Is Nocatee, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Nocatee, Florida, begin by researching St. Johns County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a business tax receipt and compliance with zoning laws - contact St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Department for specific requirements as Nocatee is an unincorporated planned community with potential HOA restrictions. Obtain necessary permits including a business tax receipt from St. Johns County (approximately $50-100 annually), ensure your property meets fire safety codes, and verify your homeowner's insurance covers short-term rentals or purchase additional coverage. Find a suitable property in Nocatee's neighborhoods like Twenty Mile or Crosswater, considering proximity to amenities like the Nocatee Town Center and splash water park, with properties typically ranging from $300,000-800,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the space with quality, durable furniture focusing on coastal Florida aesthetics, include essential amenities like high-speed internet, air conditioning, beach gear, and kitchen essentials, budgeting approximately $15,000-30,000 for a complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting Nocatee's family-friendly amenities, proximity to St. Augustine (20 minutes) and Jacksonville beaches (30 minutes), competitive pricing around $150-300 per night depending on property size and season. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and considering hiring a local property management company if needed, while ensuring compliance with any Nocatee Community Development District guidelines and HOA regulations that may restrict short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Nocatee, Florida, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville attractions, particularly in newer developments like Twenty Mile and Crosswater that offer resort-style amenities. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 2010 with pools, modern kitchens, and proximity to the Nocatee Town Center, as these attract families visiting for youth sports tournaments at the numerous athletic facilities. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating $150-250 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates, comparing against similar properties in nearby Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine markets. Research competition by monitoring existing STRs on Airbnb and VRBO within Nocatee's master-planned community, noting that properties near the splash pad, fitness centers, and golf courses command premium rates. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, while leveraging local real estate agents familiar with Nocatee's HOA restrictions and St. Johns County's short-term rental regulations, and consider properties near the Nocatee Preserve for guests seeking nature experiences alongside suburban amenities.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Nocatee, Florida, you must apply through St. Johns County since Nocatee is an unincorporated community within the county jurisdiction. Submit your application to the St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Department located at 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084, or apply online through their permitting portal. Required documents 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. You'll need to pay an application fee of approximately $150-200 plus an annual permit fee of around $100-150. The approval timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks for processing once all documents are submitted. Specific Nocatee requirements include adherence to HOA covenants which may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, compliance with maximum occupancy limits of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, designated parking spaces for guests, and maintaining a local contact person available 24/7. Properties must also meet all building and fire safety codes, and some Nocatee communities may have additional architectural review requirements through their respective HOAs before county approval.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Nocatee, Florida are generally legal but subject to St. Johns County regulations and homeowners association restrictions. As an unincorporated planned community within St. Johns County, Nocatee falls under county jurisdiction which permits STRs with proper licensing and compliance with zoning requirements. However, many neighborhoods within Nocatee have HOA covenants that specifically prohibit or restrict short-term rentals, with some communities allowing only rentals of 30 days or longer. Property owners must obtain a business tax receipt from St. Johns County, comply with occupancy limits, provide parking, and follow noise ordinances. Recent changes around 2019-2020 saw St. Johns County implement stricter registration requirements and enforcement mechanisms for STR operators. The legal landscape remains complex as individual HOA restrictions often supersede county permissions, meaning that while STRs may be legally permissible under county law, they could still be prohibited by specific community covenants within Nocatee's various neighborhoods.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Nocatee, Florida include the Town Center district which attracts business travelers and families visiting the area's corporate offices and retail destinations, the Crosswater neighborhood near the golf course which appeals to golf tourists and luxury travelers seeking upscale accommodations, and the areas closest to Ponte Vedra Beach (approximately 10 minutes away) which capture overflow from beach tourists who prefer quieter residential settings. The Preserve and Austin Park neighborhoods are attractive for family-oriented visitors attending youth sports tournaments at the numerous athletic facilities, while properties near the Nocatee Station area benefit from proximity to shopping and dining options that appeal to longer-term business stays. The community's master-planned amenities including pools, fitness centers, and recreational facilities make it particularly appealing to families and groups seeking resort-style accommodations, while its location between Jacksonville and St. Augustine positions it well for tourists exploring both destinations who prefer a quieter base.

