Fort Myers, FL Vacation Rental Market Analysis: What Investors Should Know Before Buying
Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort Myers attracts over five million visitors each year. With white-sand beaches, family-friendly attractions, boating culture, and vibrant nightlife, this coastal destination delivers consistent tourism demand.
That steady flow of beach-bound travelers leads many buyers to ask: Is Fort Myers a good place to invest in vacation rental property?
Short answer: Yes, especially for investors seeking strong seasonal demand, beachfront appeal, and a lower price point than nearby luxury Gulf Coast markets.
To help you evaluate the opportunity, we created a free, downloadable Fort Myers Vacation Rental Market Analysis. Inside, you’ll find:
- Rental income potential by property size
- Average occupancy by property size
- Average daily rate (ADR) by property size
- Booking lead times and length of stay
- Monthly occupancy rates
- Vacation rental inventory by property size across the Fort Myers market
The data reflects Evolve’s Fort Myers performance over the last 12 months and provides a reliable baseline for making informed buying decisions.
👉 Download the complete Fort Myers Vacation Rental Investment Analysis.
Is Fort Myers a Good Place to Invest in Vacation Rentals?
Yes, and here’s why:
- 5+ million annual visitors
- Strong late-winter and spring peak season
- Attractions for all traveler types (Edison Ford Winter Estates, Florida Repertory Theatre, Times Square, J.N. Ding National Wildlife Refuge, MiLB games)
- Gorgeous weather all year
- Median home value around $311,000
Fort Myers occupancy typically begins rising in late winter as travelers escape colder northern climates. Demand peaks during spring break months and remains steady into early summer.
While early fall can bring a modest slowdown, overall annual demand remains strong enough to create solid earning potential — particularly for well-located properties near the beach.
Compared to nearby markets like Naples and Bonita Springs, Fort Myers often offers a more accessible entry price while still benefiting from Gulf Coast tourism demand.
How Much Can a Fort Myers Vacation Rental Make?
Fort Myers vacation rental income primarily depends on property size, location, and amenities. Here’s how each factor influences revenue potential.
Which Property Size Performs Best in Fort Myers?
Top Revenue & Occupancy Performer:
Five-bedroom homes typically generate the highest annual revenue and most consistent bookings.
Strong Mid-Size Opportunity:
Three- and four-bedroom homes are not far behind in nights booked and are far more common in available inventory.
Inventory Insight:
Large beachfront homes are limited in supply, which may make them harder to acquire.
Takeaway:
While five-bedroom properties often lead in revenue, mid-size homes can still perform extremely well — especially when located closer to the water.
Where Is the Best Location for a Fort Myers Vacation Rental?
In Fort Myers, proximity to the beach is critical. Travelers prioritize:
- Direct beachfront properties
- Walking distance to the sand
- Gulf Coast views
Homes located on or near Fort Myers Beach typically command stronger nightly rates and booking demand.
Condos also perform well, particularly those located near downtown or in the Fort Myers River District with convenient beach access. For investors seeking a lower upfront cost, beachfront condos can provide strong entry-level opportunities while still capturing Gulf Coast appeal.
Bottom line: The closer you are to the beach, the stronger your earning potential tends to be.
What Amenities Increase Revenue in Fort Myers?
Because Fort Myers is a sun-and-sand destination, beach-driven amenities are key. High-performing features include:
- Ocean or Gulf views
- Beach gear (chairs, towels, umbrellas)
- Outdoor spaces with seating with shade (patios, balconies)
- Air conditioning
- Easy beach access
After long days in the sun, guests value comfort-focused amenities that help them relax. Well-designed outdoor spaces and cool, comfortable interiors can directly contribute to five-star reviews and influence long-term revenue.
Fort Myers Vacation Rental Investment Snapshot
- Annual visitors: 5+ million
- Peak season: Late winter through spring
- Median home value: ~$311,000
- Top revenue size: 5-bedroom homes
- Strong inventory availability: 3–4 bedroom homes
- Most important factor: Beach proximity
- Demand drivers: Snowbirds, spring break, family beach travel
Download the Full Fort Myers, FL Vacation Rental Market Analysis
Fort Myers is a strong beach market with strong seasonal peaks, snowbird demand, and lower entry prices than areas like Naples or Bonita Springs.
Our free Fort Myers Vacation Rental Market Analysis gives you the performance data you need to make informed decisions. Inside, you’ll find:
- Average daily rate (ADR) by property size
- Average high- and low-season length of stay
- Market inventory insights
- Demand seasonality
Whether you’re purchasing your first property or optimizing an existing rental, our market data can help you make your next move in this Gulf Coast market with confidence and clarity.