regulations: www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/FL/bonita-springs
• AgentsGather — How Short-Term Rental Laws Are Changing in Southwest Florida: agentsgather.com/how-short-term-rental-laws-are-changing-in-southwest-florida/
• The Offer Sheet — Bonita Springs STR Regulations Overview: local.theoffersheet.com/legal/bonita-springs-fl/
• Florida DBPR Ombudsman (City site resource): www.cityofbonitasprings.org/services___departments/d_b_p_r_ombudsman

Key notes for investors

• Market dynamics and seasonality: Bonita Springs STR performance is highly seasonal; understand peak (winter) demand and off-season viability.
• HOA/association constraints: Many communities limit or prohibit short-term rentals; confirm restrictions before purchase.
• Enforcement and reputational risk: Non-compliance with IPMC or city ordinances can block permits or lead to revocation; maintain property to the highest standards to protect your ability to operate.
• Tax discipline: Keep rigorous records for sales and tourist development tax remittance; use compliant accounting practices and filing cadence.

Disclaimer This guide is based solely on the provided sources and is intended for investors. It is not legal advice. Regulations and fee schedules can change; verify current requirements with the City of Bonita Springs, Lee County (if applicable), and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before operating.