Is Scottsmoor, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Scottsmoor, Florida, begin by researching Brevard County's short-term rental regulations, as Scottsmoor falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal codes. Contact Brevard County Planning and Development at (321) 633-2069 to verify current zoning requirements and obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business tax receipt ($25-50 annually) and potentially a conditional use permit if required in your specific zoning district. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings through local realtors like RE/MAX or Century 21, focusing on homes near the Canaveral National Seashore or Indian River since Scottsmoor's appeal lies in its natural attractions and proximity to Titusville (15 minutes south). Purchase property with strong WiFi capability since the area is rural, then furnish with coastal-themed decor from stores like HomeGoods, Target, or local furniture outlets in nearby Titusville, ensuring you include essentials like quality linens, kitchen supplies, and outdoor furniture for the Florida climate. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the natural surroundings, proximity to Kennedy Space Center (30 minutes), and peaceful rural setting, pricing competitively around $80-150 per night based on comparable properties in the region. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in Titusville or Mims, installing smart locks for remote access, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while highlighting nearby attractions like the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and New Smyrna Beach (45 minutes east).

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Scottsmoor, Florida, focus on waterfront or water-adjacent locations near the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon, as these areas attract fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers year-round. Target single-family homes with 2-4 bedrooms, boat access, fishing amenities, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate $150-300 per night rates based on proximity to water and unique features like docks or kayak launches. Analyze comparable properties within a 10-mile radius including Titusville and New Smyrna Beach using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates (typically 60-75% in this market) and average daily rates, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches to identify gaps in amenities or pricing. Utilize the Brevard County Property Appraiser website for property values, Zillow for rental estimates, and STR Helper for local regulation compliance, while considering properties under $400,000 that can generate 15-25% annual returns through strategic positioning as fishing retreats or nature getaways serving the Orlando-Melbourne corridor tourist market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Scottsmoor, Florida, you must first apply through Brevard County since Scottsmoor is an unincorporated community within the county jurisdiction. Begin by contacting the Brevard County Planning and Development Department at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940, or visit their website to download the Short-Term Rental Registration application. Required documents typically include a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of property insurance, business tax receipt from Brevard County, state sales tax permit, septic system inspection (if applicable), and parking plan showing adequate spaces. Submit the application with a fee of approximately $150-200 for initial registration plus annual renewal fees of around $75-100. The review process generally takes 30-45 business days once all required documents are submitted. Specific Brevard County requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy based on septic capacity or two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, providing adequate parking (typically one space per bedroom), ensuring the property meets all building and fire codes, maintaining liability insurance of at least $500,000, and designating a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond to the property within 30 minutes if issues arise.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Scottsmoor, Florida are generally legal but subject to Brevard County regulations since Scottsmoor is an unincorporated community. Brevard County allows STRs in most residential areas but requires operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning requirements, with properties typically needing to be in areas zoned for residential use. The county prohibits STRs in some deed-restricted communities and requires compliance with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Recent changes around 2019-2021 included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced complaint procedures, though no outright bans have been implemented. Properties must meet health and safety standards, and operators are responsible for ensuring guests comply with local ordinances, with violations potentially resulting in fines or permit revocation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Scottsmoor, Florida are primarily along the Indian River Lagoon waterfront properties and near the Canaveral National Seashore access points, as these locations attract nature enthusiasts, fishing groups, and tourists seeking peaceful waterfront retreats away from crowded beach destinations. Properties near the Haulover Canal and Mosquito Lagoon are particularly attractive due to excellent fishing opportunities and proximity to Kennedy Space Center (about 30 minutes south), drawing space tourism visitors and NASA contractors seeking quieter accommodations. The residential areas along US Highway 1 offer good investment potential due to accessibility while maintaining the rural charm that appeals to visitors wanting to experience "Old Florida" atmosphere. Areas near Klondike Beach and the undeveloped stretches of coastline are increasingly popular with eco-tourists, kayakers, and bird watchers visiting the nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The proximity to New Smyrna Beach (20 minutes north) and Titusville (15 minutes south) makes Scottsmoor an attractive middle-ground location for visitors wanting to explore multiple destinations while staying in a more affordable and tranquil setting, particularly appealing to families and groups seeking vacation rentals with boat access and fishing opportunities.

Airbnb properties in Scottsmoor, Florida are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Florida state sales tax of 6% on transient rentals, Brevard County's tourist development tax of 5%, and potentially additional local municipal taxes. The Florida Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and collect the 6% state tax on all rental stays of six months or less, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month. Brevard County's 5% tourist development tax applies to all transient accommodations and must be collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the Brevard County Tax Collector's office. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in some cases through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify collection with their local tax authorities. Properties rented for more than six consecutive months to the same guest are generally exempt from these transient occupancy taxes, and certain exemptions may apply for government employees or long-term medical stays, though documentation is typically required to qualify for exemptions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Scottsmoor, Florida would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, vacation rental permit, and inspection fees would total $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable would be $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900), cleaning supplies ($300), maintenance ($500), marketing ($600), and platform fees on estimated $18,000 revenue ($2,700) would total approximately $5,000. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 is recommended for unexpected expenses and initial vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Scottsmoor, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$32,000 for single-family homes and $12,000-$24,000 for condos, with occupancy rates averaging 45-60% due to the area's proximity to Kennedy Space Center and Canaveral National Seashore. Operating expenses generally run 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,400 annually), and maintenance costs. Net profit margins typically range from 15-25% after expenses, with properties closer to the beach or space center commanding premium rates of $120-$180 per night versus inland properties at $80-$130 per night. Success factors include strategic pricing during rocket launches when rates can surge 200-300%, maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, offering space-themed amenities, and targeting the growing "space tourism" market, with properties like beachfront homes in nearby New Smyrna Beach reporting 70%+ occupancy rates and $45,000+ annual revenues. The market benefits from year-round demand driven by space launches, fishing charters, and beach tourism, though hurricane season and seasonal fluctuations can impact profitability, making properties with strong local marketing and flexible cancellation policies more successful in this emerging vacation rental market.

Airbnb investments in Scottsmoor, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to Kennedy Space Center and Canaveral National Seashore which attracts space tourism and nature enthusiasts year-round. Properties in this small unincorporated community, particularly 3-4 bedroom homes priced between $200,000-$350,000, can achieve average daily rates of $120-$180 with occupancy rates of 65-75% during peak seasons (December-April and summer months). Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months, with investors seeing positive cash flow after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 15-25%, cleaning costs, and maintenance expenses. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory in the immediate area and strong demand from visitors to nearby Titusville and New Smyrna Beach, though seasonal fluctuations can impact winter months outside of space launch periods, with some properties experiencing 40-50% occupancy during slower periods.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Scottsmoor, Florida. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Realty agents in nearby Titusville and Melbourne, RE/MAX specialists in Brevard County, and Keller Williams agents focusing on vacation rental investments along the Space Coast. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis and market insights, BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing, Awning for short-term rental investment guidance, and RedAwning for vacation rental market analysis. Local property management companies that assist investors include Vacasa, which operates throughout Florida's coastal markets, and several boutique vacation rental management firms serving the Space Coast area. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Fundrise also provide opportunities for remote investors looking to purchase turnkey Airbnb properties in the greater Brevard County region, while local mortgage brokers specializing in investment properties can be found through First Florida Credit Union and Space Coast Credit Union.