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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

53 / 100

Fort Myers presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Fort Myers Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fort Myers offers a competitive short-term rental landscape anchored by seasonal tourism, warm-weather appeal, and proximity to Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast beaches. With 565 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $23,697 and an ADR of $225—well below the $498 Florida state average—the market provides an accessible entry point for investors targeting vacation-rental demand. Occupancy sits at 55%, right in line with the state average, though the pronounced seasonality between winter peaks and summer lulls means cash-flow planning is essential.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 565
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $498 state avg. $225
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 54% state avg. 55%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $124
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,974
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $23,697

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 Myers

Investors are drawn to Fort Myers for its relatively affordable home values compared to neighboring Gulf Coast markets, strong seasonal demand from winter visitors, and the potential for premium returns on larger properties.

Key investment factors

  • Peak-season monthly revenue reaches $4,435 in March, nearly six times the September low of $700, creating substantial upside for hosts who optimize pricing
  • Two-bedroom units dominate supply (195 listings) yet 4- and 5-bedroom properties earn dramatically more—$53,646 and $77,453 annually—signaling an underserved segment
  • Average home values of $518,110 paired with an ADR of $225 keep the barrier to entry lower than many coastal Florida markets
  • Gulf Coast beach access and warm winters fuel reliable snowbird and vacation demand from November through April
  • Year-over-year listing growth of 133% reflects strong investor confidence, though it also calls for careful competitive positioning

Expert Market Assessment

"Fort Myers earns a "Competitive Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 53 out of 100, reflecting a market where demand is genuine but rising competition demands sharper strategy. Revenue-to-price ratios, occupancy stability, growth trends, and supply/demand balance all land in the average range—none flagging red but none standing out as exceptional either. Seasonality is the defining feature: March revenue of $4,435 dwarfs September's $700, so investors need reserves or complementary income strategies to weather the summer and early-fall dip. Properties sized at four or five bedrooms meaningfully outperform smaller units on a per-night and annual basis, making them the most compelling configurations for investors willing to deploy more capital."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Fort Myers's ROI Score: 53/100

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

What This Means for Investors

Fort Myers earns an ROI score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band—demand is real, but investors face average marks across all four calculation factors: revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. The 133% year-over-year listing growth signals rising competition, so profitability will increasingly hinge on property selection and operational execution. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-bedroom-count properties can help investors tilt the odds in their favor.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fort Myers

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

Permit Requirements

Fort Myers, Florida may require short-term rental operators to obtain a local business tax receipt and register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for a vacation rental license. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Fort Myers and Lee County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Florida STR markets include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules that can vary by zoning district. HOA or condominium association bylaws may impose additional limitations or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is critical.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Florida are generally subject to the state's 6% sales tax, applicable county tourist development taxes, and any local surcharges. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state and county taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with the Florida Department of Revenue and Lee County to avoid penalties.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Fort Myers

Financing an Airbnb investment in Fort Myers 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 Myers Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fort Myers is likely to see continued demand from snowbirds and winter vacationers, keeping February through March as the revenue high point. Active listings surged 133% year-over-year, which could put downward pressure on occupancy and rates if supply outpaces demand growth. Investors should anticipate ADR holding in the $220–$235 range and occupancy settling around 52–57%, with any hurricane-season disruptions or broader economic shifts introducing variability. Selective deal sourcing—particularly in larger property sizes that command premium RevPAN—will be key to outperforming the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fort Myers, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fort Myers?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Fort Myers is currently 55%, which is essentially in line with the 54% Florida state average. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size—two-bedroom units lead at 63%, while studios and one-bedrooms hover in the mid-to-upper 40s. Seasonality also plays a major role, with winter months driving significantly higher bookings than the summer and early-fall shoulder season.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fort Myers?
Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Fort Myers earns approximately $23,697 per year, or about $1,974 per month. Earnings scale sharply with property size: one-bedroom listings average around $13,661 annually, while five-bedroom properties can reach roughly $77,453. Peak months like March can generate $4,435 in revenue, whereas September tends to be the softest at about $700.
Is Fort Myers a good market for Airbnb investment?
Fort Myers presents a competitive opportunity for STR investors. Its ROI score of 53 out of 100 reflects solid seasonal demand—especially from winter visitors—but rising supply (listings grew 133% year-over-year) means investors need to be strategic about property selection, pricing, and amenities. Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) significantly outperform smaller units in both revenue and RevPAN, so investors targeting those configurations may find the strongest returns relative to the broader market.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Fort Myers?
The current average daily rate in Fort Myers is $225, which is considerably lower than the $498 Florida state average, reflecting the market's more accessible price point compared to luxury coastal destinations. ADR scales notably with property size: studios average $126 per night, while five-bedroom listings command $522. This pricing gradient makes larger homes particularly attractive for group travelers and families.
Are short-term rentals legal in Fort Myers?
Short-term rentals are permitted in Fort Myers, though operators typically need to obtain a Florida DBPR vacation rental license and may need a local business tax receipt from the City of Fort Myers or Lee County. Zoning restrictions, HOA rules, and community-specific regulations can vary, so it's important to verify all requirements with local authorities and review any governing association documents before purchasing or listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Fort Myers?
Peak season in Fort Myers runs from roughly January through March, driven by snowbird visitors and warm-weather tourism. March is the strongest month, with average revenue hitting $4,435—more than six times what hosts earn in September ($700), the market's slowest period. Revenue begins climbing again in November and December as winter visitors return, making the October-to-September stretch the clear off-peak window.
How many Airbnbs are there in Fort Myers?
Fort Myers currently has 565 active Airbnb listings. Two-bedroom units make up the largest share with 195 listings, followed by one-bedrooms (143) and three-bedrooms (149). Notably, four- and five-bedroom properties are much rarer—49 and 9 listings respectively—yet they generate the highest per-unit revenue, suggesting potential opportunity in the larger-property segment.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fort Myers?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers market
  • Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with Fort Myers and Lee County authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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

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