Short-term rentals are booming in Florida, but success depends heavily on where you invest. In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore the best areas to buy short term rental property in Florida, dive into market data, and help you find the ideal location for strong returns.
1. Why Location Is Crucial for Short-Term Rental Success
Choosing the right city—or even neighborhood—can significantly impact occupancy rates, nightly rent, regulations, and ROI. Let’s start with the metrics:
Airbtics (June 2025) ranked Florida’s top Airbnb markets by yield:
- Jacksonville – 12.3% yield
- Miami – strong seasonal rates
This confirms that pivotal locations yield the most profitable short-term rental outcomes.
2. Best Areas to Buy Short Term Rental Property in Florida
a) Jacksonville
- STR-friendly regulations and a growing corporate and tourist base.
- Affordable market entry with strong returns.
b) Miami
- High ADR, global demand, and luxury high-rise Airbnb buildings.
- For investors targeting upscale short-term stays, condos in Miami Beach and Little River offer premium revenue potential.
c) Orlando & Kissimmee
- Consistent tourism with theme-park proximity.
- Master-planned gated communities like Reunion and ChampionsGate deliver resort-like amenities.
- Orlando remains a top STR market with proven occupancy and nightly rates.
d) Sarasota & Bradenton
- Sarasota is a growing vacation spot; Bradenton (next to Sarasota) has robust growth and lake/beach access.
- Strong appreciation and STR yield potential.
e) Pensacola/Fort Walton Beach
- Coastal markets with strong seasonal demand and high occupancy rates.
- Affordable compared to larger cities, offering great value.
3. Key Factors for Choosing an STR Area
- Occupancy vs. ADR (Average Daily Rate): Jacksonville’s yield comes from affordability + occupancy, Miami’s from high ADR.
- Regulation: Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota are STR-friendly
- Seasonality: Choose areas with year-round or extended seasonal demand.
- Affordability: Lower property prices mean lower risk and higher yield potential.
4. Top Neighborhoods & Communities
- Jacksonville Proper: Affordable homes and near beaches/airport
- Miami Beach & Little River: High ADR with luxury and STR-specific buildings
- Orlando Resorts: Reunion, ChampionsGate, Kissimmee
- Sarasota MSA: Beach communities and Bradenton
- Panhandle: Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach with high seasonal influx
5. Regulatory Considerations
Understanding local rules is essential:
- Jacksonville, Sarasota, Orlando: More lenient on STRs
- Miami: Neighborhood-specific regulations for condos and licensing
- Beach towns (Destin, Pensacola): Often require STR permits and enforce caps
Check local ordinances prior to purchase to ensure compliance.
6. Investment Tips for 2025
- Crunch the numbers: Estimate yield with ADR × occupancy minus tax/HOA/insurance.
- Use local STR managers: Maximize earning and maintain listings.
- Scale carefully: Jacksonville for affordability, Miami for high-end, Orlando for theme-park proximity
7. Why Partner with Singular Realty
Singular Realty specializes in identifying the best areas to buy short term rental property in Florida, helping you navigate regulations, find turnkey options, and connect with management teams like Singular Vacations. We provide local market insight, buyer support, and transparent guidance—from purchase to rental profitability.
Ready to discover STR opportunities in Florida?
Contact Singular Realty today
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