Is West Melbourne, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in West Melbourne, Florida, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of West Melbourne Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rentals to comply with residential zoning restrictions and may require a business tax receipt. Contact Brevard County for additional county-level requirements and obtain necessary permits including a Florida sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue since you'll collect tourist development taxes. Find a suitable property in residential zones that allow short-term rentals, ensuring it meets safety codes and has adequate parking as required by city ordinances. Purchase comprehensive furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to meet Florida fire safety codes. Create your listing on Airbnb with professional photos, competitive pricing research based on nearby properties in West Melbourne's market (typically $80-150/night for standard units), and highlight proximity to beaches, Melbourne Airport, and local attractions. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, maintain responsive communication, handle tourist development tax collection (6% in Brevard County), keep detailed financial records for tax purposes, and consider property management software or local companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you prefer hands-off management, while ensuring compliance with West Melbourne's noise ordinances and occupancy limits to maintain good neighbor relations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in West Melbourne, Florida, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Melbourne Beach, near the Space Coast attractions, or close to Florida Institute of Technology for consistent demand from tourists and business travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with amenities like pools, updated kitchens, fast WiFi, and parking, as these command $120-200 per night compared to $80-120 for basic properties. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where 70% occupancy generates 1.5-2x traditional rental income, typically requiring purchase prices under $300,000 in West Melbourne's current market. Research competition within a 3-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, looking for gaps in amenities or underpriced listings that indicate opportunity. Utilize Brevard County property records through the Property Appraiser's website, partner with local real estate agents familiar with STR-friendly HOAs and zoning regulations, and leverage tools like Rabbu and Pricelabs for revenue optimization while monitoring seasonal demand patterns driven by Kennedy Space Center launches and beach tourism peaks from March through August.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in West Melbourne, Florida, you must first contact the West Melbourne Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 2240 Minton Road to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city requires conditional use permits for STRs in most residential areas. Submit an application for a Conditional Use Permit along with required documents including a detailed site plan, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plans showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, and a management plan outlining how the property will be maintained and monitored. You'll also need to provide a business tax receipt from Brevard County, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), and pay application fees typically ranging from $500-800 for the conditional use permit plus additional review fees. The process involves a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board and potentially the City Council, which can take 60-90 days from application submission to final approval. Once approved, you must obtain a business tax receipt from Brevard County ($50-100 annually), register with the Florida Department of Revenue for tourist development tax collection, and comply with West Melbourne's specific requirements including maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms, mandatory 24-hour local contact person, noise ordinance compliance, and annual permit renewal with the city.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in West Melbourne, Florida, but are subject to specific regulations under the city's zoning ordinances. The city allows STRs in certain residential zoning districts with proper permitting and registration requirements, including obtaining a business tax receipt and complying with occupancy limits typically set at two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while maintaining adequate parking and adhering to noise ordinances. STRs are generally prohibited in areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use unless specifically permitted, and operators must designate a local contact person available 24/7 for any issues. Recent changes around 2019-2020 included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced registration requirements, with the city requiring annual renewals and periodic inspections. Violations can result in fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, and repeat offenders may face permit revocation, making compliance essential for property owners operating vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO in this Brevard County municipality.

The best Airbnb investment areas in West Melbourne, Florida include the neighborhoods near Melbourne Beach and the Barrier Island corridor, which attract tourists year-round due to proximity to pristine beaches, surfing spots, and the Kennedy Space Center approximately 30 minutes north. The downtown West Melbourne area along Minton Road offers strong potential due to its growing restaurant scene and proximity to major employers like Harris Corporation and Northrop Grumman, generating consistent business travel demand. Areas near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport provide excellent opportunities for short-term stays from travelers and aviation industry professionals. The neighborhoods around Wickham Park are attractive for families visiting the area's recreational facilities and youth sports tournaments. Properties near the Florida Institute of Technology campus benefit from visiting professors, conference attendees, and families during graduation periods. The Eau Gallie Arts District, though technically in neighboring Melbourne, is within close proximity and draws visitors for monthly art walks and cultural events. Areas along the Indian River Lagoon offer waterfront appeal for fishing enthusiasts and boaters, while neighborhoods near Melbourne Square Mall and the commercial corridor along US-192 provide convenient access to shopping and dining, making them attractive to both leisure and business travelers seeking longer-term stays.

West Melbourne, Florida imposes several lodging taxes on Airbnb rentals, including a 6% Florida state sales tax, a 5% Brevard County tourist development tax, and a 1% additional county bed tax, totaling approximately 12% in combined taxes. The state sales tax is collected through Florida's Department of Revenue system, while the tourist development taxes are administered by Brevard County's Tourist Development Council. Airbnb typically collects and remits the state sales tax directly for hosts through their platform as of 2018, but hosts remain responsible for registering with Brevard County to collect and remit the local tourist development taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these transient lodging taxes, and some exemptions may apply for certain types of accommodations or guests, such as permanent residents or specific business travelers. Hosts must obtain a Brevard County business tax receipt and tourist development tax certificate before operating, with penalties and interest applied to late payments at rates of 1.5% per month.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in West Melbourne, Florida is 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 typically runs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local furniture stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, vacation rental permit, and inspection fees range from $500-$1,500 depending on local Brevard County requirements. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage costs $2,500-$4,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable run approximately $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($300/month), property management or self-management tools ($200/month), and marketing expenses ($100/month) total around $9,900. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees ($100-$300/month) and emergency repair funds ($2,000-$5,000 reserve).

Airbnb properties in West Melbourne, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned units, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on proximity to beaches and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Properties within 10 miles of Cocoa Beach or near the Space Coast attractions achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, while inland properties average 45-60% occupancy. A typical 2-bedroom condo purchased for $180,000 with $1,400 monthly mortgage payments can generate net profits of $8,000-$15,000 annually after all expenses, representing profit margins of 20-35%. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, proximity to beaches or space-related attractions, and consistent 4.8+ star ratings. Properties managed by companies like RedAwning or Vacasa in the area report 15-20% higher occupancy rates compared to self-managed units, though management fees reduce overall profitability by 8-12%.

Airbnb investments in West Melbourne, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to beaches, Kennedy Space Center, and Melbourne International Airport which attract both leisure and business travelers year-round. Properties within 10 miles of the coast or near major attractions like the Brevard Zoo command premium nightly rates of $120-200, while inland properties average $80-140 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates during peak seasons (December-April and summer months). Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 6-8 years for properties purchased at median prices of $280,000-350,000, with monthly gross revenues averaging $2,500-4,200 depending on property size and location. The market benefits from consistent demand from space industry workers, tourists visiting nearby Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach, and snowbird visitors, with properties featuring pools, modern amenities, and proximity to US-1 or I-95 showing the strongest performance metrics and achieving profitability within 18-24 months of operation.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in Airbnb investment property analysis and market data for West Melbourne, Florida. Local real estate agents serving the area include Keller Williams Space Coast, RE/MAX Elite, and Coldwell Banker Realty who have experience with short-term rental investments. National services like BiggerPockets, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market analytics and property identification tools for the West Melbourne market. Local property management companies such as RedAwning, AvantStay, and Vacasa offer turnkey Airbnb management services. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Awning focus specifically on short-term rental properties, while local agents from Century 21 Ocean and eXp Realty have developed expertise in the vacation rental market. Additional services include AirBnB Automated, which provides end-to-end investment solutions, and local property scouts who specialize in identifying undervalued properties suitable for Airbnb conversion in the West Melbourne area.