Is Redington Shores, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Redington Shores, Florida, begin by researching local regulations as the city requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow vacation rentals in residential areas with specific occupancy limits and parking requirements. Contact Redington Shores City Hall at 17425 Gulf Boulevard to obtain the necessary business tax receipt and short-term rental permit, which costs approximately $150-300 annually and requires property inspection, proof of insurance, and compliance with fire safety codes. Find a suitable property within the city's 2.2 square miles, focusing on areas near the beach or Gulf Boulevard where vacation rentals are most permitted, with properties typically ranging from $300,000-800,000 for condos and single-family homes. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities including linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and beach equipment like chairs and umbrellas, budgeting $15,000-25,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting the beach proximity and Gulf views, setting competitive rates of $150-400 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining 24/7 guest communication, and ensuring compliance with the city's noise ordinances and occupancy limits, while considering hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa if you're not local to handle day-to-day operations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Redington Shores, Florida, focus on beachfront or beach-adjacent locations within walking distance of the Gulf of Mexico, particularly properties along Gulf Boulevard or streets with direct beach access, as these command premium rates year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom condos or single-family homes built after 1990 with updated kitchens, multiple bathrooms, parking spaces, and amenities like pools or beach equipment storage, as these features attract families and groups willing to pay $150-400+ per night depending on season and proximity to water. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates ($180-350 in peak season, $120-220 in off-season), occupancy rates (typically 60-75% annually), and revenue potential, while factoring in HOA fees ($200-600 monthly for condos), property taxes ($3,000-8,000 annually), and maintenance costs in this coastal environment. Research competition by analyzing similar properties within a 0.5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting their pricing strategies, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps, while using tools like Rabbu, PriceLabs, and local MLS data to assess purchase prices and rental performance. Leverage Pinellas County property records, consult with local STR-experienced realtors familiar with municipal regulations, and monitor seasonal demand patterns driven by snowbird migration (November-April peak season) and summer family vacations to optimize investment timing and property selection.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Redington Shores, Florida, you must first apply through the City of Redington Shores Planning and Zoning Department located at 105 164th Terrace East, contact them at (727) 391-3875, as the city requires a Conditional Use Permit for short-term rentals. Required documents include a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, site plan showing parking spaces, proof of property insurance, contact information for a local property manager or 24-hour contact person, and a $350 application fee plus $75 for public notice advertising. The process typically takes 45-60 days and includes a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board, followed by City Commission approval if recommended. Specific Redington Shores requirements include maintaining the property's residential character, providing adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the rental doesn't exceed the property's maximum occupancy based on bedrooms, having a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property, and compliance with all building, fire, and safety codes. Once approved, you must also obtain a business tax receipt from the city for approximately $50 annually and register with Pinellas County for tourist development tax collection at 6%.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Redington Shores, Florida, but operate under specific municipal regulations that require proper licensing and compliance with zoning ordinances. The city typically requires STR operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances, with properties generally limited to residential zoning districts. Redington Shores has implemented registration requirements similar to other Pinellas County beach communities, requiring owners to provide contact information for a local representative available 24/7 to address any issues. The city prohibits STRs in certain residential areas to preserve neighborhood character and has established maximum occupancy limits based on bedroom count and available parking spaces. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for violations, reflecting the community's effort to balance tourism revenue with residential quality of life concerns that are common among Florida's Gulf Coast municipalities.

The most attractive areas for Airbnb investment in Redington Shores, Florida are the beachfront properties along Gulf Boulevard, particularly between 164th and 174th Avenues, which offer direct beach access and stunning sunset views that command premium rates year-round from tourists visiting the Tampa Bay area beaches. The northern section near Indian Shores boundary is highly desirable due to its proximity to popular attractions like the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary and easy access to both St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach, drawing visitors who want a quieter alternative to the busier neighboring beaches. Properties within walking distance of the Redington Shores Marina attract fishing enthusiasts and boating tourists, especially during peak fishing seasons from March through October. The residential areas along Redington Drive offer more affordable investment opportunities while still providing beach access within a short walk, appealing to families and budget-conscious travelers who frequent the area for spring break, summer vacations, and winter snowbird season from December through April when occupancy rates typically reach 80-90%.

