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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

52 / 100

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

Okeechobee Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Okeechobee offers a distinctive niche for short-term rental investors drawn to Florida's inland lake country. With an average daily rate of $208—well below the $498 state average—and an occupancy rate of 62% that actually outpaces the 54% statewide figure, the market delivers affordable entry with surprisingly strong demand. The 72 active listings signal a compact, still-developing market, though the 127% year-over-year listing growth suggests that other investors are catching on quickly.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 72
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $498 state avg. $208
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 54% state avg. 62%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $130
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,992
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $23,906

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

Why Investors Consider Okeechobee

Okeechobee appeals to investors seeking an affordable Florida entry point where outdoor recreation drives year-round—if seasonal—guest demand.

Key investment factors

  • ADR of $208 sits far below the Florida state average, keeping acquisition and pricing expectations realistic
  • Occupancy at 62% outperforms the statewide 54% average, suggesting genuine demand for this lakeside destination
  • Lake Okeechobee access and outdoor recreation create a natural draw for anglers, boaters, and nature enthusiasts
  • Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) deliver meaningful revenue premiums, with 4-bedrooms averaging $49,540 annually
  • Compact supply of 72 listings means less direct competition, though rapid growth warrants close monitoring

Expert Market Assessment

"Okeechobee presents a competitive but approachable opportunity, reflected in its ROI score of 52 out of 100. Revenue peaks sharply in March at $4,302 per month and dips to a low of $751 in September, creating pronounced seasonality that investors need to plan around. The market's strength lies in its above-average occupancy relative to Florida peers and the meaningful revenue jump available in larger property configurations. However, below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance mean careful deal sourcing and property selection matter more here than in steadier markets."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Okeechobee's ROI Score: 52/100

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

What This Means for Investors

Okeechobee's ROI score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine investor appeal but demands selective deal sourcing. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both rate as average, while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance fall below average—a reflection of the sharp seasonality and the rapid 127% listing growth that's intensifying competition. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-performing property sizes (3–4 bedrooms with lake access) can help investors navigate the market's tighter margins.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Okeechobee

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

Permit Requirements

Florida requires short-term rental operators to register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), and Okeechobee County may impose additional local licensing or permitting requirements. Investors should verify current permit obligations with both the City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Florida STR markets include occupancy limits, noise and parking rules, minimum-stay requirements, and potential HOA or deed restrictions that could prohibit or limit rentals. Some communities near Lake Okeechobee may also have environmental or zoning considerations that affect property use, so reviewing local ordinances is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Florida are generally required to collect and remit state sales tax as well as any applicable county tourist development tax. Platforms like Airbnb often handle state-level collection automatically, but operators should confirm whether Okeechobee County requires separate registration or remittance for local taxes.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Okeechobee

Financing an Airbnb investment in Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Okeechobee's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 127% year-over-year increase in active listings. Seasonal patterns suggest ADR could firm up another 2–4% during the peak winter-spring window (January through March), while summer and fall months may remain softer. Occupancy could face modest downward pressure as new listings absorb demand, potentially settling in the 55–62% range market-wide. Investors who target 3- or 4-bedroom properties with waterfront or lake access should be best positioned to capture the strongest seasonal revenue."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Okeechobee, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Okeechobee?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Okeechobee is currently 62%, which is notably higher than the 54% Florida state average. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom listings performing best at 68%, while 1-bedroom units average a lower 47%. Seasonal demand shifts also play a role—winter and early spring months see the highest booking activity.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Okeechobee?
Airbnb hosts in Okeechobee earn an average of $1,992 per month and approximately $23,906 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $12,296 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can generate roughly $49,540 per year. Peak months like March can push monthly earnings above $4,300 for well-positioned listings.
Is Okeechobee a good market for Airbnb investment?
Okeechobee earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 52 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers affordable entry relative to coastal Florida, above-average occupancy, and strong demand during winter months driven by outdoor recreation and Lake Okeechobee. However, rapid supply growth (127% year-over-year) and pronounced seasonality mean investors should focus on well-differentiated properties—particularly larger homes with lake access—to maximize returns.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Okeechobee?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Okeechobee is $208, significantly below the Florida state average of $498. Rates scale with property size: 1-bedroom units average $123 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $173, 3-bedrooms at $217, and 4-bedroom properties command a premium at $392 per night.
Are short-term rentals legal in Okeechobee?
Short-term rentals are permitted in Florida, but operators must register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Okeechobee County and the City of Okeechobee may have additional local permitting, zoning, or tax registration requirements. Investors should consult local government offices directly and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Okeechobee?
Peak season in Okeechobee runs from January through March, with March being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,302. February ($3,102) and December–January (both near $2,750) also perform well. The slowest period falls in late summer and early fall, with September averaging just $751 in revenue.
How many Airbnbs are there in Okeechobee?
As of April 2026, there are 72 active Airbnb listings in Okeechobee. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom (26 listings) and 3-bedroom (21 listings) properties, with 1-bedrooms (14) and 4-bedrooms (7) making up the remainder. Listing growth has been rapid, with a 127% year-over-year increase in active properties.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Okeechobee?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Okeechobee 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 results 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 draws on 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 by market and property size
  • Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN broken down by bedroom count
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates derived from trailing 12-month booking data
  • Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
  • Data aggregated from multiple proprietary and third-party sources 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 may change; always verify current rules with local authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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

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