Vacation Rental Market Analysis: Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Evolve Team
The Evolve Team
March 10, 2023

With 24 miles of sunny beaches, challenging golf courses, and unique cuisine, Fort Lauderdale provides a lot of relaxation and even more fun for the wide variety of travelers that swing through each year.

In fact, more than 13 million annual out-of-towners choose Fort Lauderdale as their vacation destination for its endless top things to do — and that makes a Fort Lauderdale real estate investment a hot opportunity for interested vacation rental buyers.

To help you understand the earning potential this vacation rental market presents, we created a free, downloadable vacation rental market analysis.

Inside you’ll find: 

  • Rental income potential by property size
  • Average occupancy by property size
  • Average daily rate by property size
  • Average days booked in advance
  • Average length of stay
  • Vacation rental inventory by property size
  • Occupancy rate by month

The findings in this analysis are based on Evolve’s Fort Lauderdale market averages in the last year and provide a general baseline for performance potential. They’re designed to help inform smart buying decisions when making a Fort Lauderdale real estate investment.

Download Our Complete Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rental Investment Analysis

Blue icon of a beach house with waves, stars and an umbrella

Why Fort Lauderdale Is a Great Place to Own Vacation Rental Property

Peak season in the Fort Lauderdale rental market starts picking up ahead of spring break travel, and lasts through mid-summer as school’s out and temperatures range from the high 50s to upper 80s. The destination attracts snowbirds for longer stays in winter months, too, giving investors multi-season opportunity to earn passive income.

There’s also a wide array of activities and attractions (including the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach, Museum of Discovery & Science, and Flamingo Gardens), offering a little something for guests across ages and interests. That can further increase a vacation rental owner’s ability to grab eager bookers looking for a warm-weather destination to visit.

As for investment cost, Fort Lauderdale’s median home value is currently just over $519,000. This is slightly lower than nearby Miami (which sits around $553,000), but investors looking for a return with a lower upfront cost could also explore less-expensive Florida markets like Tampa or nearby Jacksonville.

Blue icon of a crystal ball with the words "Profit Prediction" inside with stars

How Much Money Can You Earn with a Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rental?

With Fort Lauderdale’s strong peak season and endless entertainment, investors have the potential to earn a sizable income with vacation rental. To gauge how successful you can be with a Fort Lauderdale real estate investment, consider these important factors.

Property Size

According to our data, smaller properties tend to see the most nights booked per year on average, while five-bedroom homes generally bring in the highest annual revenue. Larger properties make up a much smaller percentage of available inventory, though, so one-, two-, and three-bedroom options may be easier to find in the Fort Lauderdale rental market. 

Evolve’s current top performer for most nights booked annually also happens to be a one-bedroom vacation rental. This indicates that no matter what property size you land on for a Fort Lauderdale real estate investment, a great home that hits all the right notes for travelers has the potential to be successful.

Property Location

Since beaches are such a large draw for travelers to the area, our real estate experts suggest focusing on oceanfront properties or those within two to five miles of the shoreline. 

If homes in this radius are hard to find or too expensive, consider options along one of Fort Lauderdale’s canals in a family-friendly neighborhood like Las Olas Isles to give your guests water views at more budget-friendly price points. Proximity to popular shopping malls like Sawgrass Mills, or golf courses like Eagle Trace Golf Club, can also be great perks for guests that encourage five-star reviews.

Property Amenities

On top of providing all the amenities guests are after no matter their destination, our experts say offering a private swimming pool and/or hot tub are great profit-driving options to attract and wow Fort Lauderdale guests. Take it further by making sure guests can relax in an updated outdoor space that offers shade and comfortable seating.

In addition, providing upgraded appliances, thoughtful interior design, and a welcome book (or “you made it!” gift) are all ways you can help your Fort Lauderdale investment property stand out to bookers and attract rave reviews.

When you’re ready to take the next investment step, make your property search easier by starting with vetted homes for sale

Download Our Full Fort Lauderdale, FL Vacation Rental Market Analysis

With its coastal location and booming annual draw, you can thrive in the Sunshine State paradise by buying the perfect Fort Lauderdale vacation rental. To see what your investment future might have in store, download our free Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rental Investment Market Analysis today. Inside you’ll find:

  • Average daily rate by property size 
  • Expected seasonality in vacation rental demand
  • Average length of stay in high and low seasons
  • Inventory breakdown based on property size

Evaluating your investment opportunities shouldn’t leave you feeling stranded on the beach. Use our report to make achieving success smooth-sailing as you launch your vacation rental journey.

Get Your Vacation Rental Market Analysis

Enter your email below to unlock market-specific insights that can help inform your investment decisions.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive updates and marketing communications from Evolve. For more information, please read our privacy policy.

Featured Posts

10 Ways to Maximize Your Vacation Rental Income This Year

10 Ways to Maximize Your Vacation Rental Income This Year

Here’s how to make more money on Airbnb, Vrbo, and other top listing sites — and hit your highest earning potential.

The 12 Best Places to Buy a Ski Property Right Now

The 12 Best Places to Buy a Ski Property Right Now

Explore mountain towns across the U.S. with high profit potential, so you can find the perfect ski spot for your next investment.

How to Make a Vacation Rental Welcome Book That Impresses Your Guests

How to Make a Vacation Rental Welcome Book That Impresses Your Guests

Our free guest book template has everything you need to set visitors up for a great stay.