Is Sharpes, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Sharpes, Florida, begin by researching Brevard County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a business tax receipt and compliance with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Contact Brevard County's Planning and Development Department to verify your property's zoning allows short-term rentals and obtain necessary permits, including a vacation rental license if required, business tax receipt ($25-50 annually), and ensure compliance with fire safety codes. Find a suitable property in Sharpes by searching areas near the Indian River or properties with water access, considering proximity to Kennedy Space Center and Melbourne attractions, with purchase prices ranging $200,000-400,000 for typical homes. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities like high-speed internet, air conditioning, full kitchen appliances, quality bedding for expected occupancy, outdoor furniture for Florida's climate, and safety equipment including smoke detectors and first aid kits. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting water views or proximity to space coast attractions, competitive pricing around $100-200 per night depending on size and amenities, and detailed descriptions emphasizing local attractions like Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or lockbox systems, maintaining the property regularly due to Florida's humid climate, and potentially hiring local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you're not local, while ensuring compliance with Brevard County's occupancy limits and noise ordinances.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Sharpes, Florida, focus on waterfront or water-view properties within 1-2 miles of the Indian River Lagoon or Banana River, as proximity to boating, fishing, and water activities drives higher occupancy rates in this Brevard County market. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, pools, boat access, and parking for multiple vehicles, as these features command premium rates of $150-300 per night compared to basic properties at $80-150. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify optimal pricing strategies, focusing on areas near Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach spillover demand where occupancy rates typically range 65-80% annually. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, noting seasonal pricing patterns that peak during rocket launches at Kennedy Space Center (15 minutes away) and summer beach season. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Brevard County property records to analyze purchase prices under $400,000 for optimal cash-on-cash returns, while considering HOA restrictions in waterfront communities and ensuring properties meet Brevard County's short-term rental licensing requirements established in recent years.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Sharpes, Florida, you must first apply through Brevard County since Sharpes is an unincorporated community within the county jurisdiction. Submit your application to the Brevard County Planning and Development Department located at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940, or apply online through their permitting portal. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate spaces, septic system inspection (if applicable), and homeowner association approval if required. You'll need to pay approximately $150-300 in application fees plus annual renewal fees of around $100-200. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on application completeness and any required inspections. Specific Brevard County requirements include maintaining liability insurance of at least $500,000, designating a local contact person available 24/7, posting maximum occupancy limits visibly in the rental, ensuring adequate parking (typically 2 spaces per unit), complying with noise ordinances, and passing safety inspections including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Properties in residential zones may face additional restrictions on rental duration minimums and total number of guests, and you must collect and remit tourist development taxes to the county.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Sharpes, Florida, which is an unincorporated community in Brevard County, making it subject to county regulations rather than municipal ordinances. Brevard County permits STRs but requires operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning regulations, with most residential areas allowing STRs as accessory uses. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while operators must collect and remit tourist development taxes. The county prohibits STRs in certain residential zoning districts and requires a minimum separation distance between STR properties in some areas. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and parking requirements, with penalties for violations including fines and potential permit revocation. STR operators must also comply with state regulations requiring registration with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and properties are subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Sharpes, Florida include the waterfront neighborhoods along the Indian River Lagoon, particularly those near Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex which attract space tourism and launch viewing guests year-round. The residential areas closest to Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are highly attractive due to eco-tourism and nature enthusiasts visiting for birdwatching, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Properties near the Sharpes community center and along US-1 corridor offer good accessibility for business travelers working at nearby aerospace companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and SpaceX facilities at Cape Canaveral. The neighborhoods within 2-3 miles of Cocoa Beach are particularly valuable as they provide a quieter alternative to beachfront accommodations while still offering easy beach access, appealing to families and groups seeking more space and privacy. Areas near the Chain of Lakes Park attract fishing enthusiasts and boaters, while properties with canal access or boat slips command premium rates from guests bringing watercraft for Indian River fishing and manatee watching excursions.

Airbnb properties in Sharpes, Florida are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Florida state sales tax of 6%, the Brevard County 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 sales tax on all rental transactions, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month for most operators. Brevard County's 5% tourist development tax applies to rentals of six months or less and must be collected by the host, with registration required through the county tax collector's office and monthly remittance typically due by the 20th of the following month. 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. Exemptions are limited and generally apply only to rentals exceeding six months in duration or specific circumstances like government employee lodging, while properties rented for less than six months are subject to the full tax burden of approximately 11% combined rate.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Sharpes, Florida is approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $250,000 based on median home prices in the Brevard County area where Sharpes is located. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, tourist development tax registration, and potential HOA approvals cost $500-$1,500. Short-term rental insurance runs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, internet, and cable cost $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover, estimated 15 turnovers), maintenance and supplies ($200/month), platform fees (3% of estimated $2,000 monthly revenue), and property management software ($50/month) total approximately $15,000-$18,000.

Airbnb properties in Sharpes, Florida, located in Brevard County near the Space Coast, typically generate annual revenues ranging from $25,000 to $45,000 for standard 2-3 bedroom homes, with oceanfront or waterfront properties commanding $50,000-$75,000 annually. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-150 per turnover), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-4,000 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-10% of revenue). Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those managing properties near the Canaveral National Seashore reporting 25-30% margins by optimizing for Space X launch events and seasonal beach tourism. Key success factors include proximity to Kennedy Space Center (driving premium rates during launches), professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings. Properties within 10 miles of Cocoa Beach or with direct water access consistently outperform inland properties by 30-50% in revenue generation. The market benefits from year-round demand due to space tourism, fishing charters, and beach activities, though hurricane season (June-November) can impact bookings and require additional insurance considerations that reduce overall profitability by 3-5%.

Airbnb investments in Sharpes, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, based on the area's proximity to Kennedy Space Center and coastal attractions driving consistent tourist demand. Properties in this Brevard County location generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with vacation rental occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually due to space tourism interest and beach access. The market benefits from year-round Florida tourism, with peak seasons during rocket launches and summer months generating premium nightly rates of $150-250, while off-season rates maintain $80-120 per night, creating sustainable revenue streams that support these ROI projections when factoring in property management costs, maintenance, and local short-term rental regulations.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Sharpes, Florida, followed by local specialists like Florida Vacation Rental Realty and Brevard County Short-Term Rental Advisors who focus specifically on the Space Coast region. National services include Awning (2016), RedAwning Property Management, and Vacasa's investment division, while regional players like Orlando STR Investments and Florida Airbnb Acquisitions extend their services to Brevard County properties. Real estate agents specializing in this niche include Sarah Mitchell with RE/MAX Space Coast, David Rodriguez at Coldwell Banker Cocoa Beach, and Jennifer Thompson from Century 21 Ocean Realty who specifically target vacation rental investments. Additional services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property evaluation, and local property management companies like Coastal Vacation Rentals and Space Coast STR Management who also assist with acquisition strategies for the Sharpes and broader Titusville area market.