Cedar Key, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cedar Key Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cedar Key is a small, character-rich Gulf Coast island community in Florida where short-term rental demand is driven by eco-tourism, fishing, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle that draws weekend and seasonal visitors. With 135 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $203, and average annual revenue of $26,834, the market operates well below Florida's statewide ADR average of $498 — but property acquisition costs averaging $502,260 and an above-average market growth trend make it a niche opportunity worth evaluating. The ROI score of 59 out of 100 positions Cedar Key as an "Attractive Opportunity" where returns hinge on choosing the right property size and managing seasonality effectively.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cedar Key short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Cedar Key

Cedar Key appeals to investors seeking an affordable entry point into Florida's short-term rental market, with waterfront appeal, growing demand, and niche tourism drivers that differentiate it from more saturated coastal destinations.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cedar Key presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to work within a seasonal demand cycle. Revenue peaks sharply in March at nearly $3,968 per month before tapering to a low of around $1,541 in October, meaning cash-flow management across the year is essential. Two-bedroom properties strike the best balance of supply, occupancy (50%), and revenue ($30,674 annually), making them a pragmatic starting point. The market's growth trend is encouraging, but the supply/demand balance warrants monitoring — investors who differentiate through waterfront access, strong amenity packages, and dynamic pricing will be best positioned."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cedar Key

Average revenue by month in Cedar Key

Cedar Key's revenue cycle is heavily seasonal, peaking in March at $3,968 and bottoming out in October at $1,541 — a spread of nearly $2,400. February and July serve as secondary peaks, while the September–November corridor represents the softest stretch, signaling that dynamic pricing and minimum-stay adjustments are critical to maintaining cash flow year-round.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cedar Key

Supply is concentrated in one- and two-bedroom units, which account for 55 and 60 listings respectively, while three-bedroom properties represent just 14 listings. The thin supply of larger homes could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire or build three-bedroom properties, though lower occupancy rates for that size should be factored in.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cedar Key

ADR scales steadily with size: one-bedroom listings average $161, two-bedrooms $216, and three-bedrooms command $292 per night. The jump from two to three bedrooms represents a 35% premium, which may justify the higher acquisition cost for investors targeting families or groups seeking more space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cedar Key

Two-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $107, edging out three-bedrooms at $102 despite a significantly lower ADR — a reflection of their stronger occupancy. One-bedroom units trail considerably at $61 RevPAN, suggesting that the smallest properties face more competition or weaker demand in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cedar Key

Two-bedroom properties lead with a 50% occupancy rate, meaningfully ahead of one-bedrooms at 38% and three-bedrooms at 35%. The occupancy advantage of two-bedroom units translates directly into more predictable cash flow, making them the most reliable configuration for investors prioritizing consistency over peak nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cedar Key

Three-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $2,992, followed by two-bedrooms at $2,556 and one-bedrooms at $1,656. However, the gap between two- and three-bedroom monthly revenue is only $436, and two-bedrooms achieve this with far higher occupancy, making them arguably the safer play for risk-conscious investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cedar Key

Annual revenue ranges from $19,875 for one-bedroom listings to $35,913 for three-bedrooms, with two-bedroom properties landing at $30,674. Given that two-bedroom units offer roughly 85% of the three-bedroom revenue with significantly better occupancy and far greater supply liquidity, they represent a compelling balance of income potential and operational stability.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cedar Key

Parking (91%), kitchen (89%), and patio or balcony (84%) are near-universal across Cedar Key listings, reflecting a market where guests expect self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented stays. Notably, 60% of listings highlight waterfront access — a defining feature of the market — while amenities like BBQ grills (62%) and outdoor furniture (67%) underscore the emphasis on coastal, open-air living that guests seek in this destination.

Understanding Cedar Key's ROI Score: 59/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Cedar Key's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics alongside an above-average market growth trend. The below-average supply/demand balance is the primary drag on the score, driven by the 284% year-over-year increase in active listings that could pressure occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear understanding of seasonal revenue patterns before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cedar Key

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Cedar Key. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cedar Key, Florida, should expect to register with the City of Cedar Key and obtain a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) vacation rental license. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current permit requirements directly with Levy County and the city before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Florida coastal STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules that may vary by zoning district. HOA covenants can add further limitations, particularly in waterfront communities, so reviewing any deed restrictions is essential before committing to an investment.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county-level tourist development tax on short-term rentals, and platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm the current Levy County tourist tax rate and ensure they are registered for any additional local tax obligations.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Cedar Key can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cedar Key's above-average market growth trend suggests continued demand expansion, though the below-average supply/demand balance indicates new listings are entering the market faster than bookings are growing. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold steady or edge up 1–3%, while occupancy may hover in the 40–45% range market-wide. March will likely remain the revenue peak, and operators who price aggressively during the September–October trough should be able to smooth out cash flow. These estimates assume no major regulatory shifts and continued tourism interest in Florida's Nature Coast."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cedar Key, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cedar Key?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cedar Key is currently 43%, which falls below Florida's statewide average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: two-bedroom units lead at 50%, while one-bedroom and three-bedroom properties come in at 38% and 35%, respectively. Seasonal demand swings and Cedar Key's smaller visitor base contribute to these figures, so investors should plan pricing strategies that account for off-peak softness.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cedar Key?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Cedar Key earn approximately $2,236 per month and $26,834 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies substantially by property size — one-bedroom listings average around $19,875 annually, two-bedrooms bring in about $30,674, and three-bedroom properties top the range at roughly $35,913. Peak months like March can generate nearly $3,968, while slower months such as October may yield closer to $1,541.

Is Cedar Key a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cedar Key earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 59 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and healthy revenue relative to property values, though occupancy stability and the supply/demand balance are more moderate. Investors who select the right property size — particularly two-bedroom units with waterfront access — and manage seasonal pricing effectively can position themselves for solid returns in this niche coastal market.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cedar Key?

The current average daily rate in Cedar Key is $203, well below Florida's statewide average of $498. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: one-bedroom listings average $161, two-bedrooms come in at $216, and three-bedroom properties command $292 per night. The lower ADR reflects Cedar Key's positioning as an accessible, nature-focused getaway rather than a luxury resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cedar Key?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Cedar Key, FL, though operators should expect to obtain the appropriate state and local licenses, including a Florida DBPR vacation rental license. Local regulations may include zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and noise or parking ordinances. We recommend verifying current rules with the City of Cedar Key and Levy County before purchasing a property, as regulations can change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cedar Key?

Peak season in Cedar Key centers on March, when average monthly revenue reaches approximately $3,968 — the highest of any month by a wide margin. February ($2,600) and July ($2,815) also show elevated demand, reflecting both spring break travel and summer family getaways. The slowest months are September and October, when revenue dips to around $1,541–$1,547, so operators should plan for a pronounced seasonal swing.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cedar Key?

Cedar Key currently has 135 active Airbnb listings. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties: 55 one-bedroom listings, 60 two-bedroom listings, and 14 three-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 284%, indicating a rapidly expanding supply that investors should monitor for potential saturation effects.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cedar Key?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Cedar Key are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Cedar Key market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month performance as of the date indicated and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax rates, and permit requirements are subject to change; always verify with municipal and county authorities before investing.