Sanibel, Florida

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Lee County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredMin Stay: 28Business License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/9/2026
28Min. Night Stay

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Minimum Night Stay28
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • yes — resort housing use must be a permitted use in the applicable zone; where not permitted, minimum 4-consecutive-week rental applies

Official Sources

Data confidence: 93%Last updated: June 9, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Sanibel, Florida

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Sanibel, Florida are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Sanibel, Florida?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Sanibel, Florida.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Sanibel?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Sanibel?

Yes — Sanibel sets a minimum stay of 28 nights.

Where do these Sanibel short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Sanibel's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Sanibel, Lee County, or Florida authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.