How to Check If a Florida Community Allows Short-Term Rentals Before You Buy

How to Check If a Florida Community Allows Short-Term Rentals Before You Buy

Picture closing on a sunny pool home minutes from Walt Disney World, ready to host nightly guests, then learning the community caps every rental at six months. It happens more often than buyers expect, and it can turn a smart purchase into a long-term landlord business you never wanted.

Knowing how to check STR rules in Florida before you sign is the surest way to protect your investment. In the Disney corridor, the answer usually sits in a few documents.

What Counts as a Short-Term Rental

In Central Florida, a short-term rental, or STR, usually means guest stays under 30 days. Anything longer is treated as a standard long-term lease.

Demand near the parks runs…

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Central Florida Real Estate Recap of JUNE 2026

Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows Central Florida home sales increased for the fifth month in a row as the summer market heats up.

State of the Market

  • Overall sales rose by 8.0% from May to June. There were 2,711 sales in May and 2,929 sales in June.
    • Sales have increased every month this year.
  • June’s interest rate was recorded at 6.5%, holding steady with May.
    • Interest rate data is sourced from Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored enterprise that tracks national mortgage market trends and publishes weekly average mortgage rates.
  • The median home price for June was recorded at $416,308, up from $407,002 in May.
    • The median home price in…

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Vacation Property Tax Rules Explained: What Owners Must Know

Vacation Property Tax Rules Explained: What Owners Must Know

Central Florida remains one of the most popular regions in the United States for vacation homes, driven by year-round tourism, proximity to Disney, golf communities, and strong second-home demand. While these properties offer flexibility and lifestyle benefits, understanding vacation property tax rules is essential before buying or renting.

These rules directly affect how income is reported, what expenses can be deducted, and how ownership costs are planned over time.

What Counts as a Vacation Property for Tax Purposes?

For tax purposes, a vacation home is not defined by location or style, but by how it is used throughout the year. The IRS focuses on usage patterns rather than…

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Central Florida Real Estate Recap of APRIL 2026

Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows sales cooled slightly while new listings increased and prices remained up year over year.

State of the Market

  • Overall sales rose by 7.5% from March to April. There were 2,360 sales in March and 2,539 sales in April.
  • New listings rose 3.0% from March to April, with 4,066 new homes on the market in April, compared to 3,946 in March.
  • April’s interest rate was recorded at 6.3% – up from 6.2% in March.
    • Interest rate data is sourced from Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored enterprise that tracks national mortgage market trends and publishes weekly average mortgage rates.
  • The median home price for April was recorded at…

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How to Sell Your Vacation Rental Property

How to Sell Your Vacation Rental Property 

 Selling a vacation rental property is a little different from selling a traditional home. Buyers are often looking at both lifestyle appeal and income potential, so pricing, presentation, and clear documentation all matter.

In Florida, where vacation homes remain in high demand, sellers benefit from understanding how to position the property for the right audience. If you’re wondering how to sell your vacation property successfully, the first steps are knowing its value, preparing it for the market, and working with professionals who understand Florida’s vacation rental landscape.

What Makes Selling a Vacation Rental Property Different

Vacation rental buyers are often focused on more than curb…

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When Is the Best Time to Sell a Premium Vacation Home?

Selling a premium vacation home is different from selling a standard house. Buyers in this segment are not only comparing price and square footage. They are also looking at lifestyle, location, rental potential, presentation, and whether the home feels worth the premium price.

That is why timing matters.

In Florida, premium vacation homes often attract second-home buyers, luxury buyers, and investors looking for strong short-term rental appeal in resort-style communities. Many of these buyers move on a seasonal rhythm. They shop when travel plans are being made, when they are already visiting the area, or when they want to secure a property before the next high-demand season.

For many…

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Florida Airbnb Investing: What Buyers Should Expect

 

 Investing in a vacation rental property can be an appealing opportunity, especially in a state like Florida where tourism remains strong year-round. From beach destinations and theme park markets to urban coastal cities, many buyers are exploring Airbnb investment property Florida opportunities as a way to generate rental income while also enjoying personal vacation use.

However, buying an Airbnb investment property is different from purchasing a traditional home. Investors must consider factors such as local rental regulations, property layout, management costs, and the long-term resale value of the home.

Understanding what to expect before purchasing can help buyers make more confident…

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What's the Best Time to Sell a Condo in Florida?

Timing can make a noticeable difference when you’re deciding to list your condo. Florida attracts buyers all year, but condo demand still rises and falls depending on the season, local inventory, and what buyers are focused on at that moment.

When sellers ask about the best time to sell a condo in Florida, they’re usually really asking a few practical questions:

  • When will I get the most serious buyers looking

  • How can I reduce days on market

  • How do I avoid surprises that slow down condo closings

This guide walks through Florida’s seasonal patterns, then zooms in on the condo-specific factors that often matter just as much as the month on the calendar, like HOA…

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Central Florida Real Estate Recap of FEBRUARY 2026

Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows interest rates drop back into 5.0%-range

State of the Market

  • February’s interest rate was recorded at 5.9% – down slightly from 6.0% in January.
    • This is the first time interest rates fell into the 5.0%-range since September 2024.
  • Homes spent an average of 83 days on the market (DOM) in February – up from 81 in January.
    • This is the highest DOM since February 2015.
  • Overall sales rose by 15.5% from January to February. There were 1,634 sales in January and 1,888 sales in February.
  • Pending sales rose 13.8%, with 4,001 in February compared to 3,515 in January.
  • New listings fell 4.5%…

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The Best Real Estate Agents in Orlando are at Florida Realty Marketplace

Orlando continues to attract homebuyers relocating for work, retirement, second homes, and long-term investment opportunities near Disney and Central Florida’s growing business hubs. With demand remaining strong across many neighborhoods, working with the best real estate agents in Orlando, Florida is one of the most important decisions buyers and sellers can make.

Understanding Orlando’s Market Conditions

Orlando continues to see strong buyer activity, with many homes going under contract within weeks. Inventory levels remain tighter in desirable neighborhoods, which has increased competition for well-priced listings.

Key market characteristics include:

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