Florida remains a hotspot for Airbnb investments, and 2025 is shaping up to be another great year for short-term rental hosts in the Sunshine State. With its diverse destinations, from bustling beach towns to quiet getaways, Florida offers something for every type of traveler, making it a lucrative market for hosts. But, what are the best Airbnb markets in Florida that are truly worth your investment?
We dove into the latest data, looking at average gross revenue, daily rates, and occupancy trends from Forecast in SummerOS, along with key factors like local regulations and market growth. This list highlights the best Airbnb markets in Florida for 2025 to give you a clear picture of where to focus your efforts.
Here are our picks for the best Airbnb markets in Florida:
- Pinecrest: Best area for luxury rentals
- Sarasota: Best for waterfront living
- Naples: Most friendly community for an Airbnb
- Kissimmee: Best for family-friendly vacations
- Largo: Best up-and-coming market
- Pinellas Park: Best budget-friendly investment
- Lakeland: Best for outdoor enthusiasts
- Boynton Beach: Best area for year-round income
How we picked the best Airbnb markets in Florida
Florida offers exciting opportunities for Airbnb hosts, but not all areas are created equal. To determine the best locations for this coming year, we wanted to go beyond the obvious tourist hotspots like Orlando or Miami.
This list is built on a mix of profitability and sustainability, which we determined using the criteria below:
- Potential: We focused on markets where hosts can achieve strong average daily rates, gross revenue, and occupancy rates for a healthy return on investment.
- Regulation friendliness: Areas with clear, stable short-term rental laws were prioritized to avoid legal headaches. Find our full guide on Florida short-term rental laws here.
- Market growth trends: We identified locations showing steady growth in tourism, local infrastructure, and demand for short-term rentals.
- Guest appeal: Versatile markets catering to a range of traveler interest were favored.
- Seasonality: Regions with year-round demand were prioritized over those with high seasonality.
- Affordability: We considered property costs and the relative affordability of entering the market compared to potential earnings.
- Community support: Locations with positive community sentiment toward Airbnb properties and a welcoming atmosphere for hosts made our list.
By combining real-world insights with data from Forecast in SummerOS, we found the best places to invest in for 2025. The best part? These markets are not just great for hosts today but also hold strong potential for long-term success.
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1. Pinecrest: Best area for luxury rentals
It's technically not a city, but how could we not include Pinecrest, FL, on this list? This upscale community in Miami-Dade County is just thirty minutes away from Miami Beach and the epitome of luxury living, making it a standout destination for high-end Airbnb rentals.
Pinecrest is home to Pinecrest Gardens, a stunning botanical retreat often called South Florida's cultural gem. Add to that its proximity to Dadeland Mall, fine dining, and Miami's bustling cultural scene, and you've got a destination that caters to travelers with a taste for the finer things in life.
From a financial perspective, Pinecrest delivers decent returns for luxury-focused hosts. With the average home being spacious five-bedroom properties costing $2,985,000, hosts can pull in an average gross revenue of $135,846 annually.
A strong daily rate of $523 and a healthy 75% occupancy rate highlight the demand for premium accommodations in this area. Guests are willing to pay for a high-end residential experience with access to nearby Miami.
That said, hosting in Pinecrest isn't without its challenges. The local regulations for vacation rentals are strict, requiring hosts to register their properties, pay multiple fees, and comply with a host of standards. But here's the upside: there are few rental units in the area. This low competition creates a golden opportunity to stand out with a professionally run property that meets the needs of luxury travelers.
Pinecrest's mix of exclusivity, strong financial potential, and untapped market makes it a dream for Airbnb hosts aiming to carve out a niche in the luxury rental space. For those ready to navigate its regulations, this community offers rewards that are well worth the effort.
2. Sarasota: Best for waterfront living
Sarasota, Florida, is a dream for anyone looking to invest in waterfront living. Located on the Gulf Coast, this city is famous for its beautiful beaches, like Siesta Key with its soft white sand and clear waters, or Lido Key, which combines relaxing vibes with great dining and nightlife options.
Beyond the beaches, Sarasota's cultural attractions–like the Ringling Museum of Art and Selby Botanical Gardens–draw visitors year-round, giving it a great mix of nature and culture that keeps tourists coming back, as evidenced by a 66% occupancy rate on average for the Airbnbs in the area.
And, for potential hosts, the other numbers are promising. The average property price and size is $599,000 for a three-bedroom home, which is a fantastic deal for waterfront living. Hosts can expect to bring in around $51,136 annually, with an average daily rate of $271. Guests love being near the water, and Sarasota delivers on that front.
