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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

55 / 100

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

Plant City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Plant City, FL is a small but growing short-term rental market with 43 active Airbnb listings and year-over-year listing growth of 107%, signaling rising investor interest. With an average annual revenue of $21,757 and home values around $487,100, the market offers modest yields that favor operators who can optimize pricing and occupancy. The below-state-average ADR of $168 (vs. $498 statewide) and 38% occupancy rate reflect a market still maturing, but the compact supply base means well-positioned properties can capture outsized demand during peak months like February and March.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 43
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $498 state avg. $168
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 54% state avg. 38%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $64
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,813
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $21,757

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

Why Investors Consider Plant City

Plant City attracts STR investors with its affordable home prices relative to the broader Tampa Bay metro, a rapidly expanding listing base, and seasonal demand driven by agriculture tourism and proximity to major Florida attractions.

Key investment factors

  • Home values averaging $487,100 are well below Florida's coastal markets, lowering the barrier to entry
  • 107% year-over-year listing growth signals strong and rising investor confidence in the market
  • Proximity to Tampa and Lakeland creates spillover demand from business travelers and event attendees
  • Seasonal revenue peaks in February and March — coinciding with the famous Florida Strawberry Festival — offer concentrated earning potential
  • Compact supply of just 43 active listings means less direct competition for well-optimized properties

Expert Market Assessment

"Plant City currently represents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to work within a seasonal, value-oriented market. The ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects below-average revenue-to-price ratios tempered by average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics. Revenue swings are significant — March tops $2,959 in average monthly revenue while September dips to $1,250 — so investors need to budget around a roughly 58% spread between peak and trough months. Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) deliver the strongest returns and may justify the higher acquisition cost for investors targeting this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Plant City's ROI Score: 55/100

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 Plant City 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

Plant City's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where returns are achievable but not guaranteed without thoughtful execution. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag, as average home values of $487,100 relative to $21,757 in annual revenue create a tighter yield than many Florida markets. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply-demand balance all rate as average — a stable foundation that rewards investors who pair data-driven pricing with local regulatory due diligence.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Plant City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Plant City, FL may need to obtain a local business tax receipt and register with the city, and Florida state law requires all vacation rental operators to hold a DBPR license. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Plant City's planning department and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Florida municipalities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and off-street parking mandates. HOA and deed restrictions are also prevalent in many Plant City neighborhoods, so prospective hosts should review community covenants carefully before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county-specific tourist development tax on short-term rentals, and Hillsborough County — where Plant City is located — applies its own transient rental surcharge. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with the Florida Department of Revenue.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Plant City

Financing an Airbnb investment in Plant City 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 Plant City Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Plant City's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as more investors enter this affordable corner of the Tampa Bay corridor. Occupancy rates may hold in the 36–42% range, with seasonal peaks in Q1 pushing monthly revenues above $2,200. ADR could see modest increases of 2–5% as new hosts professionalize their offerings, though the rapid doubling of listings will put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should plan for meaningful seasonality, with September through November representing softer earning periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Plant City, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Plant City?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Plant City is currently 38%, which sits below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2- and 3-bedroom units performing best at 41%, while 4-bedroom properties average 35%. Seasonal demand in Q1 tends to push occupancy higher during peak months.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Plant City?
Airbnb hosts in Plant City earn an average of $1,813 per month, or approximately $21,757 annually, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average $12,932 per year while 4-bedroom properties can reach nearly $30,000 annually. March is the highest-earning month at $2,959 on average, while September is the softest at $1,250.
Is Plant City a good market for Airbnb investment?
Plant City scores a 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from affordable property prices averaging $487,100, growing supply (107% year-over-year listing growth), and strong seasonal demand. However, below-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy rates mean investors should carefully evaluate their property type and pricing strategy to ensure profitability.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Plant City?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Plant City is $168, well below the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $107, 2-bedrooms average $160, 3-bedrooms come in at $170, and 4-bedroom properties command $240 per night. This pricing reflects Plant City's positioning as a value-oriented market compared to Florida's coastal destinations.
Are short-term rentals legal in Plant City?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Plant City, FL, though operators may need to obtain local business registrations and a Florida DBPR vacation rental license. Regulations can change, so it's important to check with Plant City's planning and zoning department and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for the most current rules before purchasing or listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Plant City?
Peak season for Airbnb in Plant City runs from January through March, with March being the strongest month at $2,959 in average revenue. February also performs well at $2,221. This aligns with the broader Florida winter tourism season and local events. The softest months are September ($1,250) and October ($1,453), creating a pronounced seasonal revenue curve that investors should plan around.
How many Airbnbs are there in Plant City?
As of April 2026, there are 43 active Airbnb listings in Plant City. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom units (16 listings), followed by 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties (10 each), and 3-bedroom units (6 listings). The market has seen dramatic growth, with active listings increasing 107% year over year.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Plant City?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Plant City 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data 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 because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively 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 Plant City and surrounding areas
  • Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
  • Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 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 with local authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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