Clearwater, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

60 / 100

Clearwater offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Clearwater Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Clearwater's Gulf Coast location and year-round beach tourism give it a steady foundation for short-term rental demand. With 567 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $27,820 and an ROI score of 60 out of 100, the market presents a balanced opportunity where above-average occupancy stability offsets moderate revenue-to-price ratios. An average daily rate of $195—well below Florida's $498 state average—positions Clearwater as an accessible entry point for investors seeking coastal exposure without the premium pricing of nearby luxury markets.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 567
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $498 state avg. $195
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 54% state avg. 50%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $96
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,318
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $27,820

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

Why Investors Consider Clearwater

Clearwater attracts investors because of its beach-driven tourism demand, accessible property pricing relative to Florida peers, and above-average occupancy stability that supports consistent cash flow.

Key investment factors

  • Gulf Coast beach tourism provides reliable demand across seasons, with a pronounced spring peak
  • Above-average occupancy stability helps smooth revenue even during slower months
  • ADR of $195 sits well below the Florida state average, suggesting room for rate growth as properties are optimized
  • Larger properties (4–5 bedrooms) command outsized revenue, with 5-bedroom units averaging over $102,000 annually
  • Outdoor amenities like pools, patios, and BBQ grills are widely expected by guests, creating a clear playbook for competitive listings

Expert Market Assessment

"Clearwater presents an attractive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors. The market's spring peak—March alone averages $4,322 in revenue per listing—creates a powerful earnings window, though the September-through-November trough (averaging roughly $1,200–$1,500 monthly) means investors need to plan for lean periods. Above-average occupancy stability is a genuine strength here, suggesting that well-managed properties can maintain bookings even outside peak season. With a 60/100 ROI score anchored by average revenue-to-price ratios and balanced supply-demand dynamics, Clearwater rewards operators who invest in guest experience and pricing strategy rather than relying on the market alone to drive returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Clearwater's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Factor Clearwater Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Clearwater's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability that helps offset average revenue-to-price ratios. Market growth trend and supply-demand balance both register as average, meaning the market isn't overheated but also isn't surging—a profile that suits steady, income-focused investors. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a close look at neighborhood-level supply dynamics will help investors identify the strongest pockets within the broader Clearwater market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Clearwater

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Clearwater and the State of Florida generally require short-term rental operators to obtain appropriate business licenses and register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with Clearwater's local planning or code enforcement office before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Florida STR markets include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, minimum parking requirements, and possible HOA or condo association rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum stay requirements or caps on the number of permits issued, so confirming local zoning and any homeowner association covenants is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Florida are typically subject to state sales tax and county-level tourist development taxes, which together can add a meaningful percentage to each booking. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm compliance with both state and Pinellas County tax authorities.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Clearwater

Financing an Airbnb investment in Clearwater requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Clearwater Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Clearwater's short-term rental market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with peak revenue concentrated in the February–April window and softer months from September through November. Active listing counts grew 126% year-over-year, so investors should watch whether new supply compresses occupancy below the current 50% average. ADR increases in the range of 2–4% are plausible given sustained tourist interest in the Gulf Coast, though individual results will depend heavily on property positioning and amenity quality. Occupancy rates are estimated to hold in the 48–53% range market-wide, with larger properties potentially outperforming on revenue despite lower fill rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Clearwater, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Clearwater?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Clearwater is currently 50%, which falls just below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies by property size—1-bedroom units lead at 54%, while larger 5-bedroom homes average 39%. This range reflects the typical trade-off between nightly rate and fill rate that investors see in beach markets.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Clearwater?
Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Clearwater earns approximately $2,318 per month or $27,820 annually. Earnings scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $19,130 per year, while 5-bedroom properties can generate roughly $102,965 annually. Actual income depends on factors like property quality, location within Clearwater, pricing strategy, and amenity offerings.
Is Clearwater a good market for Airbnb investment?
Clearwater earns an ROI score of 60 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics. Its ADR of $195 is considerably lower than the Florida state average of $498, which can make entry more accessible, though the revenue-to-price ratio is average given home values near $599,480. Investors who target the right property size and maintain competitive amenities can find solid returns here.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Clearwater?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Clearwater is $195, well below the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales with property size—studios average $96 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $483. This pricing structure means larger homes can capture significantly higher per-night revenue, though they tend to have lower occupancy rates.
Are short-term rentals legal in Clearwater?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Clearwater, FL, but operators are typically required to register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and may need local business licenses or permits. Regulations can vary by zoning district, and some properties may be subject to HOA rules that restrict STR activity. Investors should verify all current requirements with Clearwater's local authorities and the State of Florida before purchasing or listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Clearwater?
Peak season in Clearwater runs from February through April, with March standing out as the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,322 per listing. February ($2,960) and July ($2,922) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are September ($1,209) and October ($1,476), creating a notable seasonal spread that investors should factor into their cash-flow planning.
How many Airbnbs are there in Clearwater?
As of April 2026, there are 567 active Airbnb listings in Clearwater. The market saw 126% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rising investor interest. The supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom units (212 listings), followed by 2-bedroom (138) and 3-bedroom (116) properties, with larger homes representing a smaller share of inventory.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Clearwater?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Clearwater are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like March at $4,322) and slower periods (like September at $1,209). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the property is managed.

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 Clearwater market
  • Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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 averages and current snapshots; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, management quality, and pricing strategy.

Next Steps

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