Is Temple Terrace, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Temple Terrace, Florida, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Temple Terrace Planning and Zoning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with residential zoning restrictions that may limit rentals to primary residences or specific zones. Contact the city clerk's office at (813) 506-6430 to verify current short-term rental ordinances and obtain necessary permits, including a business tax receipt ($25-50 annually) and potentially a conditional use permit if required for your property type. Find a suitable property by searching areas zoned for residential use, focusing on neighborhoods near Busch Gardens, University of South Florida, or downtown Tampa for higher demand, ensuring the property meets Temple Terrace's occupancy limits (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional). Furnish the space with essential amenities including WiFi, air conditioning, full kitchen appliances, quality bedding, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by Florida fire codes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing ($80-150/night based on local market rates), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to major attractions. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, collecting and remitting Florida sales tax (6% state plus local taxes), and ensuring compliance with Temple Terrace noise ordinances and parking regulations while maintaining liability insurance coverage for short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Temple Terrace, Florida, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of University of South Florida campus, near Busch Gardens (20-minute drive), and close to the Hillsborough River for recreational activities, as these areas attract students, families, and business travelers year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, pools, parking, and fast WiFi, as Temple Terrace's median home prices range from $200,000-$400,000 making entry costs reasonable compared to Tampa proper. Analyze comparable STR rates using AirDNA and Mashvisor, where Temple Terrace properties typically command $80-150 per night with 60-75% occupancy rates, generating $2,000-$4,500 monthly revenue. Research competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches revealing approximately 50-80 active listings in the area, with successful properties emphasizing proximity to USF, family-friendly amenities, and professional photography. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while consulting Temple Terrace's municipal code for STR regulations and connecting with local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa who understand the market dynamics between university demand, theme park visitors, and Tampa Bay area business travel.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Temple Terrace, Florida, you must first contact the City of Temple Terrace Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 11250 N 56th Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has restrictions on STRs in residential areas. You'll need to submit an application for a Special Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit (estimated $300-500 fee) along with required documents including property deed, site plan, floor plan, proof of property insurance, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking. Additionally, you must obtain a Florida Department of Revenue sales tax permit, register with Hillsborough County for tourist development tax collection, and secure a City of Temple Terrace business tax receipt (approximately $50-100 annually). The application process typically takes 30-60 days and may require a public hearing before the Planning Commission. Temple Terrace specifically requires STR operators to maintain the property in residential character, limit occupancy to no more than 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), ensure 24/7 contact availability, and comply with noise ordinances, with properties subject to annual inspections and renewal requirements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Temple Terrace, Florida are currently prohibited in residential zoning districts under the city's municipal code, which was updated around 2019-2020 to specifically address the growing concerns about STRs in residential neighborhoods. The city defines STRs as rentals of less than 30 days and has banned them in single-family residential areas to preserve neighborhood character and prevent disruptions to permanent residents. STRs may be permitted in certain commercial or mixed-use zoning districts, but operators must obtain proper business licenses and comply with all applicable regulations including parking requirements, occupancy limits, and noise ordinances. Temple Terrace joined many other Florida municipalities in restricting STRs despite state legislation that generally favors property rights, citing local authority to regulate land use and zoning matters. Property owners found operating illegal STRs in residential zones face code enforcement actions and potential fines, and the city actively monitors platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to identify violations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Temple Terrace, Florida include the neighborhoods near the University of South Florida campus boundary, particularly around Fowler Avenue and 56th Street, which attract visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees year-round. The historic Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club area offers upscale appeal for business travelers and golf enthusiasts, especially during tournament seasons and corporate retreats. Properties near the Hillsborough River and Temple Terrace Recreational Complex draw nature lovers, kayakers, and families attending youth sports tournaments. The downtown Temple Terrace corridor along Busch Boulevard provides convenient access to major employers like Moffitt Cancer Center and attracts medical professionals and patients' families seeking extended stays. Areas close to Busch Gardens (approximately 10 minutes away) benefit from theme park tourism overflow, particularly during peak seasons from December through April, while neighborhoods near major shopping centers like University Square Mall capture business travelers and visitors attending events at nearby venues.

In Temple Terrace, Florida, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Florida state sales tax of 6%, Hillsborough County tourist development tax of 5%, and potentially a local bed tax that varies by municipality but typically ranges from 1-3%. 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 hosts collecting over $200 annually. The Hillsborough County tourist development tax of 5% must be collected on rentals of six months or less and remitted monthly to the Hillsborough County Tax Collector's office, with registration required through their office. Temple Terrace may impose an additional local bed tax of approximately 2% that requires separate registration with the city clerk's office and monthly remittance. Airbnb automatically collects and remits these taxes in many Florida jurisdictions through agreements established around 2017-2018, but hosts should verify coverage with local tax authorities as some smaller municipalities like Temple Terrace may not be included in these automatic collection agreements. Exemptions typically apply to rentals exceeding 30 days for transient lodging taxes, though the state sales tax may still apply depending on the specific rental arrangement and services provided.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Temple Terrace, Florida would be approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase costs around $320,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, 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, short-term rental permit, and city registration would total $500-$1,200. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $2,500-$4,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable would be $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover, estimated 15 turnovers), maintenance and supplies ($300/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing would total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees if applicable and emergency fund for repairs, which could add another $5,000-$10,000 to the initial investment.

Airbnb properties in Temple Terrace, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $12,000-$22,000 for condos, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% after all expenses, with successful properties achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, excellent guest experiences, and efficient operations. Success factors in Temple Terrace include proximity to University of South Florida (driving consistent demand from visiting families and academics), competitive pricing against nearby Tampa properties, professional photography, rapid guest communication, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings. Properties within 10 minutes of USF campus and those offering amenities like pools, parking, and fast WiFi consistently outperform the market, with some hosts reporting 70-85% occupancy rates during peak academic periods and 45-60% during summer months, while properties lacking these advantages often struggle with 30-50% annual occupancy and correspondingly lower profitability.

Based on Temple Terrace, Florida market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the city. Single-family homes near University of South Florida campus and Busch Gardens area command higher nightly rates of $80-150, while condos average $60-100 per night with occupancy rates around 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for furnishing costs, marketing expenses, and property management fees of approximately 15-25% of gross revenue. Properties purchased in the $200,000-350,000 range with 20-25% down payments show the strongest performance, particularly those within 10 miles of major attractions and the university, with gross rental yields averaging 10-14% before expenses and net yields settling around 7-9% after all costs including maintenance, insurance, and vacancy periods.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Temple Terrace, Florida. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments in the Tampa Bay area include Keller Williams Realty, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker, with many agents specifically focusing on investment properties since 2018. National services like BiggerPockets (established 2004), Roofstock (2015), and Awning (2017) provide comprehensive Airbnb investment platforms. AirDNA offers market data analysis for Temple Terrace specifically, while Mashvisor provides investment property analytics for the Tampa metropolitan area. Local property management companies like RedAwning, AvantStay, and Vacasa help investors manage their Airbnb properties in Temple Terrace. Investment-focused real estate companies such as HomeVestors and We Buy Ugly Houses also operate in the Florida market. Specialized Airbnb consulting firms like The STR Show and Short Term Rental University provide education and property sourcing services. Local mortgage brokers and lenders like Academy Mortgage and Fairway Independent Mortgage Company offer financing specifically for investment properties in the Temple Terrace area, with many expanding their short-term rental lending programs since 2019.