Is Plantation, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Plantation, Florida, begin by researching local regulations as Plantation requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning ordinances that typically restrict rentals to properties zoned for commercial or mixed-use, though some residential areas may allow them with proper permits. Contact Plantation's Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall (400 NW 73rd Avenue) to verify your property's eligibility and obtain necessary permits, which may include a Certificate of Use and occupancy permits. Find a suitable property by searching areas like Plantation Acres or near major attractions like Westfield Broward Mall, ensuring it meets the city's safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities that appeal to tourists visiting nearby Fort Lauderdale beaches or business travelers, budgeting approximately $15,000-25,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO with professional photos highlighting proximity to Sawgrass Mills Mall and easy highway access, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in Broward County. Manage your listing by maintaining consistent communication with guests, coordinating cleaning services between stays, monitoring reviews, and ensuring compliance with Plantation's noise ordinances and parking restrictions, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes as Florida requires sales tax collection on short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Plantation, Florida, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, near Sawgrass Mills Mall, or close to major highways like I-595 and Florida's Turnpike for easy access to beaches and business districts. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with pools, updated kitchens, fast WiFi capability, and parking for 2+ vehicles, as these features command premium rates of $150-300 per night in the Plantation market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, typically requiring purchase prices under $400,000 for optimal ROI. Research competition within a 3-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, targeting areas with fewer than 20 active listings but strong demand indicators like 80%+ occupancy rates and positive review velocity. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while monitoring Plantation's specific STR regulations and HOA restrictions, as many communities in Broward County have varying short-term rental policies that can significantly impact profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Plantation, Florida, you must first contact the City of Plantation's Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 400 NW 73rd Avenue to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has restrictive regulations on STRs. You'll need to submit an application for a Conditional Use Permit or Special Exception, which requires a site plan, proof of property ownership or authorization letter, a detailed operational plan describing guest management and parking arrangements, and evidence of compliance with all building and fire codes. Required documents include a completed application form, property survey, floor plans, parking plan showing adequate spaces for guests, contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing on-site, and proof of liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million. The application fee is approximately $500-800 for the conditional use permit plus additional fees for public notices and hearings, with the total process taking 60-90 days including a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board and potentially the City Commission. Plantation requires STR operators to maintain a business tax receipt, limit occupancy to no more than two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, provide adequate off-street parking (typically one space per bedroom), ensure 24/7 local contact availability, and comply with noise ordinances and neighborhood compatibility standards, with many residential areas prohibiting short-term rentals entirely.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Plantation, Florida are generally prohibited in residential areas under the city's current zoning regulations. The City of Plantation has maintained restrictive policies on STRs since approximately 2017-2018, prohibiting them in single-family residential zones and most multi-family residential areas to preserve neighborhood character and prevent commercial activity in residential neighborhoods. STRs may only be permitted in certain commercial or mixed-use zoning districts with proper licensing and compliance with city regulations, including business tax receipts, safety inspections, and adherence to occupancy limits. The city has not made significant changes to liberalize these restrictions in recent years, maintaining its position that residential neighborhoods should remain primarily for long-term housing rather than transient accommodations. Property owners considering STR operations in Plantation must verify their specific zoning designation and obtain all required permits before listing properties on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, as violations can result in code enforcement actions and fines.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Plantation, Florida include the Plantation Acres neighborhood, which offers luxury single-family homes attractive to families and business travelers visiting nearby corporate headquarters like DHL Americas and Motorola Solutions; the Jacaranda area near Jacaranda Golf Club, appealing to golf tourists and upscale leisure travelers; neighborhoods around Plantation Central Park and the Plantation Historical Museum, which attract families and cultural tourists; areas near the Broward Mall and Peters Road corridor, popular with shopping tourists and business travelers accessing Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport just 15 minutes away; and the Sawgrass Mills vicinity, benefiting from proximity to one of the largest outlet malls in the US which draws millions of international shoppers annually. These areas capitalize on Plantation's strategic location between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, its excellent schools attracting relocating families needing temporary housing, major corporate presence generating business travel demand, and recreational amenities like golf courses, parks, and shopping destinations that appeal to both domestic and international tourists, particularly from Latin America and Europe.

In Plantation, Florida, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging and occupancy taxes including the Florida state tourist development tax at 6% on the first $3,000 of rent, Broward County's tourist development tax at 5% on rental amounts, and the Florida sales tax at 6% on short-term rentals under 6 months. The City of Plantation imposes an additional local business tax and may require a business license for short-term rental operations. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system, though hosts should verify their registration status with the Florida Department of Revenue and Broward County Tax Collector. Exemptions may apply for rentals exceeding 6 months or properties used for permanent residency, and hosts operating multiple properties may need to register separately as vacation rental businesses with additional permit requirements and fees ranging from $150-500 annually depending on the property type and local regulations.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Plantation, Florida is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $400,000-$450,000 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, and marketing materials run $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees include business license ($100-$300), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($500-$1,000). Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total $500-$1,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($3,600), maintenance reserves ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($1,000) add approximately $8,100. Additional considerations include potential property improvements ($5,000-$10,000) and working capital reserves ($10,000-$15,000) for unexpected expenses during the initial months of operation.

Airbnb properties in Plantation, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned units, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$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 successful properties, with higher-end condos near Plantation's central business district and those offering amenities like pools or proximity to Sawgrass Mills mall commanding premium rates. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak winter months (December-April), maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, professional photography, and targeting the area's business travelers and families visiting nearby attractions. Properties within 10 miles of Fort Lauderdale airport and those offering monthly discounts for seasonal residents tend to achieve occupancy rates of 65-80%, while less optimized properties may struggle with 40-50% occupancy and correspondingly lower profitability.

Airbnb investments in Plantation, 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 Plantation Central Park and major shopping centers like The Fountains can achieve higher returns of 10-15% annually, while standard residential properties average 8-10%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months for well-positioned properties, with full investment recovery expected in 7-10 years. The market benefits from Plantation's proximity to Fort Lauderdale airport, corporate headquarters like DHL and Motorola, and year-round tourism demand, supporting average daily rates of $120-180 depending on property size and amenities. Occupancy rates typically range from 65-75% annually, with peak seasons during winter months and spring break periods driving higher returns for investors who optimize their pricing strategies and property management.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Plantation, Florida. Local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker Realty, RE/MAX, and Keller Williams in the Plantation area have developed expertise in Airbnb investment properties since around 2015-2018. National services include Mashvisor (founded 2014), which provides rental property analytics, and AirDNA (established 2015), offering market data for short-term rentals. Local companies such as South Florida Property Management Group and Plantation-based investment firms like Florida Real Estate Investments have emerged to serve the growing Airbnb market. Additional services include RedAwning (2009), a vacation rental management platform, and local property management companies like Elite Host Co and Airbnb Automation that specifically cater to short-term rental investors. Real estate agents such as those at Douglas Elliman and Compass in the greater Fort Lauderdale area, which includes Plantation, have also developed specialized Airbnb investment services since approximately 2016-2019 to help investors identify properties with strong rental potential in this South Florida market.