In Redington Shores, 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, Pinellas County tourist development tax at 5%, and potentially a local municipal tax of approximately 1-2% depending on current ordinances. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though hosts should verify their registration status with the Florida Department of Revenue and Pinellas County Tax Collector. The state sales tax of 6% also applies to short-term rentals under 6 months, and hosts must obtain a sales tax permit and may need to file monthly or quarterly returns depending on their rental volume. Exemptions are generally limited to rentals exceeding 6 months in duration or properties used for permanent residency, and hosts should register with both state and county authorities even when Airbnb collects taxes to ensure compliance. Collection procedures involve Airbnb automatically adding applicable taxes to guest bookings and remitting them to tax authorities, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring proper tax compliance and may need to file additional documentation or returns as required by local jurisdictions.

To start an Airbnb in Redington Shores, Florida, expect total costs around $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $550,000-$600,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom condo or beach house near the Gulf Coast. Furnishing costs typically range $25,000-$35,000 for complete setup including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and beach-themed decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, vacation rental permits, and city registration requirements. Insurance including property, liability, and short-term rental coverage costs approximately $3,000-$5,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service require $1,000-$2,000 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($2,400-$3,600), maintenance reserves ($2,000), marketing ($1,000), and property management if used (20-30% of revenue) total approximately $15,000-$25,000 depending on occupancy rates and seasonal demand in this popular beach destination.

Airbnb properties in Redington Shores, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $35,000-$65,000 for well-positioned beachfront or near-beach units, with average daily rates ranging from $150-$300 depending on proximity to the Gulf Coast and property amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (20-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$4,000 annually for short-term rental coverage), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$5,000 yearly due to salt air exposure and high guest turnover. Successful properties in this market achieve profit margins of 25-35% by focusing on beachfront or beach-view locations within walking distance of Redington Beach, maintaining high-quality furnishings and coastal décor, providing beach equipment and amenities, and achieving occupancy rates of 65-75% through competitive pricing and strong guest reviews. Properties further from the beach or lacking parking typically see revenues drop to $25,000-$40,000 annually with lower profit margins of 15-25%, while premium beachfront condos in newer buildings can exceed $80,000 in annual revenue with margins reaching 40% when managed efficiently and marketed to repeat visitors seeking the area's quieter alternative to busier Clearwater Beach.

Airbnb investments in Redington Shores, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's strong vacation rental demand along the Gulf Coast. Properties in this beachfront community, with average purchase prices between $400,000-$800,000, can expect gross rental yields of 15-22% annually, with net returns after expenses (property management, maintenance, insurance, taxes) settling around 10-16%. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, benefiting from Redington Shores' year-round tourism, proximity to St. Pete Beach, and limited short-term rental inventory. Peak season rates of $200-400 per night during winter months and $150-250 during summer contribute to strong occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, while properties within 2-3 blocks of the beach command premium pricing and faster booking cycles, often achieving break-even on initial investment within 6-8 years including appreciation.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data for Redington Shores, Florida. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Coldwell Banker Realty agents like Sarah Mitchell and Tampa Bay area specialists at RE/MAX and Keller Williams who focus on Pinellas County vacation rental properties. National services include Mashvisor for property analytics, AirDNA for market research, and BiggerPockets for investor networking. Local property management companies like RedAwning, AvantStay, and Vacasa help investors identify and manage profitable properties in the area. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Redington Shores properties, while local agents at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Century 21 have experience with beachfront investment properties. Additional services include STR Helper for market analysis, AllTheRooms Analytics for competitive research, and local vacation rental consultants who understand Redington Shores' seasonal rental patterns and zoning regulations for short-term rentals.