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Cape Canaveral

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Cape Canaveral, FL

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STR Regulations for Cape Canaveral, Florida

Overview: Are STRs allowed in Cape Canaveral?

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cape Canaveral

  1. Confirm zoning eligibility and property compliance
  • Confirm the subject property is located within Cape Canaveral city limits and is zoned for residential vacation rentals. If you are unsure, contact Planning + Zoning.
  • Plan the build-out to meet the Florida Building Code, Florida Fire and Life Safety Codes, and International Property Maintenance Code, as inspections will reference these standards.
  1. Obtain required licenses and registrations
  • City Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Required before County BTR and registration. Issued annually (City fiscal year October 1–September 30). Base fee $25 plus $2.50 per unit; one-time application fee $30. Contact the BTR office for application specifics. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ] [Link: www.capecanaveral.gov/commerce/vacation_rental_faq.php]
  • County Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Required after you receive your City BTR. Apply through the Brevard County Tax Collector; bring your City BTR with you. Online applications available; phone support provided. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ; County links in FAQ] [Links: www.capecanaveral.gov/commerce/vacation_rental_faq.php, www.brevardtc.com/, county-taxes.net/brevard/btexpress]
  • State lodging license: If you are required to have a license as a transient public lodging establishment (e.g., for certain configurations or unit counts), obtain and maintain an active Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) license. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Vacation Rental Registration: Register online via the City’s Deckard Vacation Rental Permit Registration portal. This is separate from the BTRs and is the City’s annual registration program. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ; Deckard portal link in FAQ]
  1. Prepare submissions and supporting materials
  • Exterior site sketch of the property showing the dwelling, structures, pools/spas/hot tubs, fencing, and off-street parking. Off-street parking spaces must be delineated for a fixed count. Hand-drawn sketches are acceptable. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Interior building sketch by floor showing bedrooms, other rooms, exits, hallways, and stairways. Hand-drawn acceptable. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Legal address as indicated by the Brevard County Property Appraiser. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ; Property Appraiser link in FAQ] [Link: www.bcpao.us/]
  • Evidence of an active account with the Brevard County Tax Collector to collect/remit tourist development taxes and any other applicable taxes. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Copy of your active City BTR. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Copy of your current and active DBPR license, if required. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  1. Post the Vacation Rental Safety and Information Notice
  • The City requires a unique, property-specific notice to be posted in a prominent, conspicuous location. After completing your Deckard registration, you will have access to download this notice, which includes:
    • Owner or agent contact details.
    • Maximum overnight occupancy for your unit.
    • Cape Canaveral address and phone for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Canaveral Fire Rescue.
    • Relevant City Code excerpts (e.g., sea turtle lighting, noise, dog/beach/park/nuisance rules).
    • Maximum number of vehicles allowed and a sketch of off-street parking spaces.
    • Trash and recycling pickup days/times.
    • Nearest hospital location and phone. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ] [Link: example notice: Training/ced_STRInUnitNotice20211229.pdf?t=202406181148280]
  1. Prepare for inspections and ongoing compliance
  • Inspections may occur annually or as needed to address compliance issues. Properties must be available within 20 days of City notification. Non-compliance must be corrected within 10 business days. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Maintain a three-year log of all bookings with booking date and number of occupants; this log must be available for City inspection. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  1. Set up taxes and accounting

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

  • City BTR (Cape Canaveral) — annual, City fiscal year October 1–September 30; fees include $25 base + $2.50/unit + $30 application. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • County BTR (Brevard County) — annual; requires City BTR first. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • DBPR transient public lodging license (if required) — maintain active status; provide copy in registration. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Vacation Rental Registration via Deckard — annual; required in addition to BTRs. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ; Deckard link in FAQ]
  • Exterior site sketch and interior floor-by-floor building sketch — hand-drawn acceptable; must show exits, parking count, structures, pools, etc. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Evidence of County Tax Collector account for tourist development tax and other applicable taxes. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Legal address from Brevard County Property Appraiser. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ; Property Appraiser link in FAQ]
  • Posted Vacation Rental Safety and Information Notice — property-specific; download available post-registration. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]

