Is St. Augustine, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—St. Augustine, Florida combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Investing in Airbnb properties in St.
• Augustine, Florida, presents a compelling opportunity, largely driven by the city's robust tourism industry and unique historical appeal.
• Current market conditions indicate a strong demand for short-term rentals, fueled by a steady influx of tourists drawn to St.
• Augustine's historic sites, beaches, and cultural events.
• Property values in desirable areas of St.
• Augustine have shown appreciation, making real estate a solid long-term asset.

$1,200–$3,500 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Airbnb hosts in St.
• Augustine, Florida typically earn between $1,200 to $3,500 per month, with properties closer to the historic district and beaches commanding higher rates averaging $150-250 per night compared to $80-150 for properties further from attractions.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during spring break (March-April) and summer months (June-August) when monthly revenues can increase by 40-60% above winter averages.
• Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to historic attractions like Castillo de San Marcos and St.
• George Street (properties within walking distance earn 30-50% more), property type (entire homes outperform private rooms by approximately 60%).
• Data from vacation rental management companies and platforms like AirDNA and Mashvisor consistently show that well-managed properties in prime locations can achieve occupancy rates of 65-80% annually.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–15%.

• Airbnb investments in St.
• Augustine, Florida typically generate ROI between 8-15% annually, with prime historic district properties achieving the higher end due to tourist demand for authentic colonial experiences.
• The average daily rate ranges from $120-200 depending on property size and location, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% year-round thanks to consistent tourism from Flagler College, historic attractions.
• Payback periods generally span 7-12 years for properties purchased specifically for short-term rental.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals yielding 6-9% ROI in the same market, Airbnb properties outperform by 2-6 percentage points but require substantially more active management, higher insurance costs.
• George Street and the historic core command premium rates but face stricter zoning restrictions, while beach-adjacent properties in Vilano Beach or Anastasia Island offer more regulatory flexibility with strong seasonal performance driving the higher ROI ranges.

St. Augustine, Florida averages 68–72% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Augustine, Florida maintains an average annual Airbnb occupancy rate of approximately 68-72%, which is notably higher than the national average of around 48-52% and slightly above Florida's state average of 65-68%.
• The city experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with peak occupancy rates reaching 85-90% during the high season from March through May and again from September through November.
• Summer months (June-August) see moderate occupancy of 70-75% despite the heat and humidity, while the lowest occupancy occurs during January and February at around 45-55% when cooler temperatures deter many visitors.
• The shoulder seasons of late fall and early spring maintain steady rates of 65-70%, benefiting from St.
• Augustine's year-round appeal as America's oldest city with its historic charm, ghost tours, and cultural events.
• The city's strong performance compared to national averages is attributed to its unique historical significance, proximity to Jacksonville and Orlando, diverse tourist attractions.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The Historic District stands as the premier Airbnb investment location in St.
• George Street, and numerous historic sites, commanding premium nightly rates of $200-400 while attracting high-income tourists seeking authentic experiences.
• The Lincolnville neighborhood offers excellent value with lower property acquisition costs around $200,000-350,000, strong rental demand from visitors wanting walkable access to downtown attractions.
• Uptown/North City provides a sweet spot for investors with moderately priced properties ($250,000-450,000) that attract families and groups seeking more space while remaining within 10-15 minutes of major attractions.
• The Vilano Beach area commands premium pricing ($250-500 per night) due to beachfront proximity and attracts affluent visitors, couples.
• Davis Shores offers waterfront appeal with canal and Matanzas Bay access, attracting boaters and water enthusiasts while providing competitive rates and strong occupancy from visitors seeking a quieter alternative to downtown.
• The West Augustine area provides the most affordable entry point for investors with properties under $300,000, attracting budget-conscious travelers and longer-term visitors while still maintaining reasonable proximity to downtown attractions and offering potential for higher cash-on-cash returns due to lower acquisition costs.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• St.
• Augustine requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business tax receipt and register with the city, with properties limited to a maximum occupancy of two people per bedroom plus two additional guests.
• The city does not require owner-occupancy for short-term rentals, but properties must be located in areas zoned for residential use or mixed-use districts.
• Registration involves submitting an application with property details, contact information for a local representative available 24/7, proof of liability insurance, and payment of applicable fees.
• Recent changes have included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances, enhanced parking requirements mandating one space per bedroom, and increased penalties for violations.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Augustine, Florida are subject to multiple fees and taxes including a 6% Florida state sales tax, a 5% Florida tourist development tax, and a local St.
• Johns County tourist development tax of 4%, totaling approximately 15% in combined taxes on rental income.
• Property owners must obtain a business tax receipt from the city costing around $25-50 annually, register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax collection at no cost.
• Johns County with fees ranging from $100-200 per year.
• Additional costs include a one-time registration fee of approximately $50-75 with the county, potential homeowner association fees if applicable.
• Some properties may also be subject to special assessment districts or community development district fees varying by location, and owners must remit collected taxes monthly to the state.