Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Everglades City, FL?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Everglades City, Florida. This is a critical point for investors: while Collier County's Ordinance No. 2021-45 requires registration for short-term vacation rentals throughout most of Collier County, properties located within the City of Naples, City of Marco Island, and Everglades City are specifically exempt from this registration requirement. This exemption makes Everglades City a notably favorable market for short-term rental operations compared to other Collier County jurisdictions that fall under the county ordinance.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Everglades City

Step 1: Verify Property Location

Confirm that your property is indeed within Everglades City boundaries. You can use the Collier County Property Appraiser website to review Trim Notices and verify your property's jurisdiction.

Step 2: Obtain State-Level Licensing

While exempt from county registration, you must still comply with Florida state regulations:

• Florida DBPR License: Obtain a "Vacation Rental - Dwelling License" from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Application Process: Apply through the DBPR Licensing Portal
• Coverage: One license can cover up to 75 rental properties
• Processing Time: Typically 2-3 weeks

Step 3: Tax Registration and Compliance

• Collier County Tax Collector: Establish a Tourist Development Tax (TDT) account
• Business Tax Receipt: Obtain through Collier County Tax Collector
• State Sales Tax: Register for Florida sales tax collection and remittance

Step 4: Property Preparation

• Ensure compliance with Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code
• Meet Collier County Property Maintenance Code requirements
• Establish occupancy limits per local codes
• Prepare guest information regarding local ordinances (noise, parking, garbage)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licensing Requirements

1. Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License (State requirement)

   • Required for all short-term rentals in Florida
   • Covers properties under Chapter 509 Florida Statutes
   • Application available through DBPR portal

2. Tourist Development Tax Account (Collier County Tax Collector)

   • Local tax collection requirement
   • Separate from DBPR licensing
   • Mandatory for all vacation rentals

3. Business Tax Receipt (Collier County Tax Collector)

   • Local business operation authorization
   • Annual renewal required

Property Compliance Documents

• Proof of property ownership or legal right to rent
• Certificate of occupancy (if applicable)
• Insurance documentation
• Property management agreement (if using third-party management)

Advertising Requirements

• No Collier County Registration Number Required: Properties in Everglades City are exempt from including county registration numbers in advertisements
• State license number should be included in advertising per DBPR requirements
• Include all tax registration numbers as required by state law

Specific Regulations: Everglades City, Collier County, and Florida State

Everglades City Regulations

• No City-Specific Registration: Everglades City has not enacted separate short-term rental registration ordinances
• No Additional Permits Required: Beyond state and county tax requirements
• Exemption from Collier County Ordinance 2021-45: Explicitly excluded from county registration requirements

Collier County Regulations

• Ordinance 2021-45: Does NOT apply to properties in Everglades City
• General County Codes: Must still comply with general Collier County ordinances regarding:
  • Noise regulations
  • Parking requirements
  • Waste management
  • Property maintenance standards
  • Occupancy limits

Florida State Regulations

• Chapter 509, Florida Statutes: Governs vacation rental licensing and operation
• Chapter 125.0104, Florida Statutes: Establishes definitions and basic requirements
• Chapter 212, Florida Statutes: Tax collection and remittance requirements
• DBPR Oversight: State-level regulation and enforcement

Important Restrictions

• Guest Houses: Per LDC section 5.03.03, guest houses may not be leased or rented (county-wide restriction)
• Rental Frequency: Properties rented more than 3 times per year for less than 30 days fall under state DBPR requirements
• Long-term Rentals: Properties rented for 30+ days or to the same renter for 3+ months are exempt from many regulations

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Collier County Government Center

Address: 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 252-8999
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Map: View on Google Maps

Short-Term Vacation Rental Specific Contacts

STVR Email: STVR@collier.gov
Phone: (239) 252-2400
Online Portal: GMD Public Portal

Collier 311 (General Information)

Phone: (239) 252-4311
Purpose: General county information and service requests

Collier County Tax Collector

Website: colliertaxcollector.com
Services: TDT registration and Business Tax Receipt issuance

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Website: myfloridalicense.com
Phone: Contact through DBPR portal
Services: Vacation rental licensing

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Sources

1. Collier County Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration
2. Collier County Ordinance No. 2021-45
3. GMD Public Portal
4. Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Licensing

Supporting Resources

1. Collier County Property Appraiser
2. Collier County Tax Collector
3. Florida Statutes Chapter 509
4. Florida Statutes Chapter 125.0104

Local Real Estate Resources

1. NaplesED.com STR Guide
2. Alpizar Real Estate STR Information

Investment Advantages in Everglades City

For short-term rental investors, Everglades City presents several advantages:

1. Simplified Regulatory Environment: No additional city or county registration requirements beyond state licensing
2. Cost Efficiency: Avoid $50 per property county registration fees required in unincorporated Collier County
3. Streamlined Process: Direct state licensing pathway without local bureaucratic layers
4. Market Opportunity: Access to Collier County tourism market without registration burdens

Compliance Timeline and Enforcement

While Everglades City properties are exempt from county registration, investors must still maintain compliance with:

• Ongoing State Requirements: DBPR license maintenance and renewals
• Tax Obligations: Monthly/quarterly tax remittances
• Local Ordinances: General county and city code compliance
• Property Standards: Building, fire, and maintenance code adherence

The absence of local registration requirements does not eliminate the need for proper business operation, tax compliance, or adherence to local quality-of-life ordinances that affect all residents and businesses in the area.

This regulatory exemption positions Everglades City as a particularly attractive market for short-term rental investment within Collier County, offering the benefits of the county's tourism economy with significantly reduced regulatory overhead compared to neighboring jurisdictions.