Key City Code, County, and State Regulations Specific to Cape Canaveral

  • Zoning and definitional framework: Vacation rentals are governed by City Code Sec. 110‑486 (Ordinance No. 10‑2021). [Source: City Code; Vacation Rentals page] [Links: library.municode.com/fl/cape_canaveral/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPBLADECO_CH110ZO_ARTIXSUDIRE_DIV1GE_S110-486VARE, www.capecanaveral.gov/commerce/vacation_rentals.php]
  • Occupancy limits (maximum overnight occupancy; ages 5+; plus two additional occupants per unit):
    • Up to 2,000 sq ft under enclosed roof/air: 8 occupants.
    • 2,001–3,000 sq ft: 10 occupants.
    • 3,001–4,500 sq ft: 12 occupants.
    • Over 4,500 sq ft: 14 occupants.
    • Note: The Florida Building Code and Fire Prevention Code may require stricter occupancy as determined by the Fire Inspector or Building Official. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ; City Code link in FAQ]
  • Safety, information, and posting requirements: City-issued Safety and Information Notice must be posted in a conspicuous location. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Inspections and compliance: Annual or as-needed inspections; properties must be available within 20 days; non-compliance corrected within 10 business days. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Booking logs: Three-year retention required for all bookings; log must include booking date and number of occupants; must be available for inspection. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Prohibitions:
    • No renting individual rooms or groups of rooms apart from the entire dwelling unit or house.
    • No use as a commercial or nonresidential venue (e.g., party, event, or entertainment venue; social hall). [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Fees and penalties:
    • Current schedule: Safety Inspection $75/unit; Safety Re-inspection $50/unit; Annual Registration $300/unit (non-homesteaded) or $200/unit (homesteaded); Late Registration $50/unit; Ownership/Agent Transfer $50/unit. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
    • Effective October 1, 2025: Safety Inspection $100/unit; Safety Re-inspection $75/unit; Annual Registration $450/unit (non-homesteaded) or $300/unit (homesteaded); Late Registration $150/unit; Ownership/Agent Transfer $100/unit. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
    • Operating without registration: $100 first offense; $250 second; $500 each subsequent. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • Reporting violations: 24/7 Hotline and online portal. Anonymous complaints are prohibited per Florida law. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]
  • County-level requirements: Obtain and maintain County BTR; set up and remit tourist development taxes and any other required taxes via the County Tax Collector. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ; County Tax Collector links]
  • State-level considerations (Florida): If your lodging operation meets the definition of a transient public lodging establishment, you may be required to obtain and maintain a state license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Hosts should verify licensing applicability for their specific property/unit configuration. [Source: Vacation Rental FAQ]

Contact Information (Phone, Email, Website)

Links to Source Pages (Important)

Market Context Note Third‑party sources report strong STR performance in Cape Canaveral (e.g., occupancy ~61%, ADR ~$209, monthly revenue ~$19,930). Treat third‑party marketing or community forum claims as non‑authoritative; the City FAQ, ordinances, and official portals above are the controlling sources. [Source: RedAwning market overview page] [Link: www.redawning.com/pm/market-overview/cape-canaveral-florida]

Compliance Checklist for New Operators

  • Secure City BTR and County BTR.
  • Confirm whether a DBPR license is required; obtain if applicable.
  • Register via Deckard; prepare and submit sketches and supporting documents.
  • Post the Safety and Information Notice in the unit.
  • Establish tax remittance with County Tax Collector.
  • Set up booking log retention (3 years).
  • Prepare for inspections (annual/as needed); designate a local owner

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Cape Canaveral?

Cape Canaveral hosts earn a median $30,304/year with $175 ADR and 71% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $45,959+ per year.

See the full Cape Canaveral market breakdown →

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Cape Canaveral

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
10/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
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Photos of Cape Canaveral

Overview of Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral, located on Florida's Atlantic coast, is a city known for its robust space exploration history and its appeal as a tourist destination. As of the latest estimates, the city has a population of around 10,000 residents. It is situated approximately 50 miles east of Orlando, making it readily accessible for those seeking a coastal experience while staying in proximity to a major urban area.

Cape Canaveral boasts several notable landmarks and attractions. One of the most famous is the Kennedy Space Center (www.kennedyspacecenter.com/), which serves as a significant draw for tourists interested in space exploration and history. Visitors can experience interactive exhibits, view rocket launches, and even meet astronauts.

Another key attraction is the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse (www.visitspacecoast.com/Cape-Canaveral-things-to-do/Cape-Canaveral-Lighthouse), a historic beacon dating back to the 19th century, which offers guided tours. For nature enthusiasts, the Canaveral National Seashore (www.nps.gov/cana/index.htm) provides pristine beaches and an array of wildlife habitats, ideal for bird-watching and nature walks.

Port Canaveral (www.portcanaveral.com/) is another prominent feature of the city, functioning as one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. It offers various dining and entertainment options, as well as opportunities for deep-sea fishing and other maritime activities.

The city's appeal for short-term rentals is bolstered by its diverse attractions and its scenic coastline. It provides a blend of educational and recreational opportunities, ranging from space history to outdoor adventures, making it an attractive destination for tourists looking for a multifaceted getaway.

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