Short-Term Rentals in Cape Coral, FL

Cape Coral maintains 124 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Cape Coral falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Cape Coral short-term rentals must follow the same parking standards as other dwellings in the Land Development Code Article 6, which requires off-street parking on an improved surface. Florida Statute 509.032(7)(b) prevents the city from imposing STR-only parking caps. Parking on lawns, swales, or rights-of-way is prohibited.

Key details: Strs Follow Same: STRs follow same parking rules as other dwellings (LDC Article 6). Off-street Parking Required: Off-street parking on a paved/improved driveway surface. Parking Swales, Lawns,: Parking on swales, lawns, and rights-of-way prohibited. Section 6.1.7 Sets: Section 6.1.7 sets minimum parking spaces by dwelling type. F.s. 509.032(7)(b) Preempts: F.S. 509.032(7)(b) preempts STR-only parking caps.

Parking on swales, lawns, or in the right-of-way is enforced by Cape Coral Code Compliance and can result in notices of violation, daily fines through the special magistrate process, and tow-and-impound under city ordinance. Repeated parking violations at a registered short-term rental may be referred to the city clerk's rental program; combined with other code issues, they can support escalating fines under the rental registration ordinance.

Short-Term Rental Permits

All residential rental properties with 4 or fewer units in Cape Coral must register with the city under a 2021 ordinance. One-time registration fee of $35 per property. All STRs also require a Florida DBPR vacation rental license. Owners must designate a local contact person available 24/7.

Key details: Registration Fee: $35 one-time per property. Units: Required for 4 or fewer unit properties. Local Contact: 24/7 contact required. State License: FL DBPR vacation rental license required. Minimum Stay: 7-day minimum in some areas.

The Bottom Line

Cape Coral's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cape Coral is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Cape Coral's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.