Is Crawfordville, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Crawfordville, Florida, begin by researching Wakulla County's zoning regulations and short-term rental ordinances, as the county requires registration and compliance with specific occupancy limits and safety standards. Contact Wakulla County Planning Department to obtain necessary permits including a business tax receipt and ensure your property meets fire safety codes and has proper smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Find a suitable property in residential areas that allow short-term rentals, focusing on locations near Wakulla Springs State Park or coastal areas for tourist appeal, with properties typically ranging from $150,000-$400,000 in the area. Furnish the space with coastal-themed décor, essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, full kitchen appliances, quality linens, and outdoor furniture to capitalize on Florida's climate. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to natural attractions like St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Ochlockonee River State Park, pricing competitively between $80-200 per night depending on size and location. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges through lockboxes or smart locks, and maintaining relationships with local cleaning services and handymen, while ensuring compliance with Florida's 6% sales tax collection requirements for short-term rentals and maintaining proper insurance coverage that includes short-term rental activities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Crawfordville, Florida, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Wakulla Springs State Park, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, and coastal areas near Shell Point Beach, as these natural attractions drive consistent tourist demand year-round. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, screened porches, boat parking, and proximity to fishing spots, as visitors often seek nature-based experiences and family gatherings. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO within a 10-mile radius, noting that properties typically command $100-200 per night depending on size and amenities, with higher rates during hunting season (fall/winter) and spring break periods. Conduct competition research by identifying the saturation level of existing STRs in specific neighborhoods, focusing on areas with fewer than 5 active listings within a 2-mile radius to avoid oversaturation. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources such as the Wakulla County Property Appraiser website for property values, while connecting with Tallahassee-based property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning that service the Crawfordville market to understand operational costs and occupancy rates.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Crawfordville, Florida, you must apply through Wakulla County since Crawfordville is the county seat and unincorporated. Start by contacting the Wakulla County Planning Department at their courthouse located at 3056 Crawfordville Highway to obtain the short-term rental application form. Required documents typically include a completed application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, site plan showing parking areas, certificate of occupancy, business tax receipt from Wakulla County, state sales tax permit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $500,000), emergency contact information for a local representative within 30 minutes of the property, and septic system inspection if applicable. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of around $100. Submit all documents to the Planning Department for review, which includes zoning compliance verification and may require a site inspection. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days from submission of a complete application. Specific Crawfordville/Wakulla County requirements include maintaining a local contact person available 24/7, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), ensuring compliance with septic system capacity, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 8 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Crawfordville, Florida, as Wakulla County does not have a comprehensive ban on vacation rentals, though they are subject to state regulations and local zoning requirements. The area operates under Florida's state preemption laws that limit local governments' ability to completely prohibit STRs, but Wakulla County can impose reasonable regulations regarding safety, sanitation, and noise. Properties must comply with standard business tax requirements and may need to register with the county, while residential zoning areas may have restrictions on the frequency and duration of rentals. There are no specific prohibited areas county-wide, but individual homeowners associations or deed restrictions may limit STR operations in certain neighborhoods. Recent changes have primarily involved increased enforcement of existing noise ordinances and parking regulations rather than new prohibitions, with the county focusing on balancing tourism revenue with residential quality of life concerns, particularly in areas near the coast and Wakulla Springs State Park.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Crawfordville, Florida are primarily concentrated around the Wakulla Springs State Park vicinity, the historic downtown district near the courthouse, and properties along the coastal areas near Shell Point Beach and Spring Creek. The Wakulla Springs area attracts nature tourists year-round who come for the famous glass-bottom boat tours, manatee viewing, and pristine swimming opportunities, with peak seasons during winter months when northern visitors escape cold weather. The downtown historic district benefits from government workers and legal professionals who need temporary housing during court sessions and county business, as Crawfordville serves as the Wakulla County seat. The coastal Shell Point and Spring Creek areas are highly desirable for fishing enthusiasts, particularly during red fish and trout seasons from fall through spring, and these waterfront locations command premium rates due to their proximity to excellent saltwater fishing, scalloping opportunities in nearby Steinhatchee, and scenic Gulf Coast access. Properties near the Wakulla River also perform well due to kayaking, canoeing, and freshwater fishing activities, while the area's growing reputation as a nature-based tourism destination continues to drive demand for short-term rentals throughout the year.

Airbnb properties in Crawfordville, 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. Wakulla County, where Crawfordville is located, imposes an additional 4% tourist development tax on short-term rentals under 6 months, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 10%. Hosts typically collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking and must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to obtain a sales tax certificate, then file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month. The county's tourist development tax is administered separately and requires registration with the Wakulla County Tax Collector's office, with remittance due by the 20th of each month following collection. Exemptions may apply for rentals exceeding 6 months in duration, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as regulations can change.

To start an Airbnb in Crawfordville, Florida, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run about $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, vacation rental permits, and any required inspections from Wakulla County. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for short-term rental coverage, which is higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total around $1,000-$1,500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200-300/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, and platform fees typically run $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period while building reviews and bookings.

Airbnb properties in Crawfordville, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $8,000-$18,000 for smaller units, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins through strategic pricing during peak seasons like spring break and summer months when Tallahassee visitors and nature enthusiasts seek accommodations near Wakulla Springs State Park. Properties within 10 miles of natural attractions or featuring amenities like hot tubs, waterfront access, or pet-friendly policies command premium rates and achieve 65-80% occupancy rates compared to 45-60% for basic listings. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000 with $1,500 monthly mortgage payments can generate $2,200-$2,800 monthly gross revenue during peak months, resulting in annual cash flow of $8,000-$15,000 after all expenses, making Crawfordville's Airbnb market moderately profitable for investors who actively manage their properties and optimize for the area's outdoor recreation tourism market.

Based on Crawfordville, Florida market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location proximity to Wakulla Springs State Park and coastal areas. Properties within 15 minutes of natural attractions like Wakulla Springs or Shell Point Beach command higher nightly rates of $120-180, while rural properties average $80-120 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates during peak seasons (March-May, September-November). Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even typically achieved by month 14-20 when factoring in mortgage payments, property management fees of 20-25%, cleaning costs, and maintenance expenses. Properties purchased in the $150,000-250,000 range with 20-25% down payments show the strongest performance metrics, particularly those offering unique amenities like waterfront access, fishing opportunities, or proximity to Tallahassee for business travelers, with some top-performing properties achieving ROI as high as 22% annually by year three of operation.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Crawfordville, Florida, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Hartung and Associates and Century 21 AllPoints Realty have experience with vacation rental properties in the Wakulla County area and can assist with finding suitable investment properties near the coast and state parks. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and investment property search tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and finding deals. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors identify and manage profitable Airbnb properties in the area. Local property management companies like Coastal Vacation Rentals and Forgotten Coast Property Management understand the Crawfordville market dynamics and seasonal tourism patterns, making them valuable resources for investors looking to maximize rental income from properties near Wakulla Springs State Park and the Gulf Coast beaches.