Fort Lauderdale, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

57 / 100

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

Fort Lauderdale Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fort Lauderdale's short-term rental market features roughly 3,190 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $33,261 per property. With an average daily rate of $316 — well below the Florida state average of $498 — and occupancy holding at 53%, the market offers an accessible entry point in one of South Florida's most visited coastal destinations. Strong seasonal peaks in winter and spring, combined with year-round tourism and boating culture, keep this market on investors' radar despite relatively high property values averaging $1,146,415.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 3,190
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $498 state avg. $316
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 54% state avg. 53%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $167
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,771
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $33,261

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

Why Investors Consider Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale attracts STR investors with its blend of coastal tourism appeal, diverse property types, and revenue potential that scales significantly with larger homes.

Key investment factors

  • Winter and spring tourist demand drives peak-season monthly revenues above $5,000
  • Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) command outsized returns, with 5-bedroom listings averaging $137,549 annually
  • The market's 53% occupancy rate provides stable baseline cash flow across seasons
  • South Florida's year-round warm weather sustains off-season demand from leisure travelers
  • A competitive ADR of $316 — below the state average — signals room for pricing optimization

Expert Market Assessment

"Fort Lauderdale represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who align their strategy with the market's pronounced seasonality. March stands out as the revenue peak at $5,147 per listing, while September dips to $1,448 — a spread that rewards dynamic pricing and targeted marketing during the high season. The ROI score of 57 out of 100 reflects healthy demand balanced against below-average revenue-to-price ratios, a byproduct of South Florida's elevated property values. Investors focused on larger properties or those with waterfront access can unlock significantly higher returns, making property selection a critical lever in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Fort Lauderdale's ROI Score: 57/100

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 Fort Lauderdale Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Fort Lauderdale's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting solid occupancy stability and average market growth trends tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by South Florida's elevated property values. Supply and demand dynamics are balanced, meaning the market isn't oversaturated but also isn't underserved enough to create pricing power on its own. Investors should pair these data points with a thorough review of local STR regulations and target property types where revenue potential — particularly in the 3- to 5-bedroom range — can offset higher acquisition costs.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fort Lauderdale

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, should expect to register or obtain a permit through the city as well as comply with state-level vacation rental licensing requirements. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STRs in Fort Lauderdale include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking provisions. Additionally, homeowner association (HOA) rules and zoning overlays can further restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing governing documents and local zoning codes is an essential due-diligence step.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax on short-term rental income, and Broward County adds a local tourist development tax on top of that. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Florida Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Fort Lauderdale

Financing an Airbnb investment in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fort Lauderdale's STR market is expected to maintain steady demand driven by its established reputation as a beach and boating destination, with ADR likely inching up 1–3% as hosts optimize pricing strategies during peak months. Occupancy rates should hold in the 50–55% range, supported by average growth trends and balanced supply-demand dynamics. The pronounced seasonality — March revenues roughly 3.5× September's — means investors who price dynamically and market to snowbirds during Q1 will capture the lion's share of annual income. Broader economic conditions and any regulatory changes in Broward County remain factors worth monitoring."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fort Lauderdale?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fort Lauderdale is currently 53%, which is just slightly below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings achieving the highest rates at 56%, while studios and 5-bedroom properties sit around 48%. These figures reflect trailing performance across all active listings in the market.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fort Lauderdale?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Fort Lauderdale earn approximately $2,771 per month or $33,261 annually, based on the trailing 12 months of booking data across active listings. Revenue varies substantially by property size — studios average around $15,336 per year while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in roughly $214,901 annually. Individual results depend heavily on property type, location, pricing strategy, and the quality of the guest experience.
Is Fort Lauderdale a good market for Airbnb investment?
Fort Lauderdale earns an ROI score of 57 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from strong seasonal tourism, year-round warm weather, and a large existing base of 3,190 active listings that validates ongoing demand. However, average home values of $1,146,415 mean the revenue-to-price ratio is below average, so investors should carefully model their returns — particularly for larger properties where annual revenue can exceed $80,000 — before committing.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Fort Lauderdale is $316, which is notably lower than the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales sharply with property size: studios average $161 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $1,451 per night. This range gives investors flexibility to target different guest segments depending on their property and budget.
Are short-term rentals legal in Fort Lauderdale?
Short-term rentals do operate in Fort Lauderdale, as evidenced by the 3,190 active listings currently tracked in the market. However, operators are generally required to obtain appropriate permits or licenses at both the city and state level. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise restrictions, and parking requirements. We recommend consulting the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Florida DBPR for the most current rules before investing.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale?
Peak season for Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale runs from January through March, with March being the single strongest month at an average of $5,147 in revenue per listing. February ($3,909) and January ($3,476) are also well above the annual average. The off-peak trough occurs in September at just $1,448, making the peak-to-trough spread roughly 3.5×. Investors should plan their pricing and availability strategies around this pronounced winter-spring surge.
How many Airbnbs are there in Fort Lauderdale?
As of April 2026, there are approximately 3,190 active Airbnb listings in Fort Lauderdale. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom units (1,306 listings), followed by 2-bedroom (656) and 3-bedroom (552) properties. Year-over-year listing growth stands at 110%, indicating the market has seen significant expansion in supply.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fort Lauderdale?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Fort Lauderdale 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently and naturally reflects 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 Fort Lauderdale market
  • Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
  • Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Property value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property optimization

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 market conditions as of the stated date; actual results may vary based on property-specific factors, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations and tax obligations are subject to change; investors should verify current requirements with Fort Lauderdale and Broward County authorities before purchasing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Fort Lauderdale's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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