Cape Coral Landlord-Tenant Rules

State preemption of local tenant rules: Florida reserves the regulation of residential tenancies and the landlord-tenant relationship to the state. Its 2023 law supersedes local rules on matters covered by the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, including tenant screening, security deposits, rental fees, lease terms, disclosures and notice requirements. Cities also may not adopt any measure that has the effect of imposing controls on rents. For nearly every landlord-tenant question, state law (see the Florida page) applies.; Rental registration: Since January 1, 2026, every residential rental in Cape Coral (single-family homes, duplexes, condos, multifamily units, and even a rented room) must be registered with the City each year. The fee is $35 a year for a long-term rental (more than six months) and $350 for a short-term rental (six months or less, minimum stay 6 nights). Renewal is due on the anniversary of the first registration, with a $50 late fee after 30 days. Owners who do not register face fines and referral to Code Compliance. Exempt: government or HUD housing-program units, hotels and motels, and state-licensed community residential facilities.; Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line: Cape Coral's Code Compliance Division (Development Services) enforces property maintenance standards based on the International Property Maintenance Code on residential and commercial properties, takes code complaints and holds compliance hearings. Office: 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., (239) 574-0613, Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.