Is Enterprise, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Enterprise, Florida, begin by researching Volusia County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a business tax receipt and compliance with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Contact Volusia County's Planning and Development Services to obtain necessary permits, including a short-term rental permit if required, and ensure your property meets fire safety and building code requirements. Find a suitable property in Enterprise by searching areas near Lake Monroe or along the St. Johns River, considering proximity to attractions like Deltona and DeBary while ensuring the property is zoned for short-term rentals. Purchase essential furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, kitchen appliances, WiFi equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, aiming for a comfortable yet durable setup that can withstand frequent turnover. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Enterprise's natural beauty and proximity to Central Florida attractions, setting competitive rates based on similar properties in the Deltona-Daytona Beach area (typically $75-150 per night depending on size and amenities). Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and ensuring compliance with local noise ordinances and occupancy limits, while considering hiring a local property management company if you live outside the area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Enterprise, Florida, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like Daytona International Speedway, New Smyrna Beach, and DeLand's historic downtown, as Enterprise's proximity to these destinations makes it attractive for tourists seeking quieter, more affordable accommodations. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos with pools, modern amenities, and parking for multiple vehicles, as families and groups visiting for racing events or beach vacations prefer these features. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates ($80-150 in this market) and occupancy rates (typically 60-75% annually), while researching comparable properties within a 5-mile radius to understand competitive positioning. Analyze existing STR competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches, noting gaps in amenities or property types, and consider that Enterprise has relatively low STR saturation compared to beachfront areas. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Volusia County property records, while consulting with Enterprise-area real estate agents familiar with STR regulations and connecting with local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning that service the Daytona Beach metropolitan area for operational insights.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Enterprise, Florida, you must first contact the Volusia County Planning Department since Enterprise is an unincorporated community within Volusia County jurisdiction. Apply through the Volusia County online permitting portal or visit their offices at 123 West Indiana Avenue in DeLand. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan, contact information for a local representative within 30 minutes of the property, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an annual renewal fee of around $150. You must also obtain a business tax receipt from Volusia County (approximately $50-75) and register with the Florida Department of Revenue for tourist development tax collection. The property must comply with zoning regulations, parking requirements (typically 1 space per bedroom plus 1), and occupancy limits based on septic system capacity or 2 people per bedroom maximum. Submit noise management plans and emergency contact procedures. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days after submitting a complete application. Once approved, you must display the permit number in all advertising and collect the 5% tourist development tax plus applicable state sales tax on all bookings.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Enterprise, Florida, as the city operates under Volusia County's regulations, which permit vacation rentals with proper licensing and compliance requirements. Property owners must obtain a vacation rental license from Volusia County, register with the state of Florida, collect tourist development taxes, and ensure properties meet safety and zoning requirements. The county prohibits STRs in certain residential areas zoned exclusively for single-family homes and requires rentals to maintain minimum stay requirements of typically 3-7 days depending on the specific zoning district. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances, enhanced inspection requirements, and updated registration processes following statewide legislation that limited local governments' ability to completely ban vacation rentals but allowed them to regulate operational aspects. Enterprise, being an unincorporated community, follows these county-wide rules rather than having separate municipal regulations, and property owners should verify their specific zoning designation and any homeowners association restrictions before operating an STR.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Enterprise, Florida include the neighborhoods near Debary and the St. Johns River corridor, which attract tourists seeking waterfront activities, fishing, and boating experiences year-round. The areas close to Enterprise Landing and Blue Spring State Park are particularly attractive due to their proximity to manatee viewing opportunities and natural springs, drawing eco-tourists and families especially during winter months when manatees migrate to warmer waters. Neighborhoods within a 10-15 minute drive of downtown DeLand benefit from business travelers and visitors attending Stetson University events, while properties near Enterprise Road (Highway 92) offer convenient access to both Daytona Beach (30 minutes) and Orlando attractions (45 minutes), making them ideal for tourists wanting a quieter base location. The historic downtown Enterprise area near the railroad depot attracts visitors interested in Florida's pioneer history and antique shopping, while waterfront properties along Lake Monroe command premium rates due to their scenic views and recreational opportunities including kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

In Enterprise, Florida, Airbnb hosts are subject to Florida's 6% state sales tax on transient rentals, plus Volusia County's 5% tourist development tax, totaling 11% in lodging taxes on short-term rental stays of six months or less. The state sales tax is collected through Florida's Department of Revenue system, with hosts required to register for a sales tax permit and remit taxes monthly if collections exceed $200 or quarterly for smaller amounts. The county tourist development tax is administered by the Volusia County Tax Collector's office and must be remitted monthly by the 20th of the following month. Airbnb can collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform's tax collection service, which began around 2016-2017 for Florida properties. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding six months, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all transactions and tax collections, and failure to properly collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from both state and county authorities.

Starting an Airbnb in Enterprise, Florida requires approximately $285,000-$320,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the Enterprise area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials cost around $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees in Volusia County include business tax receipts, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals totaling $500-$1,200 annually. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,500-$4,000 per year, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance due to increased liability and property risks. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service require $1,000-$1,500 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($900-$1,200 monthly), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), platform fees (3% of bookings), property management if outsourced (15-25% of revenue), and marketing expenses total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 50-65% during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Enterprise, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $8,000-$18,000 for condos, 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 in the area achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% by focusing on proximity to Orlando attractions (30 minutes to Disney World), competitive pricing strategies, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and guest communication. Properties near Debary and the St. Johns River tend to outperform due to recreational appeal, while those offering family-friendly amenities like pools, game rooms, and multiple bedrooms capture higher rates during peak seasons (December-April and summer months), with some three-bedroom homes generating up to $45,000 annually when optimally managed and marketed to Orlando-bound families seeking affordable alternatives to hotel accommodations.

Airbnb investments in Enterprise, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% based on current market conditions in this smaller Volusia County community. Properties in Enterprise, located near DeLand and approximately 45 minutes from Orlando attractions, benefit from steady vacation rental demand with average daily rates of $85-120 depending on property size and amenities. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The market shows particular strength during peak Florida tourism seasons (December-April) and summer months when families visit nearby attractions, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Investment properties in the $150,000-250,000 range typically generate monthly gross revenues of $1,800-3,200, though success depends heavily on property condition, marketing effectiveness, and proximity to natural attractions like the St. Johns River and Blue Spring State Park which drive consistent visitor traffic to the Enterprise area.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Enterprise, Florida, providing comprehensive market data and profitability projections. Local Enterprise real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Coldwell Banker Realty, RE/MAX, and Keller Williams agents who focus on vacation rental properties in the area. National services like AirDNA (founded 2015), Mashvisor, and BiggerPockets offer market analysis tools for Enterprise investors. Awning (2017) provides full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance, while Roofstock and Arrived Homes facilitate remote real estate investing. Local property management companies such as RedAwning, Vacasa, and regional Florida-based firms like Stay Porter and Hostfully help investors maximize rental income. Real estate investment firms including Meridian Pacific Properties and American Homes 4 Rent occasionally offer turnkey Airbnb opportunities in the Enterprise market. Additional services include short-term rental consultants, interior design firms specializing in vacation rentals, and local contractors experienced in STR property renovations who understand Enterprise's specific market demands and guest preferences.