Defuniak Springs, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Defuniak Springs Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Defuniak Springs, FL is a small but intriguing short-term rental market with just 15 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $35,738 per property. With an average daily rate of $219—well below Florida's $498 state average—and home values around $375,134, the market offers a more accessible entry point for investors looking at the Sunshine State. The 128% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, while the favorable supply/demand balance suggests the market hasn't yet reached saturation.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Defuniak Springs

Defuniak Springs appeals to investors seeking an affordable Florida entry point with a favorable supply/demand dynamic and meaningful summer revenue potential.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 65 out of 100, Defuniak Springs presents an attractive opportunity for investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality. Revenue swings dramatically from a July peak of $8,832 down to a January low of $744, meaning operators need strong pricing strategies and financial reserves to weather the off-season. The above-average supply/demand balance is a genuine bright spot—only 15 listings serve the area, keeping competition manageable. For investors who can capitalize on the summer surge and keep costs lean during quieter months, this market offers a compelling risk-reward profile at a fraction of coastal Florida price points."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Defuniak Springs

Average revenue by month in Defuniak Springs

Defuniak Springs exhibits extreme seasonality, with July ($8,832) generating nearly 12 times the revenue of January ($744). The summer months of June through August account for a disproportionate share of annual income, making dynamic pricing and occupancy optimization during shoulder months critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Defuniak Springs

Property size distribution data is not currently available for this market, likely due to the small listing base of just 15 active properties. As the market grows, more granular supply breakdowns by bedroom count should emerge.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Defuniak Springs

ADR breakdowns by property size are not available for Defuniak Springs at this time. The market-wide average daily rate of $219 provides a useful baseline, though rates will naturally vary by property size and amenities offered.

Average RevPAN by property size in Defuniak Springs

RevPAN data by property size is not yet available for this small market. The overall market RevPAN of $115 per available night reflects the combination of the $219 ADR and 53% occupancy rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Defuniak Springs

Occupancy rate breakdowns by bedroom count are not currently available for Defuniak Springs. The market-wide average of 53% sits close to Florida's state average, suggesting consistent demand relative to supply despite the market's small scale.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Defuniak Springs

Monthly revenue data by property size is not available at this time due to the limited number of active listings. Investors should evaluate individual comps carefully given the small sample size in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Defuniak Springs

Annual revenue breakdowns by property size are not yet available for Defuniak Springs. The market-wide average of $35,738 per year provides a general benchmark, but individual performance will depend heavily on property type, location, and amenity offerings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Defuniak Springs

Parking (100%), kitchen access (93%), and patio or balcony (93%) are near-universal among Defuniak Springs listings, reflecting guest expectations for a comfortable, home-like stay. Lake access (47%) and waterfront positioning (20%) stand out as differentiators that could command premium rates, signaling that proximity to water is a meaningful value driver in this market.

Understanding Defuniak Springs's ROI Score: 65/100

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

Defuniak Springs earns a 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band. The market's strongest factor is its above-average supply/demand balance, driven by only 15 active listings serving area demand, while revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth all rate as average—solid fundamentals without standout risk. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to ensure the summer-heavy revenue pattern aligns with their financial goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Defuniak Springs

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Defuniak Springs, Florida may need to obtain a business tax receipt from Walton County as well as register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Florida STR markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, minimum stay requirements, parking mandates, and trash management rules. HOA or deed restrictions may also limit short-term rental activity in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing community covenants is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Florida requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and any applicable county tourist development tax. Many booking platforms like Airbnb collect state taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm county-level obligations are also being handled.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Defuniak Springs is likely to see continued listing growth as investors discover this under-the-radar Florida market, though the small base of 15 listings means new entrants could shift dynamics quickly. Seasonality is pronounced—July revenue tops $8,800 while January dips to around $744—so investors should plan for lean winter months and potentially build reserves during summer peaks. ADR may see modest increases of 2–5% as the market matures and hosts refine pricing strategies, while occupancy is expected to hold in the 50–55% range given the market's seasonal demand patterns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Defuniak Springs, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Defuniak Springs?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Defuniak Springs is currently 53%, which is just below the Florida state average of 54%. This suggests steady demand relative to the small number of active listings, though occupancy varies significantly by season with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Defuniak Springs?

Airbnb hosts in Defuniak Springs earn an average of $2,978 per month, which translates to roughly $35,738 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with July averaging $8,832 and winter months like January coming in around $744, so annual totals depend heavily on capturing peak-season demand.

Is Defuniak Springs a good market for Airbnb investment?

Defuniak Springs earns an ROI score of 65 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance with only 15 active listings, and average home values of $375,134 offer a relatively affordable entry point compared to Florida's coastal markets. Investors should account for significant seasonality and plan accordingly for slower winter months.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Defuniak Springs?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Defuniak Springs is $219, which is considerably lower than the Florida state average of $498. This more modest ADR reflects the market's inland positioning and smaller scale, but it also means lower guest price sensitivity and a broader potential audience.

Are short-term rentals legal in Defuniak Springs?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Defuniak Springs, though operators typically need to register with the Florida DBPR and may need local business licenses from Walton County. Regulations can change, so investors should always confirm current requirements with local authorities and review any HOA or community restrictions before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Defuniak Springs?

Peak season in Defuniak Springs runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $8,832. A secondary bump occurs in March and May, likely driven by spring break and early-summer travel. The slowest months are December through February, when monthly revenue drops to the $744–$1,229 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Defuniak Springs?

There are currently 15 active Airbnb listings in Defuniak Springs as of April 2026. The market has seen 128% year-over-year growth in listings, indicating that investor interest is picking up, though the total supply remains quite small—which can be an advantage for early movers looking to establish a presence.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Defuniak Springs?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Defuniak Springs 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 remainder 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, since 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 Defuniak Springs market
• Historical occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance and market conditions as of the date shown; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors and operational decisions. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change—always verify with local authorities before investing.