Is Sunrise, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Sunrise, Florida, begin by researching local regulations as Sunrise requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow vacation rentals in residential areas with restrictions on rental duration and occupancy limits. Contact Sunrise City Hall at 954-746-3000 to verify current requirements and obtain necessary permits including a business tax receipt ($25-50 annually) and ensure compliance with Broward County health department regulations for properties renting less than 30 days. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Sawgrass Mills Mall, BB&T Center, or residential neighborhoods like Sunrise Lakes, ensuring the property allows short-term rentals per HOA or lease agreements, with average property costs ranging $200,000-400,000 for condos and $300,000-600,000 for single-family homes. Furnish the space with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen appliances, WiFi, cable TV, and Florida-specific items like beach towels and sunscreen, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting proximity to Fort Lauderdale beaches (15 minutes), Everglades (30 minutes), and major attractions, setting competitive rates of $80-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests ($50-100 per cleaning), responding to inquiries within one hour, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining 24/7 guest communication, and considering hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa (15-25% commission) if managing remotely, while ensuring compliance with Florida's 6% sales tax and Broward County's 6% tourist development tax collection requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Sunrise, 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-95 and I-75 for easy access to Miami and Fort Lauderdale attractions. 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 Sunrise 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 Rabbu, BiggerPockets market analysis tools, and local MLS data through partnerships with Sunrise-based real estate agents familiar with HOA restrictions and city regulations, while monitoring Broward County tourism statistics and seasonal demand patterns that show peak performance during winter months and spring break periods.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Sunrise, Florida, you must first contact the City of Sunrise Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 10770 W Oakland Park Blvd to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has restrictions on STRs in residential areas. If permitted, you'll need to submit an application for a business tax receipt through the City Clerk's office, providing required documents including property deed or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate spaces, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing on-site. Additionally, you must obtain a Broward County business license and comply with fire safety inspections conducted by Broward County Fire Rescue. The application fee is approximately $150-200 for the city permit plus $50-75 for county licensing, with the entire process typically taking 4-6 weeks for approval. Sunrise requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide 24/7 contact information to neighbors, and ensure compliance with noise ordinances and parking requirements, with properties subject to annual renewal and periodic inspections.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Sunrise, Florida are generally legal but subject to local regulations and restrictions. The city of Sunrise requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with zoning requirements, typically limiting rentals to properties in areas zoned for commercial or mixed-use rather than single-family residential neighborhoods. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while operators must collect and remit local tourist development taxes. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and parking requirements, with some residential areas implementing additional restrictions on the number of STR permits allowed per neighborhood. The city has also increased penalties for non-compliance and requires more detailed registration information from operators. Homeowners associations may impose additional restrictions beyond city requirements, and properties in certain residential subdivisions may be prohibited from operating as STRs entirely based on deed restrictions or HOA covenants.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Sunrise, Florida include the Sawgrass Mills vicinity, which attracts millions of shoppers annually to one of the largest outlet malls in the US and benefits from proximity to BB&T Center (now FLA Live Arena) hosting Florida Panthers games and major concerts. The Sunrise Golf Village area appeals to golf tourists visiting courses like Sunrise Country Club and Jacaranda Golf Club, while offering easy access to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport for business travelers. The Welleby neighborhood provides a quieter residential option that still captures overflow from nearby Sawgrass attractions and benefits from families visiting Markham Park for recreational activities. Areas near the Sunrise Civic Center and government district attract business travelers attending conferences, legal proceedings, and municipal meetings. The western Sunrise areas near the Everglades Holiday Park capitalize on eco-tourism and airboat tour visitors, while eastern sections benefit from proximity to major employers like Motorola Solutions headquarters and the growing Sawgrass Corporate Parkway business district, creating consistent demand from corporate travelers and relocated employees.

In Sunrise, Florida, Airbnb properties are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Florida state tourist development tax at 6% and Broward County's tourist development tax at 5%, totaling 11% in occupancy taxes. These taxes apply to rental periods of six months or less and are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit Florida's 6% sales tax on short-term rental income, though this is also handled automatically by Airbnb in most cases. The City of Sunrise may impose additional local business tax requirements for short-term rental operators, typically ranging from $50-200 annually depending on rental volume. Exemptions generally apply to rentals exceeding 30 days, government employees on official business, and certain medical-related stays, though documentation is required. Hosts should register with the Florida Department of Revenue and Broward County's tax collector office, and while Airbnb handles most tax collection and remittance as of 2018, hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance and may need to file periodic returns even when taxes are collected automatically.

To start an Airbnb in Sunrise, Florida, expect total costs around $420,000-$480,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $350,000-$400,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 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 approximately $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Broward County include business tax receipts, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees totaling roughly $1,500-$2,500 annually. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage average $3,000-$4,000 per year, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service require about $1,000-$1,500 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($300-400/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance reserves, property management software subscriptions, and marketing expenses total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period while building reviews and establishing the listing.

Airbnb properties in Sunrise, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for single-family homes and $18,000-$32,000 for condos, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$140 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$4,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$6,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving occupancy rates of 65-80% by leveraging Sunrise's proximity to Fort Lauderdale attractions, beaches within 20 minutes, and the Sawgrass Mills shopping center. Properties near Sunrise Golf Club and those offering pools or modern amenities command premium rates, with some three-bedroom homes generating $50,000+ annually. Success factors include professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, and targeting both leisure travelers visiting South Florida beaches and business travelers attending events at nearby BB&T Center, with the most profitable properties being those purchased below $350,000 that can achieve 20%+ annual returns on investment.

Airbnb investments in Sunrise, 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 Sawgrass Mills Mall and major highways can achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with average daily rates between $85-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The Sunrise market benefits from proximity to Fort Lauderdale airport, business districts, and tourist attractions, supporting consistent year-round demand from both business and leisure travelers. Properties purchased with 20-25% down payments in the $250,000-$400,000 range typically generate monthly cash flows of $800-$1,500 after expenses including property management fees of 15-20%, cleaning costs, utilities, and maintenance reserves.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Sunrise, Florida. Local real estate agents serving the Sunrise market include Keller Williams Realty, Coldwell Banker, and RE/MAX agents who focus on investment properties in Broward County. National services like Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for Airbnb investments in the South Florida region. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors identify and acquire profitable vacation rental properties in Sunrise. Local investment-focused real estate companies such as Florida Real Estate Investments and South Florida Property Group specialize in helping clients find cash-flowing rental properties. Additional services include Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, Awning for Airbnb-specific investment guidance, and local property management companies like Host Fully and Hostfully that can provide insights into the most profitable areas within Sunrise for short-term rental investments.