Is Treasure Island, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Treasure Island, Florida, begin by researching local regulations as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to properties in commercial or multi-family zones. Contact Treasure Island's Planning and Zoning Department to verify your property's eligibility and obtain necessary permits, including a Certificate of Use and potentially a fire safety inspection. Find a suitable property within approved zones, considering proximity to beaches and tourist attractions, with typical investment costs ranging from $300,000-$800,000 for condos or single-family homes. Furnish the property with coastal-themed, durable furniture and essential amenities including high-speed internet, air conditioning, beach equipment, and safety features like smoke detectors and first aid kits. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography showcasing beach views and local attractions, setting competitive rates between $150-$400 per night depending on season and property size. Implement management systems including automated check-in processes, professional cleaning services after each stay, 24/7 guest communication, dynamic pricing tools, and partnerships with local maintenance providers to handle repairs quickly, while maintaining compliance with Treasure Island's noise ordinances and occupancy limits to ensure successful operations in this popular Gulf Coast destination.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Treasure Island, Florida, focus on beachfront or beach-view locations within walking distance of the Gulf beaches, particularly properties along Gulf Boulevard or near John's Pass for maximum rental appeal. Target 2-4 bedroom condos or single-family homes built after 1990 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, pools, parking, and hurricane-resistant features, as these command premium rates averaging $150-300 per night depending on season and proximity to water. Analyze pricing by studying comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 0.5-mile radius, noting that peak season (December-April) rates can be 40-60% higher than summer months, while properties within 200 yards of the beach typically achieve 20-30% higher occupancy rates. Research competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, and local STR management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa to understand market saturation, with optimal areas showing fewer than 15 active listings per square mile. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for investment analysis, the City of Treasure Island's planning department for zoning verification and STR regulations, and local real estate agents specializing in investment properties who understand the market's seasonal dynamics and can identify properties with strong rental histories or conversion potential.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Treasure Island, Florida, you must first apply through the City of Treasure Island's Building Department located at 120 108th Avenue, as the city requires a Short-Term Rental License for properties rented for less than 30 days. Required documents include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $500,000), emergency contact information for a local representative within 30 minutes of the property, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking. The application fee is approximately $200 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $75. You must also register with the Florida Department of Revenue for tourist development tax collection and obtain a business tax receipt from Pinellas County (approximately $50-100). The property must comply with occupancy limits (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), noise ordinances, and parking requirements (1 space per bedroom). The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, pending successful inspection. Properties must maintain 24/7 local contact availability, display the permit number in all advertisements, and renew annually by December 31st with proof of continued insurance and tax compliance.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Treasure Island, Florida, but operate under specific municipal regulations that require property owners to obtain a short-term rental license from the city. The city implemented comprehensive STR ordinances around 2019-2020 that mandate properties meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while also requiring designated local contacts available 24/7 for any issues. STRs are generally permitted in residential zones but face restrictions including occupancy limits based on property size, parking requirements (typically one space per bedroom), and noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 8 AM. Properties must also comply with Pinellas County tourist development tax requirements and state regulations. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for violations, with the city conducting regular inspections and responding to neighbor complaints. Some areas near schools or in certain residential districts may have additional restrictions, and properties in homeowner association communities must also comply with HOA rules that may further limit or prohibit short-term rentals.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Treasure Island, Florida include the beachfront districts along Gulf Boulevard, particularly the northern section near Sunset Beach and the southern area near Johns Pass, which attract tourists year-round due to direct beach access, stunning Gulf of Mexico sunsets, and proximity to popular attractions like the Johns Pass Boardwalk with its shops, restaurants, and dolphin watching tours. The mid-island residential neighborhoods between 1st Avenue and 8th Avenue offer excellent investment potential due to their quieter family-friendly atmosphere while still being within walking distance of the beach, appealing to longer-stay visitors and families seeking vacation rentals. Properties near the Treasure Island Community Center and along the Intracoastal Waterway side provide unique waterfront experiences with boat access and fishing opportunities, attracting fishing enthusiasts and boating tourists. The area around 104th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard is particularly attractive due to its central location providing easy access to both St. Pete Beach attractions to the south and Madeira Beach activities to the north, while the neighborhoods near Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis offer appeal to sports-oriented travelers and those seeking resort-style amenities within a residential setting.

