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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Immokalee, Florida. As an unincorporated community within Collier County, Immokalee properties are subject to Collier County's short-term rental regulations, which permit rentals of six months or less. The county implemented registration requirements in 2021 to regulate and monitor these operations. Short-term rentals are considered a legal and regulated business activity in this market, provided property owners comply with all applicable requirements at the county, state, and local levels.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Immokalee

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Verify Property Zoning and Eligibility

• Confirm your property is located in a zone that permits short-term rentals
• Properties must be used for rentals of six months or less to qualify under county regulations
• Both single-family and multi-family properties, as well as condominiums, are eligible
• Single rooms and apartments used as temporary rentals also require registration

Step 2: Obtain Required Business Licenses

• Apply for a state vacation rental license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• Complete any required local business licensing requirements

Step 3: Register with Collier County

• Complete the Collier County short-term rental registration process
• Provide a unique identification number for each property or unit
• Include the registration ID in all marketing and advertising materials
• Ensure 24/7 contact information is available for property management

Step 4: Tax Registration and Compliance

• Register with the Collier County Tax Collector's office for Tourist Development Tax
• Set up systems for collecting and remitting applicable taxes (6% state sales tax plus 5% local tourist development tax)

Step 5: Safety and Property Standards

• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers)
• Ensure properties meet local health and safety standards
• Consider implementing additional safety measures to protect guests and property

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements

• Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License: Required for all short-term rental operations
• State Sales Tax Registration: For collecting and remitting 6% state sales tax

County-Level Requirements

• Collier County STR Registration Certificate: One-time $50 registration fee
• 24/7 Contact Information: Must include local contact person available to address law enforcement actions, code violations, or emergencies
• Tourist Development Tax Registration: Required for collecting and remitting the 5% local tourist development tax

Local Guidelines and Standards

• Marketing Requirements: All advertising must include the unique registration identification number
• Minimum Stay Requirements: No specific minimum stay mentioned in county regulations
• Occupancy Limits: Follow standard occupancy guidelines based on property size and safety standards
• Noise and Nuisance Compliance: Properties must comply with local noise ordinances and neighborhood standards

Specific Regulations for Immokalee, Collier County, and Florida

Collier County Regulations (Applies to Immokalee)

• Registration Timeline: Effective January 3, 2022 (following board approval in November 2021)
• Registration Scope: Applies to all short-term rentals six months or less, including single-family homes, multi-family properties, condominiums, and individual rooms/apartments
• Contact Requirements: 24/7 contact person availability for emergency response and violation resolution
• Unique Identification: Each property/unit receives a unique registration number for marketing purposes
• Compliance Monitoring: County maintains searchable database for contact information and property details
• Violation Penalties: Failure to register results in fines up to $500 per violation, per day

Florida State Regulations

• DBPR Licensing: State-level vacation rental license required for all STR operations
• Sales Tax: 6% state sales tax collection and remittance required
• Preemption Laws: State law preempts local regulation of rental terms, prices, and duration limits

Tourist Development Tax Requirements

• Rate: 5% local tourist development tax on all short-term rentals
• Remittance: Taxes due quarterly
• Registration: Must register with Collier County Tax Collector to collect and remit these taxes

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Collier County Government

Primary Contact Department: Collier County Growth Management Department

• Registration Process: Deputy Department Head Jamie French oversees registration procedures
• Code Enforcement: Handles complaints and violations related to short-term rentals
• Contact Method: Online registration platform available through county website

County Attorney's Office

• Contact: Jeff Klatzkow, County Attorney
• Role: Legal interpretation and enforcement of registration ordinances

Florida State Agencies

Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

• Purpose: Vacation rental licensing
• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com

Collier County Tax Collector's Office

• Purpose: Tourist Development Tax registration and collection
• Services: Handles 5% local tourist development tax registration and compliance

Health Department Contact

Florida Department of Health - Collier County

• Location: DOH-Collier Immokalee Office
• Purpose: Health regulations and safety compliance for rental properties
• Website: collier.floridahealth.gov

Source Links and References

Primary Regulatory Source:

• Naples Daily News - Collier County Registration Approval: www.naplesnews.com/story/money/business/local/2021/11/11/collier-county-approves-short-term-rental-registration-requirements-after-years-discussion-debate/6367539001/

Market and Regulation Analysis:

• StaySTRA Market Overview: staystra.com/location/florida/immokalee/

Tourism and Market Context:

• Visit Florida - Immokalee Tourism Resources: www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/immokalee-florida/
• Wikipedia - Immokalee, Florida: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immokalee,_Florida

Cultural and Attraction Information:

• Florida Seminole Tourism: floridaseminoletourism.com/spotlight-on-the-immokalee-reservation/
• Visit Everglades City - Immokalee Attractions: visitevergladescity.com/fresh-finds-in-immokalee/

Additional Regulatory Resources:

• Collier County Official Website: [County website for current registration forms and processes]
• Florida Department of Revenue: [Tax collection and remittance information]

Important Note for Investors: This guide reflects the regulatory landscape as of the provided sources. Short-term rental regulations can change frequently, and investors should verify current requirements with county authorities before making investment decisions. The complexity of overlapping state, county, and local requirements necessitates careful compliance management and potentially engaging local legal counsel familiar with Florida vacation rental laws.