Invest in Florida Short Term Rentals
Florida is America's top vacation destination with 140+ million annual visitors. From Orlando's theme parks to Miami's beaches, discover why the Sunshine State offers unmatched short term rental investment opportunities.
Florida STR Market Overview
Why Florida leads the nation in vacation rental investment opportunities
Florida's short term rental market stands as one of the most dynamic in the United States, driven by world-class attractions, pristine beaches, and year-round warm weather. The state welcomed over 140 million visitors in 2024, making it the most-visited state in America.
From the magic of Orlando's theme parks to the Art Deco glamour of Miami Beach, from the laid-back tropical vibes of Key West to the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast, Florida offers diverse STR opportunities for every investment strategy. The state's lack of income tax, combined with strong property appreciation and consistent rental demand, makes it a premier destination for short term rental investment.
Whether you're seeking high-volume family vacation rentals near Disney, luxury waterfront properties in Naples, or party-friendly condos in South Beach, Florida's STR market has options to match your goals. Our network of Florida STR-specialized realtors can help you navigate local regulations, identify the best opportunities, and maximize your investment returns.
Best Airbnb Markets in Florida
Explore the top Florida destinations for vacation rental investment
Orlando, FL
Theme park capital of the world. Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld draw 75M+ visitors annually. Strong year-round demand with resort-style STR communities.
Explore OrlandoMiami, FL
International hub with vibrant nightlife, beaches, and cultural attractions. Premium rates for luxury condos and waterfront properties. Strong international tourism.
Explore MiamiKey West, FL
Unique tropical paradise at the southernmost point of the US. High barrier to entry but exceptional nightly rates. Year-round demand from cruise ships and vacationers.
Explore Key WestTampa, FL
Growing metro with Busch Gardens, professional sports, and vibrant downtown. More affordable entry point with strong appreciation potential and diverse guest base.
Explore TampaClearwater Beach, FL
Award-winning beach destination on the Gulf Coast. Family-friendly atmosphere with consistent demand. Beach condos and waterfront properties perform exceptionally well.
Explore Clearwater BeachFort Lauderdale, FL
The Venice of America with extensive waterways and yacht culture. Major cruise port creates unique STR opportunities. More relaxed regulations than Miami Beach.
Explore Fort LauderdaleNaples, FL
Luxury Gulf Coast destination with upscale clientele. Premium properties command top-tier nightly rates. Snowbird and golf tourism drive strong seasonal demand.
Explore NaplesSarasota, FL
Cultural arts hub with beautiful barrier islands. Siesta Key consistently ranked among America's best beaches. Mix of luxury and mid-range investment opportunities.
Explore SarasotaDestin, FL
Emerald Coast gem known for pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Strong family vacation market with established STR infrastructure and management options.
Explore DestinPanama City Beach, FL
Popular Gulf Coast destination with more affordable entry points. Strong spring break and summer seasons. Growing year-round appeal with new attractions and development.
Explore Panama City BeachFlorida STR Regulations Overview
Understanding the legal landscape for vacation rentals in Florida
State License Required
All Florida STR operators must obtain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Applications can be submitted online, and annual renewal is required.
Tax Collection
Operators must collect and remit 6% Florida state sales tax plus county-specific Tourist Development Tax (typically 2-6%). Platforms like Airbnb may collect some taxes automatically.
Local Ordinances Vary
Cities and counties may have additional requirements including permits, zoning restrictions, parking mandates, and occupancy limits. Miami Beach, for example, has strict condo-hotel regulations.
Insurance Requirements
Standard homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover STR activities. Specialized short-term rental insurance is recommended to protect against guest injuries and property damage claims.
Regulations vary significantly by location. Our Florida STR realtors are experts in local requirements and can guide you through the permitting process.
Connect with a Local ExpertWhy Invest in Florida STRs?
The Sunshine State offers unmatched advantages for vacation rental investors
Global Tourism Hub
140M+ annual visitors from around the world ensure consistent demand across multiple seasons and markets.
No State Income Tax
Keep more of your rental income with Florida's 0% state income tax rate on personal earnings.
Strong Appreciation
Florida real estate has seen consistent appreciation, building equity while generating rental income.
Year-Round Season
Unlike seasonal markets, Florida attracts visitors 365 days with theme parks, beaches, and events.
Diverse Guest Base
Families, couples, business travelers, and snowbirds create multiple revenue streams throughout the year.
Established STR Culture
Florida has decades of vacation rental history with established management companies, cleaners, and support services.
Florida STR Investment FAQ
Common questions about investing in Florida vacation rentals
What are the best cities in Florida for short term rental investment?
The best Florida STR markets include Orlando (theme park tourism), Miami (international visitors and nightlife), Key West (unique tropical destination), Tampa Bay area, Destin and Panama City Beach (Gulf Coast beaches), Naples and Sarasota (luxury market), and Fort Lauderdale. Each market offers unique opportunities based on tourism type, seasonality, and investment budgets. Our STR-specialized realtors can help you identify the best market for your specific goals.
Are short term rentals legal in Florida?
Yes, short term rentals are legal in Florida, but regulations vary significantly by city and county. Florida state law requires STR operators to obtain a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and collect and remit state sales tax plus local tourist development taxes. Individual municipalities may have additional requirements including permits, zoning restrictions, and occupancy limits. Working with a local STR realtor ensures you understand all applicable regulations.
How much can I earn from a Florida Airbnb investment?
Florida STR income varies widely by market and property type. Orlando properties near Disney average $50,000-$80,000 annually. Miami luxury condos can generate $60,000-$100,000+. Beach properties in Destin or Panama City Beach often earn $40,000-$70,000 during peak seasons. Key West and Naples command premium rates with potential for $80,000-$120,000+ annually for well-positioned properties. Our realtors can provide market-specific revenue projections.
What taxes do Florida STR owners need to pay?
Florida STR owners must collect and remit: Florida state sales tax (6%), county-specific tourist development tax (ranging from 2-6% depending on county), and any applicable local taxes. Additionally, rental income is subject to federal income taxes, though Florida has no state income tax. Property taxes apply to the real estate. Platforms like Airbnb may collect some taxes automatically, but owners should verify compliance with a tax professional.
Is Florida a good state for vacation rental investment in 2025?
Florida remains one of the top states for STR investment in 2025 due to: year-round tourism (140+ million annual visitors), no state income tax, diverse markets from theme parks to beaches, strong appreciation in key markets, and favorable STR regulations in many tourist-focused areas. However, investors should research local regulations carefully and work with STR-specialized realtors who understand market-specific dynamics and can identify the best opportunities.
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