What are the rental rules on the south end of Fort Myers Beach?

The south end is generally month-minimum, though some condo-hotel buildings allow shorter stays — 7-day, 3-day, even nightly. Because it varies building to building, I verify the exact rental terms for any property you're considering before you buy.

Is Santini Plaza open again?

Santini Plaza, on the south end of Fort Myers Beach, is coming back with new stores and restaurants opening. It's a sign of the south end's recovery and return of everyday amenities to this part of the island.

What is a condo-hotel?

A condo-hotel is a building where you own your unit like a condo, but the building runs like a hotel, often with a front desk and a rental program, and allows shorter stays than the surrounding area. On the south end, they're the main way to get shorter-term rental flexibility. Fees, rental-program terms and lending can differ from a regular condo, so I walk you through the details.

How close is the south end to Lovers Key?

Very close. The Big Carlos Pass bridge at the island's south tip leads straight to Lovers Key State Park, with its protected beaches, kayaking and wildlife, and then on to Bonita Springs and Naples.

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Fort Myers Beach (Estero Island)

South End Fort Myers Beach

The south end of Fort Myers Beach is generally the quieter, more residential stretch of the island. It's mostly month-minimum rentals — though some condo-hotel buildings allow much shorter stays — and it's home to Santini Plaza, which is coming back with new stores and restaurants.

The vibe

Calmer and more residential than the north end, the south end suits owners who want a quieter island base. Santini Plaza's reopening is bringing shopping and dining back to this end of the island.

Rental rules

The south end is generally month-minimum rental, but there are exceptions: some condo-hotel buildings allow 7-day, 3-day, and even nightly stays. Because it varies building to building, rental rules depend on the exact property and its zoning, so I always confirm what's permitted for a specific address before you make an offer.

What's nearby

Santini Plaza (reopening with new stores & restaurants)
Quieter south-end beaches
Lovers Key State Park — Two-plus miles of protected barrier-island beach, kayaking, and wildlife just south of the island on Estero Boulevard.

What you'll find here

Month-minimum condos
Condo-hotel units (shorter-stay exceptions)
Residential island homes

Condo buildings on the south end

33 condominium communities, north to south. “Gulf side” means the Gulf side of Estero Blvd.

Gulfside Twelve6230 Estero BlvdGulf side
Sunset6400 Estero BlvdGulf side
Privateer6500 Estero BlvdGulf side
GullWing Beach Resort6620 Estero BlvdGulf side
Pointe Estero6640 Estero BlvdGulf side
The Sandarac6660 Estero BlvdGulf side
Estero Cove6891 Estero BlvdBay side
Sand Caper6900 Estero BlvdGulf side
Admiral's Bay22652 Island Pines WayBay side
Island Reef Club7000 Estero BlvdGulf side
Palm Harbor Club150 Lenell RdBay side
Creciente7146 Estero BlvdGulf side
Estero Island Yacht & Racquet Club200 Lenell RdBay side
Estero Beach & Tennis Club7300 Estero BlvdGulf side
Santa Maria7307 Estero BlvdBay side
Windward Point400 Lenell RdBay side
Bermuda Dunes7390 Estero BlvdGulf side
Leonardo Arms7400 Estero BlvdGulf side
Bella Lago7401 Estero BlvdBay side
Riviera Club7500 Estero BlvdGulf side
Shamron Beach7650 Estero BlvdGulf side
Hibiscus Pointe4401 Bay Beach LnBay side
Eden House7700 Estero BlvdGulf side
Casa Marina4311 Bay Beach LnBay side
Island Sands7760 Buccaneer DrBay side
Harbour Pointe4263 Bay Beach LnBay side
Sun Caper7930 Estero BlvdGulf side
Castle Beach8300 Estero BlvdGulf side
Carlos Pointe Beach Club8350 Estero BlvdGulf side
Marina Towers & Yacht Club8401 Estero BlvdBay side
Island End8400 Estero BlvdGulf side
Island Beach Club8751 Estero Blvd
Lovers Key Beach Club8771 Estero Blvd

Filter them in the Condo Finder →

Price & rent context

Generally more of a month-minimum, residential market than the north end, with condo-hotels as the shorter-stay exception.

Who it's for

Buyers who want a quieter, more residential island setting — plus investors targeting the condo-hotel buildings that allow shorter stays.

Frequently asked questions

What are the rental rules on the south end of Fort Myers Beach?: The south end is generally month-minimum, though some condo-hotel buildings allow shorter stays — 7-day, 3-day, even nightly. Because it varies building to building, I verify the exact rental terms for any property you're considering before you buy.
Is Santini Plaza open again?: Santini Plaza, on the south end of Fort Myers Beach, is coming back with new stores and restaurants opening. It's a sign of the south end's recovery and return of everyday amenities to this part of the island.
What is a condo-hotel?: A condo-hotel is a building where you own your unit like a condo, but the building runs like a hotel, often with a front desk and a rental program, and allows shorter stays than the surrounding area. On the south end, they're the main way to get shorter-term rental flexibility. Fees, rental-program terms and lending can differ from a regular condo, so I walk you through the details.
How close is the south end to Lovers Key?: Very close. The Big Carlos Pass bridge at the island's south tip leads straight to Lovers Key State Park, with its protected beaches, kayaking and wildlife, and then on to Bonita Springs and Naples.

Want the hard data on this part of the island? See the permit history, flood-zone rules, and rebuild activity on FMB Insider.

Thinking about South End Fort Myers Beach?

Talk to a full-time island specialist — Logan Shea at Royal Shell Real Estate.

Call (239) 470-0650 Text Logan Book a Call