Is Bunnell, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bunnell, Florida, begin by researching local regulations through Flagler County and the City of Bunnell, as short-term rentals typically require a business tax receipt and may need special use permits or conditional use permits depending on zoning (residential properties often face restrictions). Contact Flagler County's Planning Department and Bunnell City Hall to understand specific requirements, which may include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and neighbor notification processes. Obtain necessary permits including a Florida sales tax certificate, local business license, and any required short-term rental permits (fees typically range $50-200). Find a suitable property by researching zoning laws (many residential areas restrict STRs to owner-occupied properties or require minimum distances between rentals), consider areas near Flagler Beach or Palm Coast for better demand, and ensure the property meets safety codes including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi, focusing on coastal/Florida themes to attract tourists visiting nearby beaches and state parks. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photos, competitive pricing ($80-150/night typical for the area), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to beaches and attractions. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, guest communication systems, maintenance schedules, and consider hiring local property management companies if needed, while maintaining compliance with ongoing tax obligations including Florida sales tax collection and remittance.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bunnell, Florida, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Flagler Beach and Palm Coast attractions, as Bunnell serves as an affordable alternative to beachfront accommodations. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with amenities like pools, outdoor spaces, and modern kitchens, as families visiting nearby beaches and golf courses prefer these features. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in the $100-180 nightly range, considering Bunnell's position as a budget-friendly option compared to $200+ beachfront properties. Study competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates and revenue potential, noting that Bunnell has limited STR inventory creating opportunity for new entrants. Utilize Flagler County property records, Realtor.com for acquisition costs typically ranging $200,000-350,000, and monitor local zoning regulations as Flagler County has been updating STR ordinances since 2022. Research seasonal demand patterns driven by snowbird visitors December through April and summer beach tourism, while considering proximity to I-95 for easy access and the area's growing popularity as retirees and remote workers discover this emerging market between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bunnell, Florida, you must first contact the Bunnell City Hall at 201 West Moody Boulevard to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance and application process, as requirements were established around 2019-2020. You'll need to submit a completed STR application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, obtain a business tax receipt from the city (approximately $50-75), submit a site plan or floor plan of the property, provide proof of liability insurance (minimum $500,000), and include contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of Bunnell. Required documents typically include a valid ID, property deed or lease, zoning compliance verification, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking spaces. The application fee is estimated at $150-250, with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-150. The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, during which the city will conduct inspections for safety compliance, zoning verification, and neighborhood compatibility. Bunnell requires STR properties to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), and display the permit number in all advertising, with violations subject to fines starting at $250 per occurrence.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Bunnell, Florida, as the city has not enacted a complete prohibition on vacation rentals, though they operate under both state and local regulations. Florida state law generally supports STRs and preempts many local restrictions, but municipalities can still impose reasonable regulations regarding safety, taxation, and zoning. In Bunnell, STRs are typically subject to standard business licensing requirements and must comply with local zoning ordinances, which may restrict them in certain residential areas or require conditional use permits. The city likely requires STR operators to obtain business tax receipts and comply with fire safety codes, parking requirements, and occupancy limits. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in many Florida communities due to concerns about neighborhood character and housing availability, though Bunnell has not implemented the more restrictive measures seen in larger tourist destinations like Miami Beach or Key West. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain proper permits before operating STRs, as enforcement has generally increased across Florida municipalities since 2020-2022.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bunnell, Florida include the historic downtown district near East Moody Boulevard, which attracts visitors interested in the city's heritage and proximity to Flagler County attractions, and neighborhoods close to the Bulow Creek State Park area that appeal to nature enthusiasts and outdoor recreation tourists. The areas near US Highway 1 corridor offer excellent accessibility for business travelers visiting nearby Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, while properties within a 10-15 minute drive to Flagler Beach capitalize on beach tourism demand, especially during summer months and spring break periods. The residential neighborhoods around Princess Place Preserve attract eco-tourists and history buffs visiting the historic lodge and nature trails, and areas near the Flagler County Airport serve business travelers and those attending events at nearby venues. These locations benefit from Bunnell's strategic position as a more affordable alternative to beachfront accommodations while maintaining easy access to popular destinations like St. Augustine (30 minutes north) and Daytona Beach (45 minutes south), making them attractive to budget-conscious tourists seeking central Florida Coast experiences.

In Bunnell, Florida, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Florida state sales tax of 6%, the Florida tourist development tax which varies by county but typically ranges from 2-6% (Flagler County where Bunnell is located charges approximately 4%), and potentially local municipal lodging taxes that can add another 1-3%. These taxes are generally collected automatically by Airbnb through their tax collection service for most jurisdictions and remitted directly to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though hosts should verify their specific obligations with local tax collectors. The Florida Department of Revenue requires registration for tourist development tax collection, and hosts may need to obtain a sales tax permit if Airbnb doesn't collect all applicable taxes in their area. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some jurisdictions may exempt certain types of accommodations or have minimum thresholds. Hosts should contact the Flagler County Tax Collector's office and the City of Bunnell directly to confirm current rates and collection procedures, as tax obligations can change and vary based on specific property locations and rental arrangements.

To start an Airbnb in Bunnell, Florida, the total costs would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $200,000-$230,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections depending on Flagler County regulations. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage average $2,000-$3,500 annually, so approximately $1,000-$1,750 for six months. Utility setup and deposits plus six months of electricity, water, internet, and cable service typically cost $3,000-$4,500. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, property management software subscriptions, and marketing expenses add another $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a reserve fund for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Bunnell, Florida typically generate annual revenues ranging from $18,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $12,000-$22,000 for condos, with average daily rates between $85-$140 depending on proximity to Flagler Beach and seasonal demand. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$100 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins by targeting the spring break and summer beach season when rates can increase 30-50% above winter levels. Properties within 10 miles of Flagler Beach or featuring amenities like pools, game rooms, or pet-friendly policies consistently outperform the market, with some three-bedroom homes near Washington Oaks Gardens State Park reporting annual profits of $8,000-$12,000 after all expenses. Success factors include strategic pricing during Daytona 500 weekend and Bike Week, maintaining high cleanliness standards, and leveraging Bunnell's position as a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive Flagler Beach accommodations while still offering beach access within a 15-minute drive.

Airbnb investments in Bunnell, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the area's proximity to Flagler Beach and growing tourism market. Properties in Bunnell, particularly those within 15-20 minutes of coastal attractions, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months due to moderate property acquisition costs averaging $180,000-$250,000 and nightly rates of $85-$130 during peak seasons. The market benefits from year-round demand driven by beach tourism, with occupancy rates typically reaching 65-75% annually, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with stronger performance during spring and summer months when coastal tourism peaks in the Flagler County region.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Bunnell, Florida. Local real estate agents serving the Bunnell area include Flagler County Realty Group, Coastal Properties of Florida, and Palm Coast Real Estate Partners, who have expertise in vacation rental investments along the Florida coast. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification services for Airbnb investors targeting the Bunnell market. Mashvisor offers comprehensive investment property analysis tools specifically for short-term rentals in Florida markets including Bunnell. Local property management companies such as Flagler Vacation Rentals and Northeast Florida Property Management assist investors with both acquisition and ongoing management of Airbnb properties. BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock also feature investment properties in the Bunnell area suitable for short-term rental conversion. Additionally, local investment groups like Flagler County Real Estate Investors Association provide networking opportunities and market insights for Airbnb property acquisition in the region.