Airbnb properties in Treasure Island, Florida are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Florida's state tourist development tax of 6%, Pinellas County's tourist development tax of 5%, and potentially a local municipal tax of up to 4%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 15% on short-term rental stays under 6 months. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance and may need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue and local tax collectors. The taxes apply to the rental amount excluding cleaning fees and are generally due monthly, with exemptions typically limited to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days or rentals to permanent residents, and hosts should verify current rates and requirements with Pinellas County Tax Collector and the City of Treasure Island as rates and collection procedures can change annually.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Treasure Island, Florida is approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase costs around $550,000-$650,000 based on median home prices for beachfront condos and single-family homes in this Gulf Coast barrier island community. Furnishing costs range from $25,000-$35,000 for a complete vacation rental setup including coastal-themed furniture, appliances, linens, and beach equipment. Initial setup expenses total $3,000-$5,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies. Permits and fees amount to $1,500-$2,500 including business license, vacation rental permit, occupancy permit, and city registration fees. Insurance costs $3,000-$4,500 annually for comprehensive vacation rental coverage including liability and property protection. Utilities average $2,400-$3,600 for the first six months covering electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees of $200-$400 monthly and property management fees of 20-30% if using a management company.

Airbnb properties in Treasure Island, Florida demonstrate strong profitability potential with average annual revenues ranging from $35,000-$65,000 for well-positioned units, driven by the area's year-round tourism appeal and proximity to St. Pete Beach. A typical 2-bedroom beachfront condo generating $4,500-$6,000 monthly during peak season (December-April) and $2,500-$3,500 in off-season can achieve 70-80% occupancy rates, resulting in gross revenues of $45,000-$55,000 annually. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (20-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$100 per turnover), utilities ($200-$300 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$3,000 annually), and maintenance reserves, leaving net profit margins of 25-35% for successful operators. Properties within walking distance of beaches, featuring modern amenities, professional photography, and responsive host communication consistently outperform the market, with some luxury units near Sunset Beach achieving $70,000+ annual revenues. Success factors include strategic pricing using dynamic tools, maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, offering beach equipment and local recommendations, and partnering with experienced property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa that have established operations in the Pinellas County market since 2015-2017.

Airbnb investments in Treasure Island, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's strong vacation rental demand and average daily rates of $180-250 during peak season and $120-180 in off-season. Properties generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with beachfront condos and single-family homes within walking distance to the beach performing best due to Treasure Island's popularity as a Gulf Coast destination. The market benefits from year-round tourism, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually, and investors can expect gross rental yields of 15-22% before expenses, making the timeframe to break-even approximately 2-3 years depending on initial investment and financing structure. Local vacation rental management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa report that well-positioned properties in Treasure Island have shown consistent performance since 2019, with the market recovering strongly post-2020 and maintaining robust booking rates through 2024.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Treasure Island, Florida. Local real estate agents who focus on Airbnb investment properties in the area include Gulf Beaches Realty Group, Treasure Island Realty Partners, and Coastal Investment Properties, all of which have been serving the Tampa Bay beach market since the early 2010s. National services that can assist with Treasure Island Airbnb investments include Mashvisor (founded 2014), which provides rental property analytics, AirDNA (established 2015) for market data and revenue projections, and Awning (launched 2017) for end-to-end investment property management. Additional local specialists include Pinellas Beach Investment Advisors, Sunset Shores Property Group, and Tampa Bay STR Consultants, while national companies like Roofstock (2015), Arrived Homes (2019), and RedAwning (2011) also facilitate short-term rental property acquisitions in the Florida Gulf Coast market. Property management companies such as AvantStay (2017), RedAwning Property Management, and local firm Treasure Coast Vacation Rentals provide ongoing operational support for investors purchasing Airbnb properties in this popular beach destination market.