Panama City, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Panama City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Panama City, FL presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 71 out of 100, driven largely by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. With average home values around $409,317 and annual STR revenue averaging $34,078, the market offers a compelling entry point relative to the broader Florida landscape. The area's Gulf Coast appeal fuels strong summer demand, though the market-wide ADR of $168 sits well below the $498 state average, reflecting the region's more accessible price positioning for vacation travelers.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Panama City 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 Panama City

Panama City appeals to investors seeking affordable Gulf Coast entry with strong summer revenue potential and a favorable revenue-to-property-price ratio.

Expert Market Assessment

"Panama City represents a moderate-to-strong STR opportunity for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. The summer months—June and July in particular—deliver revenue that is four to six times higher than the winter trough, meaning cash-flow planning across the full calendar year is essential. With 1,194 active listings and recent supply growth of 123%, the market is becoming more competitive, but the above-average revenue-to-price ratio still gives well-positioned properties a meaningful return advantage. Investors targeting 3- to 5-bedroom properties will find the highest revenue potential, though they should weigh this against somewhat lower occupancy rates for larger units."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Panama City

Average revenue by month in Panama City

Panama City's revenue cycle is heavily summer-weighted, with July ($6,630) and June ($5,775) delivering roughly four to six times the revenue of the slowest months—January ($1,091) and December ($1,378). This dramatic seasonal swing means investors need strong summer performance to carry the property through a quieter fall and winter.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Panama City

The market's supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (386) and 2-bedroom (390) units, which together represent about 65% of all 1,194 active listings. Larger formats—especially 5-bedroom (14 listings) and 6+ bedroom (23 listings) properties—are significantly underrepresented, potentially signaling less competition and higher pricing power for investors willing to go bigger.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Panama City

ADR scales steeply with property size in Panama City, from $101 for studios to $527 for 6+ bedroom homes—a more than fivefold increase. The most pronounced jump occurs between 4-bedroom ($252) and 5-bedroom ($455) properties, suggesting a premium segment where larger group-friendly homes command substantial nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Panama City

Five-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $151 per available night, nearly double the 4-bedroom figure of $85 and well ahead of the market average of $65. Interestingly, 6+ bedroom units drop to $120 RevPAN despite higher ADR, reflecting their lower 23% occupancy rate—a trade-off investors in the largest formats should consider carefully.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Panama City

One- and 2-bedroom properties maintain the highest occupancy rates at 41% and 42% respectively, while studios (32%) and 6+ bedroom units (23%) see noticeably fewer booked nights. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, mid-sized properties offer the most reliable occupancy, though even the best-performing sizes sit below the Florida state average of 54%.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Panama City

Monthly revenue climbs sharply with property size: studios average $1,679 while 6+ bedroom homes generate $13,246 per month—nearly eight times as much. The jump from 4-bedroom ($4,592) to 5-bedroom ($10,029) is particularly notable, making these larger configurations the standout earners on a per-property basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Panama City

Annual revenue ranges from $20,153 for studios to $158,952 for 6+ bedroom properties, underscoring how much revenue potential scales with size in this market. Five-bedroom homes at $120,357 per year offer especially strong return potential given the limited supply of just 14 such listings competing for demand.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Panama City

Kitchens (98%), washers (92%), and dryers (90%) are near-universal, setting a high baseline for guest expectations in Panama City. Outdoor-oriented amenities are also heavily represented—pools at 72%, patios/balconies at 82%, and BBQ grills at 65%—reflecting the vacation-lifestyle demand that defines this Gulf Coast market.

Understanding Panama City's ROI Score: 71/100

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

Panama City's ROI score of 71 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects solid income potential relative to property costs. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, suggesting a market that is neither overheated nor underperforming but may face near-term pressure from rapid supply growth. Investors should pair these metrics with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-level underwriting to build a complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Panama City

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

Permit Requirements

Panama City, Florida may require short-term rental operators to obtain a local business tax receipt and register with the state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with the City of Panama City and the State of Florida before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Florida coastal markets can include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA and condo association covenants may impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any governing documents before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Florida are typically subject to the state's transient rental tax as well as any applicable county tourist development taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Florida Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Panama City's STR market is expected to maintain its pronounced summer peak, with June and July likely continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. ADR could see modest increases in the 2–4% range as the listing supply stabilizes following a 123% year-over-year surge in active properties. Occupancy, currently at 39% versus the 54% state average, may face continued pressure from new supply entering the market, though the region's coastal tourism base provides a durable demand floor. Investors should plan for lean winter months and budget accordingly, as revenue between November and February tends to dip below $2,000 per month on average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Panama City, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Panama City?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Panama City is currently 39%, which falls below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size, with 1- and 2-bedroom units averaging 41–42%, while studios and larger properties tend to fill fewer nights. The market's strong seasonality—peaking in summer—means occupancy rates fluctuate considerably throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Panama City?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Panama City earn approximately $2,839 per month or $34,078 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies widely by property size: studios average about $20,153 annually, while 5-bedroom properties earn around $120,357 and 6+ bedroom homes can reach nearly $158,952. Individual results depend on factors like property quality, location, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Panama City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Panama City scores 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market's strongest selling point is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio—average home values of $409,317 paired with $34,078 in average annual revenue offer a competitive yield relative to many Florida markets. Investors should be aware of significant seasonality and recent supply growth, but the Gulf Coast's vacation appeal provides a solid demand foundation.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Panama City?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Panama City is $168, well below the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $101 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command $455 and 6+ bedroom properties reach $527. This lower ADR reflects the market's more accessible positioning for vacationers compared to premium Florida destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Panama City?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Panama City, FL, but hosts should verify current local and state licensing requirements before listing a property. Florida requires STR operators to register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and the City of Panama City may have additional local permit or business tax requirements. Regulations can change, so consulting directly with local authorities is always recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Panama City?

Peak season in Panama City runs through the summer months, with July topping the charts at an average of $6,630 in monthly revenue, followed by June at $5,775. The spring break period also brings a notable bump, with March averaging $3,506. The slowest months are January ($1,091) and December ($1,378), creating a roughly six-to-one spread between the highest and lowest earning months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Panama City?

Panama City currently has 1,194 active Airbnb listings. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 123% year over year. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom (386 listings) and 2-bedroom (390 listings) properties, which together account for about 65% of all active inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Panama City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Panama City 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 aggregate the results into 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 across the Panama City market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings

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 may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.