Of course, hosting in Sarasota comes with some regulations to navigate. Short-term rentals in residential zones have a seven-day minimum stay requirement, and properties must be registered with the city and obtain a Vacation Rental License.
You can find more on the regulations and applicable fees in our guide to short-term rental (STR) laws in Florida.
Compared to Pinecrest, the rules regarding short-term rentals aren't too strict: in fact, Sarasota is home to over 1,500 rental units, though only 18% are currently professionally managed.
For an affordable investment with a steady demand, Sarasota is a solid choice. While it can be a competitive market, a professionally managed unit can easily tap into the charm that keeps people flocking to this Gulf Coast city.
3. Naples: Most friendly community for an Airbnb
Naples, Florida, has long been known for its laid-back luxury, pristine beaches, and vibrant arts scene. This Gulf Coast city offers visitors a little bit of everything: shopping, dining, and a slower pace of life that's perfect for a vacation. It's no wonder the city draws tourists throughout the year, creating plenty of opportunities for Airbnb hosts.
What sets Naples apart is how approachable it is for short-term rental operators. The city works under Collier County's rules, typically allowing rentals of six months or less.
Hosts need to obtain a Collier County registration certificate for each property, a straightforward process that can be done online. While compliance with building, fire, and neighborhood codes is required, Naples avoids the overly complex restrictions seen in some other markets. And, the local transient rental tax is a manageable 5%, with no discretionary surtax to worry about.
For hosts looking at the numbers, Naples strikes a good balance. The average home in the area is a three-bedroom and about $977,500. You can expect to bring in $58,446 annually in gross revenue. A daily rate of $352 and a 57% occupancy rate mean there's steady interest in the area.
Naples is the kind of place where operating an Airbnb feels both manageable and rewarding. Between the decent guest demand, easily managed regulations, and charm of the city, it's a spot that makes sense for your next potential investment.
4. Kissimmee: Best for family-friendly vacations
Kissimmee, Florida, is a go-to destination for family vacations, and it's easy to see why. Just south of Orlando, this city puts you right in the heart of all the action, with Walt Disney World Resort practically in its backyard.
Beyond the theme parks, Kissimmee has its own charm, like the peaceful shores of Lake Tohopekaliga and the playgrounds and walking paths at Kissimmee Waterfront Park. No wonder the average occupancy rate in the city is at a high 72%.
For Airbnb hosts, Kissimmee is packed with potential. The average property is a four-bedroom home costing $484,180, making it affordable compared to many other prime markets. With an average gross revenue of $46,486 and a daily rate of $205, the numbers look solid–even in a competitive market with over 2,500 rental units. High demand for family-friendly stays means there's room to stand out if you offer a well-maintained and thoughtfully curated property.
The city regulates short-term rentals through its Land Development Code, which means not all properties are eligible. Existing homes in residential areas can only be rented out short-term if they're located in approved developments like Short Term Rental Planned Unit Developments or Mixed Use Planned Unit Developments.
New developments have their own set of requirements, including minimum project sizes, road access, and community association oversight. You'll also need to secure the necessary licenses and pay local taxes, including a 1.5% discretionary sales surtax and a 6.0% transient rental tax.
Even if the regulations are stricter, Kissimmee's prime location and family-friendly appeal make it a strong choice for investors. Families will always be drawn to its mix of fun and convenience, and hosts who navigate the rules can tap into a market that's consistently in demand.
5. Largo: Best up-and-coming market
Largo, Florida, is quietly becoming one of the most promising short-term rental markets in Pinellas County. As the third-largest city in the area, Largo has a unique blend of affordability, location, and growing demand that makes it stand out.
With an average property price of $454,000, Largo offers a more accessible entry point compared to other coastal markets. The rental numbers are solid, too–hosts can expect an average gross revenue of $55,432 annually, with daily rates hovering around $263 and occupancy rates at a healthy 70%.
Largo offers good value for money: while you're not paying a premium to enter the market, you're tapping into reliable demand.
Plus, the relatively small number of rental units signals a less saturated market, giving hosts the chance to thrive. With numbers like these, it's clear that Largo's short-term rental market has room to grow, making it a prime candidate for investors looking to get in early.
Operating a short-term rental in Largo does require jumping through a few regulatory hoops. The city's vacation rental ordinance, adopted in 2018, includes several steps like compliance inspections from the Community Standards Division and the Fire Department, a designated 24/7 contact person, and safety information posted for guests. These requirements ensure that rentals meet high safety and quality standards, which is great for guests.
When you combine its affordability, strong revenue potential, and growing appeal, Largo emerges as an up-and-coming market worth watching. Largo offers a promising opportunity to establish a foothold in a market that's ripe for growth and still flying under the radar.
