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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Marco Island, Florida. However, the regulatory landscape is unique: Marco Island does not have city-specific short-term rental regulations because the city's STR ordinance was nullified by state law in 2023. Properties within Marco Island are exempt from Collier County's registration requirements, meaning investors operate under statewide Florida regulations only.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Marco Island

Step 1: Obtain State-Level Licensing

All short-term rental properties in Florida must be licensed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This is a prerequisite for operating any STR in Marco Island.

Step 2: Register for Tax Obligations

• Obtain a Florida Sales Tax Certificate from the Department of Revenue
• Register for state sales tax collection (6% on rentals under 6 months)
• Research any applicable local tourist development taxes

Step 3: Property Compliance

• Ensure your property meets Florida Building Code requirements
• Comply with Florida Fire Prevention Code
• Follow Collier County Property Maintenance Code standards

Step 4: Marketing and Operations

• List your property on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway
• Maintain proper insurance coverage
• Establish guest screening and house rules

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (Primary for Marco Island)

1. DBPR Vacation Rental License

   • Required for all non-hosted STRs
   • Collective/group licenses available for multiple properties
   • Excludes hosted rentals where owner remains on-site

2. Florida Sales Tax Certificate

   • Obtained through Florida Department of Revenue
   • Required for collecting and remitting state sales tax

3. Local Tourist Development Tax Registration (if applicable)

   • Check with Collier County for current requirements

Property Standards Compliance

• Florida Building Code compliance
• Florida Fire Prevention Code adherence
• Collier County Property Maintenance Code (Ordinance 2010-02, as amended)
• Local zoning compliance verification

Advertising Requirements

• Include any required registration numbers in advertising (if applicable)
• Accurate representation of property amenities and occupancy limits

Specific Regulations for Marco Island, Collier County, and State

Marco Island (City Level)

No city-specific STR regulations currently apply due to the nullification of Ordinance 2021-45 by Senate Bill 250 (2023). The city ordinance, which would have required registration and imposed noise/parking restrictions, cannot be implemented under current state law.

Collier County Level

Properties within Marco Island are explicitly exempt from Collier County's Ordinance 2021-45, which requires:

• County registration for STRs in unincorporated areas
• Local contact requirements
• Advertising display of registration numbers

State Level (Primary Governing Authority)

1. DBPR Licensing Requirements

   • All non-hosted STRs must be licensed
   • Hosted rentals (where owner remains on-site) are exempt from DBPR licensing
   • Annual renewal required

2. Tax Obligations

   • 6% state sales tax on rentals under 6 months
   • Local tourist development taxes (rates vary by county)
   • Monthly or quarterly filing requirements

3. Preemption Framework

   • Florida state law preempts local bans on STRs
   • Local governments cannot regulate rental duration or frequency
   • Local governments may regulate negative externalities (noise, parking, etc.)

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2007
Phone: Contact through DBPR website or call center
Purpose: Vacation rental licensing and compliance

Florida Department of Revenue

Website: floridarevenue.com/
Purpose: Sales tax registration and filing requirements

Collier County (For County-Level Inquiries)

Address: 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Phone: 239-252-8999
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Note: Marco Island properties are exempt from Collier County STR registration

City of Marco Island

Note: No current STR-specific contact as city regulations were nullified

Collier County 311 (General Information)

Phone: 239-252-4311
Purpose: General county services and information

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Sources

1. Collier County STR Registration: www.collier.gov/Resident-Resources/Leisure-and-Community/Short-Term-Vacation-Rental-Registration
2. Florida DBPR Licensing: www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2007
3. Florida Department of Revenue: floridarevenue.com/

Legal and Regulatory Analysis

4. Marco Island Ordinance Cancellation: www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2023/10/marco-island-short-term-rental-ordinance-canceled-by-state-law.html
5. Florida STR Legal Framework: www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0125/Sections/0125.0104.html

Supporting Resources

6. Collier County Property Appraiser: www.collierappraiser.com/ (for property location verification)
7. Collier County LDC Section 5.03.03: library.municode.com/fl/collier_county/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=CH5SUST_5.03.00ACUSST_5.03.03GU

Important Notes for Investors

1. Regulatory Landscape: Marco Island's exemption from both city and county STR regulations creates a favorable environment for investors, operating primarily under statewide rules.

2. Tax Compliance: While Marco Island lacks local STR taxes, investors must remain compliant with state sales tax obligations and any applicable county tourist development taxes.

3. Future Changes: Monitor legislative developments, as Florida's approach to STR regulation continues evolving at both state and local levels.

4. Property Standards: Regardless of regulatory exemptions, all STRs must maintain high safety and maintenance standards to ensure guest safety and community goodwill.

5. Insurance: Secure comprehensive liability and property insurance appropriate for short-term rental operations.

This regulatory framework positions Marco Island as a relatively investor-friendly market within Florida's STR landscape, with streamlined compliance requirements focused primarily on state-level obligations rather than complex local regulations.