Lake Placid, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lake Placid Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lake Placid, FL presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, with an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and average home values of $394,884 — well below the state average ADR of $498, with local listings averaging $263 per night. The market's 105 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $27,070, and the strong winter-spring seasonality driven by Florida's snowbird migration creates clear peak earning windows. While occupancy at 46% trails the state average of 54%, the favorable acquisition costs help offset softer booking rates and keep the investment math compelling.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lake Placid 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 Lake Placid

Lake Placid's affordable property prices paired with healthy seasonal demand from winter visitors create a revenue-to-price ratio that stands out among Florida STR markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lake Placid earns a score of 65 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market where the numbers work for investors who plan around seasonality. Revenue peaks sharply in March at $4,840 per month, nearly four times the September low of $1,182, so cash reserves and pricing strategy matter significantly. The 3-bedroom segment offers the best balance of supply depth and performance, with 45 listings pulling $30,418 annually at 52% occupancy. Investors who target the right property size and prepare for a quieter summer stretch can find real value in this lakeside Florida market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lake Placid

Average revenue by month in Lake Placid

Lake Placid shows stark seasonality: March leads with $4,840 in average revenue — more than four times the September low of $1,182. The winter-spring corridor from January through March generates the bulk of annual income, making cash management during the quieter May-to-September stretch essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lake Placid

Three-bedroom properties dominate Lake Placid's supply with 45 of the 105 active listings, followed by 28 two-bedroom units. One-bedroom listings are the scarcest at just 8, which could signal either limited demand for smaller units or an underserved niche worth investigating.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lake Placid

ADR climbs steadily with property size, from $123 for 1-bedroom listings to $347 for 4-bedroom homes — a 2.8x premium. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($164) to 3 bedrooms ($236) represents the sharpest percentage increase, suggesting that adding a third bedroom meaningfully boosts nightly pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lake Placid

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $123, narrowly edging out 4-bedroom units at $116 despite the latter's higher ADR — a consequence of the 4-bedroom segment's lower 34% occupancy. One-bedroom listings trail significantly at just $38 RevPAN, reflecting both lower rates and sparse booking activity.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lake Placid

Two- and three-bedroom properties share the top occupancy rate at 52%, providing the most consistent booking activity in the market. One-bedroom (32%) and four-bedroom (34%) units lag significantly, suggesting that mid-sized properties better match the demand profile of Lake Placid's typical visitor.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lake Placid

Monthly revenue scales from $781 for 1-bedroom units to $3,479 for 4-bedroom homes, with 3-bedroom properties generating $2,534 — roughly the market average. The 4-bedroom premium over 3-bedroom units adds nearly $1,000 per month, though investors should weigh that against higher acquisition and maintenance costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lake Placid

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $41,748, while 3-bedroom homes earn $30,418 — both strong figures relative to average home values near $395K. One-bedroom units at $9,376 annually face a challenging return profile, making mid-to-large properties the clear sweet spot for revenue potential in Lake Placid.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lake Placid

Kitchen (97%), parking (95%), and washer (93%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience in this market. Lake access (74%) and waterfront location (61%) stand out as key differentiators, signaling that proximity to water is a primary draw — investors without lake-adjacent properties may need to compensate with amenities like pools (currently only 19% of listings).

Understanding Lake Placid'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

Lake Placid's ROI Score of 65 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the strongest factor in its profile at 40% weight. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both score below average, reflecting the market's pronounced seasonality and a listing base that may be catching up to demand. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and factor in the winter-heavy revenue cycle when modeling expected returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lake Placid

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lake Placid, Florida should verify whether a local business tax receipt or STR registration is required through Highlands County and the City of Lake Placid. Florida state law also requires all vacation rental properties to be licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Florida STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Investors should also check for any HOA or deed restrictions on the specific property, as these can sometimes prohibit or limit short-term rentals even where local law permits them.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county-level tourist development tax on short-term rental income, which combined can add up to several percentage points on each booking. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with Highlands County's specific tax requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lake Placid's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with February and March continuing to drive the lion's share of revenue. ADR could see modest increases in the 1–3% range as property quality improves and demand from winter visitors remains steady. Occupancy is likely to hover around 44–48% annually, with the strongest months pushing well above that floor. Investors entering now should plan their cash flow around the pronounced off-season dip from May through September, when monthly revenue can fall below $1,600."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lake Placid, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Placid?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lake Placid is currently 46%, which sits below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties perform best at 52%, while 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units hover around 32–34%. Seasonal demand patterns also play a major role, with winter months pulling occupancy well above the annual average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lake Placid?

Airbnb hosts in Lake Placid earn an average of $2,255 per month, which works out to roughly $27,070 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $9,376 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in approximately $41,748. Peak season months like February and March can push monthly income above $3,500–$4,800.

Is Lake Placid a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lake Placid scores a 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market's strongest factor is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, thanks to home values averaging around $394,884 — significantly lower than many Florida markets. Investors should be aware of below-average occupancy stability and plan for pronounced seasonality, but the affordable entry point makes the return profile appealing for the right property.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lake Placid?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lake Placid is $263, which is roughly half the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales notably with property size, ranging from $123 for 1-bedroom units up to $347 for 4-bedroom homes. This lower ADR reflects the market's positioning as an affordable lakeside destination rather than a luxury resort area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lake Placid?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Florida, but operators must obtain a vacation rental license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Additional local permits or business tax receipts may be required by Highlands County or the City of Lake Placid. Investors should verify all applicable zoning, HOA, and local regulations before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lake Placid?

Peak season in Lake Placid runs from January through March, with March being the highest-earning month at an average of $4,840 in revenue. February follows closely at $3,569. The off-season spans roughly May through September, when monthly revenue dips to the $1,182–$1,603 range. This winter-heavy pattern is typical of Florida's inland lake communities, which attract snowbirds and seasonal visitors.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lake Placid?

There are currently 105 active Airbnb listings in Lake Placid as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom properties (45 listings), followed by 2-bedroom units (28 listings) and 4-bedroom homes (16 listings). With only 8 one-bedroom listings, the market skews toward larger properties suited for families and groups.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lake Placid?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Lake Placid 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the listing 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 Lake Placid and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Supply distribution and popular amenities across active listings
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before purchasing an investment property.