Navigating New Fees & Enforcement: What Cape Coral Airbnb Hosts Must Know
When the sun dips below the Caloosahatchee River and you’re preparing to welcome your next guests, you deserve clarity on the rules of the road. In late 2025, Cape Coral’s Vacation Rental Advisory Group is charting a course toward heftier fees and stricter oversight—and as a host, you need to know what’s on the horizon to keep your listing compliant and your earnings protected.
The Advisory Group & Proposed Fee Surcharge
In June 2025, the newly formed Vacation Rental Advisory Group opened public comment on a proposed $120 per-unit surcharge designed to bolster enforcement and infrastructure. If approved, this surcharge will add to a registration fee that rises from a onetime $35 to an annual $600, representing a substantial increase in your operating costs.
Inspection Crackdown & Minimum-Stay Enforcement
Recent city inspections uncovered hundreds of listings violating the mandatory seven-night minimum stay. Inspectors are now empowered to issue fines of up to $250 per day for non-compliant hosts, and repeat offenders risk injunctions that can halt their rental operations altogether.
City Council Initiatives & Tougher Penalties
Cape Coral City Council members are drafting ordinance revisions that would increase late fees, mandate digital proof of registration on every listing, and authorize door-to-door compliance checks. Hosts found without valid certificates could face daily penalties and, in extreme cases, forced delisting.
What This Means for Local Hosts
- Higher Annual Costs: Plan for an extra $565 per unit each year in registration and surcharge fees.
- Increased Audit Risk: Expect unannounced inspections and a steeper fine structure for violations.
- Stricter Listing Requirements: Maintain clear, up-to-date proof of registration and certificate numbers on your online listings.
Action Steps & Best Practices
- Confirm Registration: Verify your property’s one-time registration or apply for the new annual certificate today.
- Update Your Listings: Embed your certificate number prominently in every Airbnb or VRBO description.
- Enforce Minimum Stays: Adjust booking settings to require at least a seven-night stay and review past reservations for compliance.
- Attend Public Meetings: Provide feedback to the Advisory Group to shape final fee structures and enforcement policies.
- Budget Accordingly: Factor the additional $565 into your nightly rate or consider seasonal rate adjustments to preserve margins.
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