Thinking about diving into the Airbnb game in Florida? With year-round sunshine, beach-loving tourists, and strong rental demand, South Florida is one of the best markets for short-term rental (STR) investing. But profitability isn’t guaranteed — it takes strategy, research, and local insight.
Here’s how to buy a profitable short-term rental in South Florida from an agent who’s also an investor and host 👇
🔑 1. Understand Local STR Regulations
Before you fall in love with a property, do your homework. Not all areas in South Florida allow short-term rentals, and each city has its own rules.
📍 Palm Beach County: Many areas like Lake Worth Beach and Jupiter allow STRs—but HOA and zoning rules vary.
🚫 Some condos and neighborhoods restrict rentals under 30 days, or have minimum ownership periods.
✅ Pro Tip: Work with a local expert (like me!) who knows which communities are investor-friendly.
📍 2. Choose the Right Location
Location is everything in real estate—but it’s everything times ten in short-term rentals. Guests are searching for proximity to:
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Beaches 🌴
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Entertainment districts 🎶
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Golf courses 🏌️♂️
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Family attractions 🎢
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Walkable downtowns 🛍️
🏖️ Hot spots to explore:
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Lake Worth Beach
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Jupiter
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West Palm Beach
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Delray Beach
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Fort Lauderdale
Considering Lake Worth Beach as an investment spot? Check out this video below!
💰 3. Run the Numbers
A property might be cute, but will it cash flow?
🔍 Analyze:
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Average nightly rate (via AirDNA, PriceLabs, or similar)
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Occupancy rate
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Operating costs: management, cleaning, insurance, taxes
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Startup costs: furniture, permits, marketing
📊 Example:
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Purchase Price: $600,000
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Gross income: $100,000/year
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Expenses: $35,000/year
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Net cash flow: ~$65,000/year
✅ Target at least a 10-15% cash-on-cash return for strong performance.
🛠️ 4. Renovate & Furnish with ROI in Mind
Guests pay for experience. The right upgrades can significantly boost your nightly rate and occupancy.
🛋️ Must-haves:
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Comfortable beds + blackout curtains
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Heated pool or hot tub
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Outdoor dining & BBQ
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Smart TV + fast Wi-Fi
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Beach gear (coolers, chairs, umbrellas)
💡 Bonus: Add a themed game room, tiki bar, or mural for Instagrammable vibes.
💼 5. Partner with the Right Team
You're not just buying a house—you're launching a business. Surround yourself with a local team that gets it.
Who you need:
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Realtor who understands STR investing
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Lender who works with STR buyers (DSCR, second home loans)
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Property manager (if you’re out-of-state)
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Cleaner/maintenance team
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Insurance broker familiar with vacation rentals
✨ Tip: I help clients every step of the way—from finding the property to co-hosting if needed!
🧭 Final Thoughts
South Florida is full of opportunities for short-term rental investors—but only if you buy smart. Understand the local market, run your numbers, and prioritize guest experience. With the right strategy, your Florida STR can be both a profitable investment and your personal getaway.
Thinking about buying a short-term rental in South Florida?
📲 Reach out for a free consultation—I’d love to help you find the perfect investment!