6. Pinellas Park: Best budget-friendly investment
Pinellas Park might not grab the same attention as some of its neighboring cities, but that's exactly why it's such a great opportunity for budget-conscious Airbnb investors.
With average home prices sitting at $337,500 for a two-bedroom property, it's one of the most affordable markets in Florida. And while the gross revenue–$38,919 annually–might not sound flashy, the daily rate of $215 paired with a solid 67% occupancy rate paints a different picture. It shows that demand here is steady and reliable, even in a smaller market.
What's really interesting is the low competition. With less than a hundred rental units in Pinellas Park, there's a lot of room to stand out. While more popular destinations might already feel oversaturated, Pinellas Park offers hosts a chance to establish themselves in a market that's still growing.
That said, Pinellas County has a clear process you need to follow before operating your vacation rental, starting with a Short Term Vacation Rentals Standards Acknowledgement form. This ensures properties meet local guidelines for occupancy, parking, and safety.
Depending on the location, zoning permits may also be necessary, so it's crucial to check if your property is in an area approved for short-term rentals. Add in the standard state requirements for licensing and taxes, and there's definitely some paperwork involved.
But, if you're looking for a market with lower barriers to entry–at least, financially–and a lot of room to grow, Pinellas Park checks all the boxes: it's affordable, demand is steady, and competition is low.
7. Lakeland: Best for outdoor enthusiasts
Lakeland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Attractions like the Circle B Bar Reserve, known for its hiking trails and incredible wildlife and Lake Mirror Park, with its peaceful walking paths and fun community events, draws in a lot of nature lovers throughout the year.
But let's take a look at the numbers from an investment standpoint: the average property price is $365,000 for a three-bedroom home–affordable, compared to many Florida markets.
And, while the gross revenue only averages $31,742 annually, with a daily rate of $152, what makes this market appealing is its steady 68% occupancy rate. This shows that, despite moderate daily rates, there's consistent demand for vacation rentals from travelers looking to enjoy the outdoors without the chaos of busier cities.
With just over 200 rental units in the area, Lakeland isn't overly saturated, giving new hosts a chance to stand out. Local regulations require obtaining a transient rental license and ensuring properties meet safety and health standards, but the process is straightforward. Hosts also need to collect and remit the city's transient occupancy tax, so staying on top of paperwork is key.
For investors who want an affordable way to break into the market while catering to nature-loving guests, a rental in Lakeland might just be your next investment.
8. Boynton Beach: Best area for year-round income
Boynton Beach might not have the glitz of Palm Beach, but that's exactly what makes it such an appealing option for Airbnb hosts. Just twenty minutes away from one of Florida's most affluent areas, Boynton Beach offers visitors the best of both worlds: proximity to upscale attractions without the Palm Beach price tag.
The numbers are encouraging for potential investors. The average property price of $539,500 for a three-bedroom home is a solid investment, especially when you factor in an average gross revenue of $57,322 per year.
With daily rates at $312 and a steady 69% occupancy rate, Boynton Beach is proof that demand can be strong even within a more upscale market. With a relatively low number of rental units, there's a lot of room to break into the market while profiting from consistent bookings.
Hosting here does require some groundwork. Short-term rental operators must register their properties and obtain a vacation rental license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
This process makes sure that rentals comply with safety and health standards while maintaining the neighborhood's residential character. While the paperwork can seem like a hassle, it's a necessary step to operating legally and avoiding hefty fines.
What sets Boynton Beach apart is its reliability. With Palm Beach County seeing over 2.3 million visitors in just one quarter of 2023, it's clear that tourism in the area is growing. For Airbnb hosts, this translates into a dependable, year-round stream of guests looking for well-priced accommodations with easy access to beautiful beaches and luxury destinations.
What city in Florida is best for Airbnb?
Deciding which city in Florida is best for Airbnb ultimately depends on your goals as an investor. Are you aiming for steady year-round bookings? Boynton Beach could be your go-to. Want to cater to families on vacation? Kissimmee's proximity to theme parks might be a better answer. Looking to break into an affordable yet growing market with less competition? Cities like Largo or Pinellas Park offer excellent opportunities.
Florida's diverse market means there's no one-size-fits-all answer, and it all depends on your target audience, budget, and long-term strategy.
That's where tools like Summer Forecast come in. Forecast in SummerOS provides the data and insights you need to make smarter, more profitable decisions. From analyzing revenue potential and occupancy trends to comparing competitive properties, Forecast helps you pinpoint the markets and investments that align with your goals.
With Forecast, you're not just guessing where to invest: you're making informed, confident decisions to maximize your returns.
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