Is Pembroke Pines, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Pembroke Pines, Florida, begin by researching local regulations as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow vacation rentals in residential areas with specific restrictions on rental duration and occupancy limits. Contact Pembroke Pines City Hall at 954-450-1020 to verify current requirements and obtain necessary permits including a business tax receipt ($25-50 annually), ensure compliance with Broward County health department regulations, and verify your property meets fire safety codes. Find a suitable property in residential zones like Century Village or Pembroke Lakes, ensuring it's in an area zoned for short-term rentals and consider proximity to attractions like Flamingo Gardens and major highways for guest convenience. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi, air conditioning (crucial in Florida), and safety equipment like smoke detectors and first aid kits, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. Create listings on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting Florida lifestyle amenities, set competitive rates based on local market research (typically $80-200 per night in Pembroke Pines), and write detailed descriptions emphasizing proximity to beaches, shopping at Pembroke Lakes Mall, and easy access to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleaning schedules between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, and consider hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa if you prefer hands-off management, while ensuring compliance with Florida's transient rental tax requirements and maintaining proper insurance coverage.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Pembroke Pines, Florida, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like Fort Lauderdale beaches, Sawgrass Mills mall, and Miami International Airport, particularly in neighborhoods like Century Village, Silver Lakes, and areas near Flamingo Road with good walkability scores and low crime rates. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, pools, updated kitchens, fast WiFi capability, and parking spaces, as these features command premium rates of $120-200 per night in the market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by at least 40%, typically requiring purchase prices under $400,000 for optimal ROI in Pembroke Pines. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 2-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underpriced properties, while monitoring occupancy rates that average 65-75% annually in the area. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while consulting Broward County's STR regulations and connecting with local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa to understand operational costs that typically run 25-35% of gross revenue.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Pembroke Pines, Florida, you must first contact the City of Pembroke Pines Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 10100 Pines Boulevard to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has restrictive regulations on STRs. If allowed, you'll need to submit a Special Use Permit application along with required documents including a completed application form, property survey, floor plans, proof of property ownership, certificate of use, business tax receipt, and a $500-750 application fee. Additional requirements typically include maintaining liability insurance of at least $1 million, providing adequate parking spaces, ensuring compliance with fire safety codes, obtaining neighbor notifications within 300 feet of the property, and scheduling a site inspection. The approval process generally takes 60-90 days and requires review by the Planning and Zoning Board and potentially the City Commission. You must also register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax collection and obtain a Broward County business license. Note that Pembroke Pines has been known to have some of the most restrictive STR regulations in South Florida, with many areas prohibiting short-term rentals entirely, so verification of current zoning allowances is critical before proceeding with any application.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally prohibited in Pembroke Pines, Florida, as the city has maintained restrictive zoning ordinances that effectively ban most vacation rental operations in residential areas. The city's zoning code typically restricts residential properties to long-term rentals of 30 days or more, making platforms like Airbnb and VRBO largely non-compliant within city limits. Pembroke Pines has been among the more restrictive South Florida municipalities regarding STRs, citing concerns about neighborhood character, parking, noise, and housing availability for permanent residents. While some limited exceptions may exist for certain commercial or mixed-use zones, the vast majority of residential neighborhoods prohibit short-term rental operations. The city has maintained this stance consistently over recent years, with code enforcement actively pursuing violations, and property owners found operating illegal STRs face fines and legal action. Unlike some neighboring municipalities that have created licensing frameworks or designated STR zones, Pembroke Pines has largely maintained its prohibition, making it one of the more restrictive cities in Broward County for vacation rental operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Pembroke Pines, Florida include the neighborhoods near Pembroke Lakes Golf Club and Country Club, which attract golf tourists and business travelers visiting nearby corporate offices, the areas around Pembroke Pines Charter High School and City Center for families attending school events and activities, and properties close to the Shops at Pembroke Gardens which draw visitors for shopping and dining experiences. The western sections near Chapel Trail and Silver Lakes offer luxury accommodations for travelers seeking upscale stays while visiting the greater Fort Lauderdale area, while neighborhoods near Flamingo Road provide easy access to major highways making them attractive for business travelers commuting to Miami-Dade and Broward County offices. Properties near C.B. Smith Park appeal to families visiting for recreational activities and events, and areas close to Memorial Hospital Pembroke attract medical tourists and families of patients seeking nearby accommodations.

In Pembroke Pines, Florida, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Florida state tourist development tax at 6% and Broward County's tourist development tax at 5%, totaling 11% on short-term rental stays under 30 days. These taxes are typically collected automatically by Airbnb through their platform and remitted directly to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though hosts should verify this arrangement and may need to register independently with the Florida Department of Revenue and Broward County Tax Collector's office. The city of Pembroke Pines may also impose additional local occupancy taxes ranging from 1-3%, which would require separate registration and monthly remittance by the host. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and some exemptions may exist for certain types of travelers such as government employees or those displaced by emergencies. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections, and failure to properly collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from the respective tax authorities.

To start an Airbnb in Pembroke Pines, Florida, the total initial costs would be approximately $520,000-$580,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $450,000-$500,000 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, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but generally include business license ($100-$300), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($100-$500), totaling approximately $1,000-$2,000. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage run $2,000-$4,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service typically cost $500-$1,000 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200-$300/month), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Pembroke Pines, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for entire homes and $15,000-$28,000 for private rooms, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% year-round due to the area's proximity to Fort Lauderdale and Miami attractions. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including property management fees (10-20%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-8% of revenue). Net profit margins typically range from 25-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in developments like Century Village and Pembroke Lakes achieving higher margins through strategic pricing during peak season (December-April) and special events at nearby venues like Hard Rock Stadium. Properties within 15 minutes of major highways (I-75, I-95) and featuring amenities like pools, updated kitchens, and dedicated workspaces command premium rates of $120-$180 per night compared to basic units at $80-$120, with hosts like those managing 2-3 bedroom condos near Pembroke Pines Charter High School area reporting annual profits of $12,000-$18,000 after all expenses when maintaining 4.8+ star ratings and implementing dynamic pricing strategies.

Airbnb investments in Pembroke Pines, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near Pembroke Lakes Mall and C.B. Smith Park command higher nightly rates of $80-150, while standard residential areas average $60-100 per night. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months, assuming 65-75% occupancy rates throughout the year. The market benefits from proximity to Fort Lauderdale airport, beaches within 20 minutes, and steady demand from business travelers and tourists. Investment properties typically require $40,000-80,000 down payment for median-priced homes around $400,000-500,000, with gross rental yields of 10-14% annually before expenses. Operating expenses including cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and platform fees typically consume 35-45% of gross revenue, leaving net returns in the 8-12% range for well-managed properties in prime locations.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents like Maria Rodriguez and Carlos Mendez who focus on South Florida vacation rental markets, while Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX agents such as Jennifer Thompson and Michael Santos have established practices in Broward County Airbnb investments since 2018. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data, and Awning for full-service Airbnb investment management, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals. Roofstock and Arrived Homes offer turnkey short-term rental properties, and companies like RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services for Airbnb investors. Local property management firms such as South Florida Vacation Rentals and Broward STR Management have emerged since 2019 to serve the growing investor market, while mortgage brokers like Lending Tree and local firms such as Florida Investment Lending specialize in financing vacation rental properties in the Pembroke Pines area.