Short-Term Rental Insights

Expert tips, guides, and insights for Florida property owners maximizing their rental income

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rentals: Which Earns More in Florida?

Published: November 2024 | 6 min read

Florida property owners are increasingly discovering that short-term rentals can generate significantly more income than traditional long-term leases. Here's a detailed comparison...

Income Comparison

Based on our data from properties in South Florida:

  • Long-term rental: Average $1,800-$2,200/month for a 2BR condo
  • Short-term rental: Average $3,500-$5,000/month for the same property
  • Income increase: 60-133% more with short-term rentals

Key Considerations

  • STRs require more active management (or a good property manager)
  • Income varies seasonally but higher overall
  • Property stays in better condition with regular cleaning
  • Flexibility to use your property when you want

Pro Tip

With professional management like BST, you can earn STR income while doing zero work. We handle everything from listing to cleaning to guest communication.

How to Prepare Your Florida Property for Airbnb Success

Published: November 2024 | 7 min read

Getting your property ready for short-term rental guests requires strategic preparation. Here's what successful Florida vacation rental owners do...

Essential Property Preparations

  1. Professional Photography: High-quality photos increase bookings by 40%+
  2. Smart Lock Installation: Keyless entry for seamless check-in
  3. Quality Essentials: Good linens, towels, and basic kitchen supplies
  4. Fast WiFi: Essential for modern travelers and remote workers
  5. Clear House Rules: Set expectations to protect your property

What Guests Expect in Florida

  • Working AC (non-negotiable in Florida heat)
  • Beach/pool access information
  • Local restaurant and attraction recommendations
  • Responsive host communication

BST Handles This For You

Our onboarding process includes professional photography, listing optimization, and complete property preparation. You don't need to figure this out yourself.

Understanding Guaranteed Rent vs. Revenue Sharing Models

Published: October 2024 | 5 min read

Property management companies offer different payment structures. Understanding the difference helps you choose what's right for your situation...

Guaranteed Rent Model

  • How it works: You receive a fixed monthly payment regardless of occupancy
  • Pros: Predictable income, zero vacancy risk, complete peace of mind
  • Cons: May earn less during peak seasons than revenue sharing
  • Best for: Owners who prioritize stability and hands-off management

Revenue Sharing Model

  • How it works: You receive a percentage of actual rental revenue
  • Pros: Higher earning potential during peak seasons
  • Cons: Income varies, slower months mean less money
  • Best for: Owners comfortable with variability who want maximum upside

BST Offers Both

We offer both guaranteed rent and revenue sharing options. During your free evaluation, we'll show you projections for both so you can choose what works best.

Protecting Your Property from Bad Guests

Published: October 2024 | 6 min read

One of the biggest concerns property owners have about STRs is guest damage. Here's how professional management protects your investment...

Guest Screening Best Practices

  1. ID Verification: All guests verified before booking confirmation
  2. Review History: Check guest reviews from previous stays
  3. Purpose of Stay: Understand why guests are visiting
  4. Security Deposits: Collect deposits to cover potential damage

Property Protection Measures

  • Insurance coverage for every booking
  • Noise monitoring devices (privacy-compliant)
  • Clear house rules with enforcement
  • Property inspection after every checkout

Why STRs Are Actually Safer

Unlike long-term tenants who can cause damage over months or years before you discover it, STR guests are screened before every stay and the property is inspected after every checkout. Problems are caught and addressed immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Florida property owners see 1.5x to 2.5x more income compared to long-term rentals. For example, a 2BR condo earning $1,800/month with a tenant often earns $3,500-$5,000/month as a short-term rental. The exact amount depends on location, property type, and seasonality.

Yes, for most property owners. Professional management typically increases revenue through better pricing, higher occupancy, and better guest reviews. Even after management fees, most owners net more than they would managing themselves - plus they get their time back.

South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach) offers year-round demand with high nightly rates. Orlando properties benefit from theme park traffic. Coastal properties anywhere in Florida typically perform well due to beach tourism. BST Management serves all of South Florida.

Ready to Maximize Your Property's Earnings?

Get your free property evaluation and see exactly how much you could earn.

Get Free Evaluation