Bonita Springs is a city located in Southwest Florida, United States. It is situated in both Lee and Collier counties and has a population of around 57,000 people.

One of the main attractions of Bonita Springs is its beautiful beaches, including Bonita Beach Park, Barefoot Beach Preserve, and Lovers Key State Park. These beaches offer white sandy shores, clear blue waters, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

In addition to its beaches, Bonita Springs is also home to several nature preserves, including the Everglades Wonder Gardens, a 3.5-acre botanical garden and wildlife park, and the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a 13,000-acre nature reserve with a boardwalk through a cypress forest.

Bonita Springs also offers a variety of shopping and dining options, including the Promenade at Bonita Bay, a popular outdoor shopping center, and several local restaurants serving fresh seafood and other specialties.

Overall, Bonita Springs is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers visitors and residents alike plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, explore nature, and soak up the Florida sunshine.

Population:

• Population ( 2023 ): 56,229
• Median age (2022): 60.2
• Residents under 18 (2023): 12.2%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 41.3%
• Population by sex (2023): Male (50%), Female (50%)
• Homeowners and renters (2022): Homeowners (79%), Renters (21%)
• Married population (2023): 70%
• Population change (2010-2020): Appx. 20% Increase
• Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 7.9% vs the average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 73.4%,
• White Hispanic – 9.67%,
• Multiracial Hispanic – 7.44%,
• Other Hispanic – 4.84%

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median household income (2022): $84,668
• Avg. per capita income (2022): $59,284

Tax:

• County property tax rate: 0.97% in Collier County & .71% in Collier County of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7.5% (2023)

Cost of Living:

• Average cost of living compared to the US national average (2023): Higher
• Cost of housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Higher
• Cost of food compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 8% Higher
• Cost of utilities compared to the US national average (2023): 4% Lower
• Cost of transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 7% Higher

Political affiliation based on the 2024 election results ( Lee and Collier County ):

Majority voted Republican

Largest 3 employers: Arthrex Inc., The Hertz Corporation, Lee Health (2021)

School ratings: A-rated (2021)

Coastal: Yes

Average low and high temperature: Low 19.1 degrees celsius, High 28 degrees celsius

Fun facts: Bonita Springs International Film Festival and the Bonita Springs National Art Festival.

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• Interstate 75 (I-75): The closest major highway to Bonita Springs is I-75, which runs north-south. Depending on your location within Bonita Springs, access to I-75 can be within a few miles. This highway provides convenient transportation throughout Florida.

International Airports:

• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW): Located in Fort Myers, approximately 20 miles north of Bonita Springs. The driving time from Bonita Springs to RSW is usually around 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Universities and Colleges:

• Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU): Located in Fort Myers, about 16 miles north of Bonita Springs. The driving time to FGCU can range from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Hodges University: Situated in Naples, approximately 7 miles south of Bonita Springs. The driving time to Hodges University can be around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Hospitals:

• NCH Bonita Community Health Center: Located in Bonita Springs itself, this medical facility serves the local community.
• Lee Health Coconut Point: Situated in Estero, about 7 miles north of Bonita Springs. The driving time to Lee Health Coconut Point can range from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Shopping Malls:

• Coconut Point Mall: Located in Estero, approximately 7 miles north of Bonita Springs. The driving time to Coconut Point Mall can range from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Miromar Outlets: Situated in Estero, about 12 miles north of Bonita Springs. The driving time to Miromar Outlets can be around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Major Cities:

• Naples is appx. 20 – 30 minutes south
• Fort Myers is appx. 15 miles north

Amenities/attractions:

• Bonita Beach Park, Lovers Key State Park, Everglades Wonder Gardens, Barefoot Beach Preserve, Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Racing and Poker, Coconut Point Mall, Promenade at Bonita Bay, Riverside Park, Little Hickory Island Beach Park, Bonita Springs Farmers Market (2021)

Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions:

• Rental periods for 6 months or less are considered short term rentals in Bonita Springs

For more information visit: bonitasprings.org