Is Bushnell, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bushnell, Florida, begin by researching local regulations through Sumter County's planning and zoning department, as Bushnell typically requires short-term rental permits and may have specific zoning restrictions in residential areas. Contact the Sumter County Building Department to obtain necessary permits, which usually include a business tax receipt, fire safety inspection, and potentially a conditional use permit depending on your property's zoning classification. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings or working with local real estate agents familiar with Bushnell's neighborhoods near attractions like Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, ensuring the property allows short-term rentals per HOA or deed restrictions. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, air conditioning (crucial in Florida's climate), and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by local fire codes. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos highlighting proximity to local attractions, the Withlacoochee State Trail, and easy access to major highways connecting to Orlando and Tampa. For ongoing management, establish relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider property management companies in the Sumter County area if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with Florida's transient rental tax requirements and any additional local occupancy taxes that Sumter County may impose.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Bushnell, Florida, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like the Florida National Scenic Trail, Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, and proximity to The Villages retirement community which generates consistent visitor traffic. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or manufactured homes with pools, outdoor spaces, and parking for multiple vehicles, as these appeal to families and groups visiting the area's outdoor recreation opportunities and nearby attractions. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO in the $80-150 per night range, considering Bushnell's position as an affordable alternative to more expensive Central Florida markets while maintaining reasonable occupancy rates of 60-70% annually. Competition research should focus on the limited existing STR inventory in this smaller market, identifying gaps in amenities or property types that aren't currently served. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analysis, STR Helper for performance metrics, and local resources including the Sumter County tourism board, Century 21 and Coldwell Banker offices familiar with the Bushnell market, and Facebook groups for local real estate investors to understand seasonal demand patterns driven by snowbird visitors, outdoor enthusiasts, and overflow from The Villages area events.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bushnell, Florida, you must first contact the Sumter County Planning and Development Department at 7361 Powell Road, Wildwood, FL 34785, as Bushnell falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate spaces, contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, and payment of applicable fees. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $100-125, and you may need additional permits such as a business tax receipt ($50-75) and fire safety inspection ($75-100). The timeline for approval is generally 30-45 business days from submission of a complete application, though this can extend to 60 days if revisions are needed. Specific Bushnell/Sumter County requirements include maintaining occupancy limits based on bedroom count (typically 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional), providing adequate parking (minimum 1 space per bedroom), ensuring the property meets all building and fire codes, maintaining a guest registry, posting emergency contact information prominently, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM. You must also comply with any applicable homeowners association rules and obtain proper zoning verification to ensure short-term rentals are permitted in your specific area.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Bushnell, Florida, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2023. However, operators must comply with Sumter County regulations and Florida state laws, which typically require business tax receipts, adherence to zoning restrictions, and compliance with health and safety codes. Most residential areas in Bushnell allow STRs, though properties must meet standard rental housing requirements and may face restrictions in certain HOA-governed communities. The city has not implemented recent changes specifically targeting STR operations, but operators should verify current zoning compliance and obtain proper licensing through Sumter County, as local regulations can evolve and some neighborhoods may have deed restrictions limiting short-term rental activities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bushnell, Florida include the historic downtown district near the Sumter County Courthouse, which attracts visitors interested in local history and small-town charm, and properties near the Withlacoochee State Forest entrance, drawing nature enthusiasts, hikers, and outdoor recreation visitors year-round. The area around Center Hill Regional Park offers appeal to families and sports teams visiting for tournaments and events, while neighborhoods near the Bushnell Correctional Institution can capture business travel from legal professionals, family members visiting inmates, and correctional staff needing temporary housing. Properties along State Road 48 corridor benefit from proximity to major transportation routes connecting to larger cities like Orlando and Tampa, making them attractive to travelers seeking affordable alternatives to expensive urban markets while maintaining reasonable commute access to business centers and attractions in surrounding counties.

Airbnb properties in Bushnell, Florida are subject to Florida's state transient rental tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, which is collected by the Florida Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by hosts who exceed $1,000 in annual rental income. Sumter County imposes an additional tourist development tax of 5% on short-term rentals under 6 months, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 11%. The state tax is collected through Florida's online tax portal system with returns due by the 20th of each month following the rental period, while county taxes are typically collected through the Sumter County Tax Collector's office. Hosts must register for a Florida sales tax certificate and may need a separate tourist development tax account with the county. Exemptions generally apply to rentals exceeding 6 months in duration, rentals to permanent residents, and properties rented for less than $2 per day, though enforcement and collection procedures have been streamlined since 2021 when major platforms like Airbnb began automatically collecting and remitting these taxes on behalf of hosts in most Florida jurisdictions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Bushnell, Florida is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in Sumter County. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees including business license, tourist development tax registration, and potential HOA approvals cost $500-$1,200. Short-term rental insurance runs $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, internet, and cable cost $800-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900-$1,200), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800-$2,400), maintenance reserves ($1,500-$2,500), property management software ($300-$600), and marketing ($600-$1,000) total approximately $5,100-$7,700. Additional considerations include potential property management fees of 15-25% if outsourced and ongoing maintenance reserves of 1-2% of property value annually.

Airbnb properties in Bushnell, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $8,000-$18,000 for condos, with occupancy rates averaging 45-60% due to the area's proximity to attractions like The Villages retirement community and Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. Operating expenses generally run 35-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,400 annually), and maintenance costs. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with higher-end homes near recreational areas achieving better performance. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak seasons (winter months when northern retirees visit), professional photography, responsive guest communication, and targeting the 55+ demographic that frequents the region. Properties within 20 miles of The Villages command premium rates of $80-$150 per night compared to $50-$90 for standard Bushnell locations, while those offering amenities like pools, golf cart accessibility, or pet-friendly policies see 20-30% higher booking rates and can achieve annual returns of 8-12% on investment.

Airbnb investments in Bushnell, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to popular attractions like The Villages retirement community and Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. Properties in Bushnell, particularly 3-4 bedroom homes priced between $150,000-$250,000, can achieve average daily rates of $85-$120 during peak seasons (October-April) when snowbirds and visitors frequent the area. Investment properties generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually due to consistent demand from retirees, medical tourists visiting nearby facilities, and tourists exploring central Florida's attractions. The market benefits from lower property acquisition costs compared to major Florida markets like Orlando or Tampa, while still maintaining steady rental demand, making the timeframe to break-even relatively favorable for investors who properly manage their properties and maintain competitive pricing strategies.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Bushnell, Florida. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Advantage III in nearby Leesburg and RE/MAX Realty One in The Villages serve the Bushnell area and have experience with investment properties suitable for Airbnb. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, BiggerPockets for investor networking and property analysis, and AirDNA for market data and revenue projections in the Bushnell market. Local property management companies such as Central Florida Vacation Rentals and Lake County Property Management can assist with both acquisition and ongoing management of Airbnb properties. Additional national platforms like Roofstock, which focuses on investment properties, and local firms like Sumter Realty Group and Century 21 offices in nearby Wildwood also serve investors seeking profitable short-term rental opportunities in the Bushnell area, leveraging the region's proximity to attractions like the World Equestrian Center and Dade Battlefield Historic State Park.