Airbnb properties in Nocatee, Florida are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Florida's state transient rental tax of 6%, St. Johns County's tourist development tax of 5%, and potentially additional local municipal taxes depending on the specific jurisdiction within Nocatee. These taxes are typically collected automatically by Airbnb through their platform for stays of six months or less, with Airbnb remitting payments directly to the Florida Department of Revenue and local tax authorities on a monthly basis. Property owners must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to obtain a transient rental license and may need additional permits from St. Johns County, with some hosts required to collect and remit taxes manually if not covered by Airbnb's automatic collection service. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding six months, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, though hosts should verify current rates and requirements as tax obligations can vary by specific location within the Nocatee area and are subject to periodic updates by local authorities.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Nocatee, Florida is approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $550,000-$650,000 based on median home prices in this master-planned community as of 2024. Furnishing costs range from $25,000-$40,000 for a complete 3-4 bedroom home including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but typically include a business tax receipt ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($100-$300) totaling approximately $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $3,000-$5,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable services require $1,000-$2,000 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($3,000-$4,500), maintenance and supplies ($1,500-$2,500), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($2,000-$3,000), and property management if outsourced ($4,000-$6,000) total approximately $12,000-$18,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Nocatee, Florida demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-$300 depending on property size and amenities, generating monthly revenues of $3,000-$7,500 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include mortgage payments ($1,500-$3,500), property management fees (15-25% of revenue), cleaning costs ($75-$150 per turnover), utilities ($200-$400), insurance ($150-$300), and maintenance ($300-$500 monthly), resulting in net profit margins of 25-40% for debt-free properties and 10-25% for leveraged investments. Success factors in this master-planned community include proximity to Jacksonville (20 minutes), family-friendly amenities like water parks and golf courses, new construction appeal, and strong corporate demand from nearby business districts. A typical 4-bedroom townhome purchased for $450,000 in 2022 generates approximately $5,500 monthly revenue with $3,200 in expenses, yielding $2,300 monthly profit or roughly 6% annual ROI, while luxury homes near TPC Sawgrass command premium rates of $400-$600 nightly during peak golf season, achieving profit margins exceeding 45% due to Nocatee's reputation as a top-rated planned community and its appeal to both leisure travelers and business professionals.

Airbnb investments in Nocatee, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Jacksonville beaches, premium golf communities, and family-friendly amenities that attract both leisure and corporate travelers year-round. Properties in Nocatee's newer developments like Twenty Mile and Del Webb communities command nightly rates of $150-300 depending on size and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually due to consistent demand from visitors to nearby Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville business districts. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for investors who purchase properties in the $400,000-600,000 range with 20-25% down payments, as the combination of strong rental income, low property taxes, and steady appreciation in this master-planned community creates favorable investment conditions. The market benefits from Nocatee's reputation as one of the fastest-growing communities in Northeast Florida, with companies like Toll Brothers and Lennar continuing development, supporting both short-term rental demand and long-term property value growth that can push total returns to 15-22% when including appreciation over a 3-5 year holding period.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Nocatee, Florida. Local real estate agents like The Nocatee Realty Group and Ponte Vedra Beach specialists at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty have extensive knowledge of the area's vacation rental market. National services include AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors identify profitable properties while providing turnkey management solutions. Local property management companies like Northeast Florida Vacation Rentals and Coastal Stays Management also assist investors in finding suitable properties while offering ongoing management services. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Awning focus specifically on short-term rental investments and operate in the Jacksonville/Nocatee market. Additionally, local real estate agents at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty and RE/MAX Unlimited have experience with investment properties in the Nocatee area and can provide insights into the most profitable neighborhoods for Airbnb investments.