Is Moore Haven, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Moore Haven, Florida, begin by researching local regulations through Glades County's zoning department and the City of Moore Haven clerk's office, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning classifications. Contact the Glades County Building Department at (863) 946-6020 to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business tax receipt, possible conditional use permit, and compliance with fire safety codes. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Moore Haven's market, focusing on areas near Lake Okeechobee or downtown that attract fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, with properties typically ranging from $80,000-$200,000. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture suitable for the humid Florida climate, including essentials like air conditioning, fishing equipment storage, and outdoor seating to appeal to the area's primary tourist demographic. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting proximity to Lake Okeechobee, fishing opportunities, and the historic downtown area, with competitive pricing around $75-$150 per night based on local market rates. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies in nearby Clewiston or Fort Myers if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with Florida's transient rental tax requirements and any ongoing permit renewals required by Glades County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Moore Haven, Florida, focus on waterfront locations near Lake Okeechobee and properties within walking distance of fishing charters, marinas, and outdoor recreation areas, as this rural town attracts primarily fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or mobile homes with boat parking, fishing cleaning stations, covered outdoor spaces, and lake access or views, as these features command premium rates of $80-150 per night compared to standard properties at $60-100. Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, noting that peak seasons align with fishing tournaments and winter months when northern visitors escape cold weather, while summer rates typically drop 20-30%. Research competition by identifying the 15-20 existing STR properties in the area, focusing on occupancy rates, guest reviews mentioning fishing access, and amenities that generate repeat bookings. Utilize AirDNA for market data specific to Glades County, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local Facebook groups like "Moore Haven Community" to understand seasonal demand patterns, while partnering with local fishing guides and bait shops can provide insights into peak visitor periods and guest preferences that drive higher occupancy rates in this niche fishing destination market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Moore Haven, Florida, you must first contact the Moore Haven City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 299 Riverside Drive to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance and application process. You'll need to submit a completed business tax receipt application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing the property layout, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and pay the required business tax receipt fee which is approximately $50-100 annually plus any additional STR permit fees ranging from $100-300. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks for review and approval, during which the city may conduct a property inspection to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, parking requirements (usually 1-2 spaces per unit), and safety standards including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Moore Haven may require STR properties to be located in specific zoning districts, maintain quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 8 AM, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, and display the permit number in all advertising, so contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm current regulations and ensure your property meets all local requirements before beginning operations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Moore Haven, Florida, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals, though they must comply with standard zoning regulations and business licensing requirements. Moore Haven, located in Glades County, follows Florida state law which generally permits STRs unless specifically restricted by local ordinance, and the city requires basic business tax receipts for rental operations. Properties must adhere to residential zoning compliance and health safety standards, with most single-family homes and condominiums eligible for short-term rental use. There are no specific prohibited areas within Moore Haven's city limits for STRs, though properties must maintain appropriate zoning designations and cannot violate homeowners association rules where applicable. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, with Moore Haven maintaining a relatively permissive stance toward vacation rentals while ensuring basic regulatory compliance, and the city has not implemented the stricter registration or inspection requirements seen in larger Florida municipalities like Miami Beach or Key West.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Moore Haven, Florida are the Lake Okeechobee waterfront district along the Caloosahatchee River, particularly near the Moore Haven Lock and Dam area, which attracts fishing enthusiasts and boaters year-round due to excellent bass fishing and water recreation opportunities. The historic downtown district near Avenue J and 2nd Street offers charm for visitors attending the annual Chalo Nitka Festival and those exploring the area's cattle ranching heritage. Properties near the Moore Haven Airport and US Highway 27 corridor are ideal for business travelers working with agricultural companies like Florida Crystals Corporation and US Sugar Corporation who frequently visit the area's sugar cane operations. The residential areas along Riverside Drive provide scenic water views that appeal to snowbirds and retirees seeking peaceful retreats from November through April. Additionally, properties within walking distance of the Moore Haven Recreation Area and boat ramps capture demand from weekend warriors and fishing tournament participants, as the area serves as a gateway to some of Florida's best freshwater fishing and is strategically located between Fort Myers and West Palm Beach, making it accessible for short-term recreational stays.

Moore Haven, Florida imposes a 5% tourist development tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which is collected by the host and remitted monthly to Hendry County by the 20th of the following month. The state of Florida requires a 6% sales tax on transient rentals under 6 months, collected through the Florida Department of Revenue's online system with monthly remittance due by the 20th of each month. Airbnb typically collects and remits both the state sales tax and local tourist development tax automatically for hosts in most Florida jurisdictions as of 2018, though hosts should verify this arrangement and register with local authorities. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions may offer exemptions for stays by government employees or certain non-profit organizations. Hosts must obtain a local business tax receipt from Moore Haven and may need to register with both Hendry County for the tourist development tax and the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax collection, with penalties applying for late remittance typically ranging from 10-25% of taxes owed plus interest.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Moore Haven, Florida is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on the median home price in this rural Glades County area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs include $2,000-$3,000 for professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations or repairs. Permits and fees total approximately $1,500-$2,500, covering business license ($100-$200), short-term rental permit ($300-$500), tourist development tax registration ($50-$100), and potential HOA approvals ($500-$1,000). Insurance runs $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities setup and deposits cost $500-$800 for electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service. First six months of operating costs include $3,600 for utilities ($600/month), $2,400 for cleaning services ($400/month), $1,800 for Airbnb platform fees (3% of estimated $10,000 monthly revenue), $600 for supplies and maintenance, and $1,200 for marketing and miscellaneous expenses, totaling approximately $9,600 in operational costs before generating significant revenue.

Airbnb properties in Moore Haven, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for modest 2-3 bedroom homes, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on proximity to Lake Okeechobee and seasonal demand from fishing enthusiasts and winter visitors. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-8% of revenue). Properties within walking distance of the lake or featuring boat access command premium rates of $130-180 per night and achieve 60-70% occupancy rates during peak fishing seasons (November-April), resulting in net profit margins of 25-35%. A typical 3-bedroom lakefront property purchased for $180,000 in 2021 generated $28,000 in gross revenue with $12,000 in expenses, yielding a 9% return on investment before mortgage considerations. Success factors include professional photography highlighting water access, partnerships with local fishing guides, providing boat parking or dock access, and maintaining flexible cancellation policies to accommodate weather-dependent fishing trips, with the most profitable properties being those that cater specifically to the area's outdoor recreation tourism rather than competing as generic vacation rentals.

Based on Moore Haven, Florida market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%. Properties in this rural Glades County market, particularly those near Lake Okeechobee, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months due to lower property acquisition costs ($150,000-$250,000 average) and moderate rental demand from fishing enthusiasts and seasonal visitors. Average daily rates of $85-$120 with 45-60% occupancy rates during peak seasons (November-April) contribute to gross rental yields of 15-22%, though investors should account for higher vacancy periods during summer months and limited year-round tourism infrastructure compared to major Florida destinations.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations for Moore Haven, Florida. In the local market, Glades County Realty and Moore Haven Real Estate Group have agents experienced in investment properties and vacation rentals in the area. Century 21 Sunbelt Realty in nearby Clewiston also serves Moore Haven investors looking for Airbnb opportunities. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing, and Roofstock, which focuses on turnkey rental properties. AirDNA offers market data and revenue projections for short-term rentals in the Moore Haven area, while RedAwning provides property management and listing optimization services. Local property management companies like Lake Okeechobee Vacation Rentals and Glades County Property Management can assist with ongoing operations, and real estate agents at Keller Williams and RE/MAX offices in Fort Myers and West Palm Beach often work with investors seeking properties in smaller Florida markets like Moore Haven for Airbnb conversions.