STR vs. Mid-Term vs. Long-Term: What’s Right for Your Florida Investment?

If you’re thinking about investing in Florida real estate, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to rent your property. Should you go with a short-term rental (STR) like an Airbnb or vacation home, a mid-term rental (MTR) geared toward traveling professionals or snowbirds, or a long-term rental (LTR) with a traditional 12-month lease?

Each option comes with unique benefits, responsibilities, and returns. Let’s explore how these rental strategies compare — and which might be the best fit for your Florida investment property.

What Is a Short-Term Rental (STR)?

Short-term rentals are typically booked for less than 30 days, often by vacationers or weekend travelers. In Florida’s tourism-driven market, STRs can be highly profitable when managed correctly. Think beach cottages, pool homes, or condos in desirable areas like Palm Beach, Jupiter, or Lake Worth Beach.

Pros:

• High income potential, especially during peak season

• Flexibility to use the home personally when not booked

• Excellent opportunity for appreciation in tourist-heavy areas

Cons:

• Frequent guest turnover and higher maintenance

• Requires consistent management and marketing

• Subject to city, county, or HOA regulations

If you’re looking for a more hands-off option, our team at SoFlo Coastal Group offers Airbnb property management and co-hosting services across Palm Beach and Broward Counties — helping investors generate maximum revenue with minimal stress.

👉 Learn more about our Airbnb Co-Hosting Services.

What Is a Mid-Term Rental (MTR)?

Mid-term rentals are becoming increasingly popular among Florida investors. These are furnished rentals leased for 1 to 6 months, appealing to:

• Traveling nurses and corporate professionals

• Families relocating or remodeling

• Snowbirds spending part of the year in Florida

MTRs offer a perfect balance between income potential and effort. You can still achieve above-market rent while avoiding the high turnover and regulation challenges of short-term rentals.

Pros:

• Consistent monthly income with less turnover

• Lower wear and tear compared to STRs

• Often exempt from local STR restrictions

Cons:

• Requires quality furnishings and utilities included

• Shorter leases than traditional tenants

• May have occasional vacancy between bookings

MTRs are a great fit for investors who want strong returns with lower management demands — especially in markets like Palm Beach County, where temporary housing is in high demand.

What Is a Long-Term Rental (LTR)?

Long-term rentals involve leases of 12 months or more, catering to residents seeking stability and an unfurnished home. These are ideal for investors wanting a steady, reliable income stream with minimal day-to-day involvement.

Pros:

• Lower management workload

• Fewer turnovers and predictable occupancy

• Easier to finance and insure

Cons:

• Slower rent growth compared to STRs or MTRs

• Limited ability to use the home personally

• Less flexibility if market conditions change

LTRs perform best in residential neighborhoods near schools, employment centers, and major highways — areas where consistent tenant demand exists year-round.

Which Rental Strategy Is Right for You?

Choosing between STR, MTR, and LTR depends on your goals, location, and involvement level. Here’s a quick guide:

Florida Market Insights

In Palm Beach County, Broward County, and surrounding coastal markets, all three rental types can succeed — it’s about matching the right strategy to the right property.

• STRs: Great for beach towns like Lake Worth Beach, Delray Beach, and Jupiter where tourism thrives.

• MTRs: Perfect near hospitals, downtowns, and major employers for traveling nurses and professionals.

• LTRs: Ideal in suburban neighborhoods where families seek year-round housing stability.

If you’re new to investing in this area, explore our post on Why Lake Worth Beach Is a Hidden Gem for Short-Term Rental Investment.

How to Get Started with Your Florida Rental Investment

Whether you’re looking to buy a vacation rental, add a furnished mid-term unit to your portfolio, or build steady income with long-term tenants, our team can help you:

• Identify high-performing investment properties

• Estimate rental income potential

• Navigate financing and management

• Handle every detail from purchase to setup

Schedule a consultation to discuss your investment goals and explore current opportunities in Palm Beach County and beyond.

👉 Visit SoFloCoastalGroup.com or call 732-754-9323 to get started.

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