Is White City, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in White City, Florida, begin by researching local regulations through Martin County's zoning department, as White City falls under their jurisdiction and typically requires short-term rentals to comply with residential zoning laws and obtain a business tax receipt. Contact Martin County Building Department at (772) 288-5400 to determine if you need a Certificate of Use or special permits, and check with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax registration since you'll need to collect and remit tourist development taxes. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings or working with local realtors familiar with investment properties, ensuring the location allows short-term rentals and has good access to nearby attractions like Jensen Beach or Stuart. Furnish the property with quality, durable furniture from retailers like Ashley Furniture or Wayfair, focusing on coastal-themed decor that appeals to Florida tourists, and ensure you have essential amenities like high-speed internet, cable TV, and a fully equipped kitchen. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to beaches, fishing, and outdoor activities, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in the area (typically $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities). Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you're not local, while maintaining prompt communication with guests and monitoring reviews to ensure consistent bookings in this growing vacation rental market.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in White City, Florida, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like the Treasure Coast beaches, downtown Stuart, or Port St. Lucie, as White City serves as an affordable alternative to beachfront locations. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with pools, updated kitchens, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate families visiting nearby attractions or snowbirds seeking longer stays. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs in the $100-180 nightly range, considering White City's position as a mid-market option between expensive oceanfront properties and budget inland locations. Study competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify supply gaps, particularly focusing on properties that offer value-driven amenities like pools, game rooms, or pet-friendly features that differentiate from standard hotel offerings. Utilize local resources including the Martin County Property Appraiser website for property values, STR permit requirements through Martin County regulations, and market data from platforms like Rabbu or AllTheRooms to track occupancy rates and revenue potential, while networking with local property managers familiar with the Treasure Coast market dynamics and seasonal demand patterns driven by winter visitors and summer beach tourism.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in White City, Florida, you must first contact the St. Lucie County Planning and Zoning Department since White City is an unincorporated area within St. Lucie County. Begin by submitting a Short-Term Rental Registration application to the county's Code Enforcement Division, which requires a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking areas and occupancy limits, a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $500,000), a business tax receipt from St. Lucie County, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $75-100. You must also obtain a business tax receipt from the county tax collector's office for an additional $50-75. The property must comply with zoning regulations (typically allowed in residential zones with restrictions), provide adequate parking (usually 1 space per bedroom plus 1), maintain occupancy limits based on septic/sewer capacity, and ensure the property meets all building and fire safety codes. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, and you must renew annually. Additionally, you're required to collect and remit the 6% Florida sales tax and any applicable tourist development taxes, register with the Florida Department of Revenue, and maintain a guest registry available for inspection by county officials.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in White City, Florida are generally legal but subject to St. Lucie County regulations since White City is an unincorporated community within the county. St. Lucie County allows STRs in most residential areas but requires operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning regulations, with properties typically needing to be in areas zoned for residential use. The county has implemented occupancy limits based on bedroom count, parking requirements (usually two spaces per unit), and noise ordinances that restrict quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM. STRs are generally prohibited in areas with homeowners associations that specifically ban them through deed restrictions or covenants. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced complaint procedures for neighbors, though the county has not implemented a complete ban like some other Florida municipalities. Property owners must also comply with state requirements including collecting tourist development taxes, and the county may require additional safety inspections for properties rented for periods less than 30 days.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in White City, Florida include the neighborhoods near the St. Lucie River waterfront, particularly around the Savannas Preserve State Park vicinity, which attracts eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts year-round for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The residential areas along Midway Road and near the White City Park offer affordable investment opportunities with steady demand from visitors to nearby Port St. Lucie attractions and spring training facilities. Properties near the Florida Turnpike corridor provide excellent accessibility for business travelers and tourists heading to both the Treasure Coast beaches and inland attractions. The neighborhoods around Selvitz Road benefit from proximity to the Savannas Recreation Area and appeal to families seeking quiet retreats with easy access to outdoor activities. Areas near White City Elementary and the community center attract longer-term stays from relocating families and temporary workers in the growing Port St. Lucie metropolitan area, while properties within walking distance of local restaurants and shopping along US-1 offer convenience that appeals to diverse traveler demographics seeking authentic Florida experiences away from crowded tourist destinations.

White City, Florida, located in St. Lucie County, subjects Airbnb properties to multiple lodging taxes including the Florida state sales tax of 6%, the Florida tourist development tax of 6%, and St. Lucie County's local tourist development tax of 4%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 16% on short-term rental stays of six months or less. 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 ultimately responsible for compliance and may need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue and St. Lucie County tax collector if collecting taxes independently. Remittance occurs monthly for most operators, with returns due by the 20th of the following month, and hosts must maintain detailed records of all rental transactions. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding six months, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, though documentation is required to substantiate exempt status, and hosts should verify current rates and requirements with local tax authorities as these can change periodically.

To start an Airbnb in White City, Florida, the total estimated costs would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $180,000-$200,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would require $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials would be $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees vary by county but typically include business license ($100-$300), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($100-$500). Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$4,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, water, internet, and cable would cost $500-$1,000. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200-$300/month), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), property management if used (10-20% of revenue), and marketing expenses would total approximately $8,000-$15,000 depending on occupancy rates and seasonal demand in the White City area.

Airbnb properties in White City, 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 $85-$140 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 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 15-25% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% by focusing on competitive pricing, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and strategic location selection near attractions like the Treasure Coast beaches. Properties within 10 miles of Jensen Beach and Stuart tend to outperform inland locations by 20-30% in both occupancy and daily rates, while hosts who invest in amenities like pools, updated kitchens, and fast WiFi see revenue premiums of 15-40% compared to basic accommodations in the White City market.

Based on White City, Florida market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the area. Single-family homes near outdoor recreation areas like Jonathan Dickinson State Park command higher nightly rates of $120-180, while standard residential properties average $80-120 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates throughout the year. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses, with properties requiring $15,000-25,000 in upfront investment beyond the purchase price. The market benefits from year-round tourism due to Florida's climate and proximity to both natural attractions and the larger West Palm Beach metropolitan area, with peak seasons during winter months (December-March) and summer vacation periods driving occupancy rates up to 85-90% and allowing for premium pricing of $150-220 per night during these periods.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors. In White City, Florida, local real estate agents like Treasure Coast Realty and Stuart Real Estate Group have experience with vacation rental properties in the area. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, and RedAwning, which offers investment property analysis. AirDNA provides market data and revenue projections for short-term rentals in the region. Local property management companies like Vacasa and AvantStay can assist with identifying and managing profitable properties. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and BiggerPockets marketplace connect investors with vacation rental opportunities. Additionally, local agents from Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX offices in nearby Stuart and Port St. Lucie often work with Airbnb investors seeking properties in Martin County, where White City is located.