Is DeLand, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in DeLand, Florida, begin by researching local regulations through the City of DeLand Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental properties to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and comply with zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to properties in commercial or mixed-use zones rather than single-family residential areas. Contact Volusia County for additional county-level requirements and obtain necessary permits including a business tax receipt from the city, Florida Department of Revenue sales tax permit, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes through the DeLand Fire Department. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with DeLand's short-term rental regulations, focusing on areas near Stetson University, downtown DeLand, or properties with commercial zoning designations. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, and amenities while ensuring compliance with Florida's safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms with professional photography highlighting DeLand's attractions like the historic downtown, antique shops, and proximity to state parks. Manage your rental by establishing cleaning protocols, coordinating with local cleaning services, implementing keyless entry systems, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while collecting and remitting the required 6% Florida sales tax plus any applicable local tourist development taxes to both state and county authorities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in DeLand, Florida, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Stetson University for consistent student and visitor demand, properties near downtown DeLand's antique district and cultural attractions, and homes with easy access to state parks like Blue Spring State Park which draws tourists year-round. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos with pools, updated kitchens, reliable WiFi infrastructure, and parking for multiple vehicles, as these features command premium rates of $150-250 per night compared to basic properties at $80-120. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, focusing on occupancy rates above 65% and average daily rates that exceed $130 to ensure profitability after expenses. Research competition by studying listings within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or target markets, and monitoring seasonal pricing patterns during Stetson University events, spring training season, and summer tourist months. Utilize tools like Rabbu for DeLand-specific market analytics, connect with local property management companies such as Vacasa or RedAwning for operational insights, and consult Volusia County's short-term rental regulations to ensure compliance while maximizing investment potential in this growing Central Florida market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in DeLand, Florida, you must first contact the City of DeLand Planning Department at 120 N Woodland Blvd to determine if your property is zoned for short-term rentals, as DeLand requires STRs to be located in commercially zoned areas or specific residential zones that allow transient accommodations. Submit an application for a Conditional Use Permit through the Planning Department, which requires a completed application form, property survey, site plan showing parking and landscaping, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, and a $500-750 application fee. You'll also need to obtain a business tax receipt from the City Clerk's office for approximately $50-100 annually, register with the Florida Department of Revenue for tourist development tax collection, and secure a Volusia County health department permit if applicable. The process typically takes 60-90 days including a public hearing before the Planning Board, and DeLand specifically requires adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), compliance with noise ordinances, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms, and adherence to fire safety codes including smoke detectors and emergency egress requirements. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all advertising and maintain compliance with ongoing inspections and tax remittance requirements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in DeLand, Florida, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of 2023, DeLand requires STR operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit STRs to commercially zoned areas and certain residential districts, though they are prohibited in some single-family residential neighborhoods. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances specifically for STRs, with properties required to have a local contact person available 24/7 for complaints. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced penalties for violations, with the city conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety codes and zoning requirements. Property owners must also comply with Volusia County regulations and state licensing requirements, making the regulatory environment multi-layered but generally permissive for compliant operators.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in DeLand, Florida include the Historic Downtown District, which attracts tourists visiting antique shops, restaurants, and cultural events like the annual DeLand Fall Festival and monthly Cruise-Ins; the Stetson University area, particularly neighborhoods within walking distance of campus, which generates consistent demand from visiting parents, prospective students, and academic conference attendees throughout the school year; the Spring Garden Ranch Road corridor near the DeLand Municipal Airport, appealing to business travelers and aviation enthusiasts; neighborhoods near Blue Spring State Park and the St. Johns River, which draw nature tourists, manatee watchers, and water recreation enthusiasts year-round; and the Victoria Park area, which offers proximity to both downtown attractions and natural areas while maintaining a residential feel that appeals to families and longer-term visitors attending events at the Volusia County Fairgrounds or exploring nearby attractions like the Museum of Art - DeLand.

In DeLand, Florida, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Florida state sales tax of 6%, the Volusia County tourist development tax of 5%, and potentially a local municipal tax. The total effective tax rate is approximately 11% on short-term rental stays of six months or less. These taxes are typically collected automatically by Airbnb through their platform for participating jurisdictions and remitted directly to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though hosts should verify their specific obligations with local tax collectors. For properties where Airbnb doesn't automatically collect, hosts must register with the Florida Department of Revenue and Volusia County Tax Collector, collect taxes from guests, and remit them monthly or quarterly depending on volume. Stays exceeding six months are generally exempt from tourist development taxes but may still be subject to sales tax. Hosts must obtain appropriate tax registration numbers and may need separate registrations for state and county obligations, with penalties applying for non-compliance or late remittance.

Starting an Airbnb in DeLand, Florida requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $8,000-12,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $500-1,000. Permits and fees in Volusia County include business tax receipt ($50-100), short-term rental permit ($200-400), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $300-600. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $1,200-2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, internet, and cable average $300-500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-250/month), cleaning services ($75-100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($100-200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management if used (10-20% of revenue) total approximately $3,000-6,000 depending on occupancy rates and booking frequency.

Airbnb properties in DeLand, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$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 ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 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 in DeLand's historic downtown area and near Stetson University achieving higher occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Properties within walking distance of downtown antique districts and the St. Johns River command premium rates, while those offering unique features like historic charm or proximity to Blue Spring State Park see occupancy rates 20-30% above average. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, strategic pricing during Stetson University events and spring training season, and maintaining properties that appeal to both business travelers and tourists exploring Central Florida's natural attractions, with the most profitable properties being 2-3 bedroom homes purchased below $200,000 that can achieve 12-18% annual returns on investment.

Airbnb investments in DeLand, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near Stetson University and downtown DeLand command higher nightly rates of $80-150, while suburban single-family homes average $60-120 per night with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even on cash investment typically achieved in 6-8 years. The market benefits from consistent demand from university visitors, business travelers to nearby Daytona Beach, and tourists exploring central Florida attractions, with seasonal peaks during spring training and university events driving occupancy rates up to 85% during high-demand periods.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in DeLand, Florida, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents in DeLand who focus on investment properties include Realty Pros of Central Florida, Century 21 Alton Clark, and Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, with many agents specifically marketing Airbnb-suitable properties near Stetson University and downtown DeLand. National services like Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market analytics and property identification tools for the DeLand area, while companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa offer full-service property management for investors. Local property management companies including DeLand Property Management and Volusia County Vacation Rentals specialize in short-term rental operations, and investment-focused real estate companies like Florida Investment Properties and Central Florida Real Estate Investors actively market properties suitable for Airbnb conversion in the DeLand market, particularly targeting areas near Blue Spring State Park and the historic downtown district.