Is Pierson, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Pierson, Florida, begin by researching Volusia County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a business tax receipt and may have zoning restrictions in residential areas. Contact Volusia County's Planning and Development Services to obtain necessary permits, including a short-term rental permit and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Pierson's residential neighborhoods, considering proximity to attractions like Blue Spring State Park (20 minutes away) and ensuring the property allows short-term rentals per HOA or lease agreements. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing around $80-150 per night based on local market rates, and highlight nearby attractions like DeLeon Springs and outdoor activities. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and considering hiring local cleaning services or property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you live far from Pierson, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and maintaining proper insurance coverage for short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Pierson, Florida, focus on properties within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like Blue Spring State Park and the St. Johns River, as these natural features drive tourism year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like pools, fire pits, or waterfront access, as these command premium rates of $150-300 per night compared to basic properties at $80-150. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to track seasonal demand patterns, with peak seasons typically during winter months (December-March) when northern visitors escape cold weather, and summer weekends for local getaways. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting occupancy rates average 60-75% for well-positioned properties, and identify gaps in amenities or property types that competitors lack. Utilize tools like Rabbu for market analysis, STR Helper for performance tracking, and connect with local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning who understand Pierson's unique market dynamics, while also consulting with Volusia County's planning department regarding STR regulations and zoning requirements that may affect profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Pierson, Florida, you must first contact the Volusia County Planning and Development Services Department since Pierson is an unincorporated community within Volusia County, and apply for a Short-Term Rental Business Tax Receipt through their office located at 123 West Indiana Avenue in DeLand or online through the county's permitting portal. Required documents typically include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with owner consent, a site plan showing parking and occupancy details, proof of liability insurance (minimum $500,000), a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and payment of applicable fees. The fees generally include a business tax receipt fee of approximately $50-75, a zoning compliance review fee of around $100-150, and an annual renewal fee of $50, though these amounts may vary based on property size and location. The application process typically takes 4-6 weeks for initial review and approval, provided all documentation is complete and the property meets zoning requirements. Specific Pierson/Volusia County requirements include maintaining the property's residential character, providing adequate off-street parking (typically one space per bedroom plus one additional space), ensuring the property doesn't exceed maximum occupancy limits based on square footage and bedrooms, maintaining a local contact person within 30 minutes of the property, and complying with noise ordinances and neighborhood compatibility standards.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Pierson, Florida, as the small unincorporated community in Volusia County operates under county regulations rather than municipal ordinances. Volusia County permits STRs but requires operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning restrictions, with STRs typically allowed in residential areas but subject to occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. The county has implemented registration requirements since approximately 2019-2020, mandating that operators provide contact information for a responsible party available 24/7 and maintain liability insurance. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced complaint procedures, though no outright bans have been implemented in the Pierson area. Properties must meet health and safety standards, and operators face potential fines for violations including excessive noise, overcrowding, or failure to maintain proper registration, with the county taking a moderate regulatory approach compared to some coastal Florida communities that have imposed more restrictive measures.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Pierson, Florida include the downtown historic district near Main Street and State Road 17, which attracts visitors interested in Old Florida charm and antique shopping, particularly during the annual Fern Festival and other community events. The lakefront properties along Lake George and the St. Johns River corridor are highly desirable for fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and nature lovers seeking waterfront access for bass fishing tournaments and eco-tourism activities. Areas near the Ocala National Forest boundary draw outdoor recreation visitors, hunters, and camping enthusiasts year-round. Properties within walking distance of the Pierson depot and railroad heritage sites appeal to history buffs and train enthusiasts. The residential neighborhoods along Volusia Avenue and near local farms attract agritourism visitors and those seeking rural retreats, especially during citrus season and harvest festivals. Investment properties should focus on these areas due to their proximity to natural attractions, seasonal events, and the growing trend of visitors seeking authentic small-town Florida experiences away from crowded beach destinations.

Airbnb properties in Pierson, Florida are subject to Florida's state transient rental tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, which is collected by the Florida Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by hosts who rent for periods of six months or less. Volusia County imposes an additional tourist development tax of 5% on short-term rentals, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 11% for most Airbnb stays in Pierson. The state tax is typically collected directly by Airbnb through their platform and remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue, while county taxes may require separate registration and remittance by individual hosts depending on local agreements with booking platforms. Hosts must register for a Florida sales tax certificate and may need to obtain a Volusia County tourist development tax account, with monthly returns due by the 20th of the following month. Exemptions generally apply to rentals exceeding six months in duration, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, though specific documentation requirements apply for claiming these exemptions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Pierson, Florida would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Volusia County. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs include $1,500-$2,500 for professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities. Permits and fees total $500-$800 covering business licenses, short-term rental permits from Volusia County, and HOA approvals if applicable. Insurance runs $1,200-$1,800 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities average $200-$300 monthly including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service. First six months operating costs include $3,000-$4,500 for utilities, $1,800-$2,400 for cleaning services, $600-$900 for supplies and maintenance, $1,200-$1,800 for platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO, and $500-$1,000 for marketing and guest amenities, totaling approximately $7,100-$10,600 for the initial operating period.

Airbnb properties in Pierson, Florida, a small rural town in Volusia County, typically generate modest returns due to limited tourism demand and lower nightly rates compared to major Florida destinations. Properties in this area average $45-75 per night with occupancy rates around 35-50% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $6,000-$14,000 per year for a typical 2-3 bedroom home. Operating expenses including property management (10-15%), cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue. Net profit margins generally range from 8-15% after all expenses, with successful properties leveraging proximity to outdoor activities like fishing at Lake George, hunting, and rural tourism experiences. Properties within 30 minutes of Daytona Beach or DeLand perform better, with some hosts reporting annual net profits of $3,000-$8,000 on properties valued at $150,000-$250,000. Success factors include competitive pricing, excellent guest communication, highlighting outdoor recreational opportunities, and maintaining properties that appeal to visitors seeking authentic rural Florida experiences rather than luxury accommodations.

Airbnb investments in Pierson, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are modest compared to larger Florida markets due to Pierson's rural location and limited tourist infrastructure. Properties in this small Volusia County town, with average investment costs of $150,000-$250,000, can expect gross rental yields of 10-15% annually, but after accounting for property management fees (typically 20-25%), maintenance, insurance, and vacancy rates of 25-35%, net returns are more conservative. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with seasonal demand peaking during winter months when northern visitors seek affordable Florida accommodations, though year-round occupancy remains challenging due to Pierson's limited attractions compared to nearby Daytona Beach or Orlando markets. The market benefits from lower property acquisition costs and taxes, but investors should expect longer booking lead times and potentially higher marketing costs to attract guests to this less-established vacation rental destination.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Pierson, Florida, followed by AirDNA which provides comprehensive short-term rental market data and investment insights for the area. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in Pierson include Volusia County-based agents from RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker, and Century 21 who focus on vacation rental properties near the Ocala National Forest. Mashvisor offers property analysis tools specifically for short-term rental investments in Florida markets, while Awning provides full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance in the region. BiggerPockets connects investors with local experts familiar with Pierson's proximity to outdoor recreation areas, and Roofstock specializes in turnkey rental properties including short-term rental opportunities in Central Florida. Local services include Pierson area property managers like Vacasa and RedAwning who also assist with property acquisition, plus regional real estate investment groups focused on the DeLand-Pierson corridor that capitalize on the area's appeal to nature tourists visiting Blue Spring State Park and fishing enthusiasts drawn to Lake George access points.