Fort Walton Beach Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Florida, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Fort Walton Beach in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Fort Walton Beach, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 2,113 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Fort Walton Beach, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Fort Walton Beach Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Fort Walton Beach Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Fort Walton Beach (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Fort Walton Beach is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Fort Walton Beach is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Fort Walton Beach across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,946+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,545 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,646 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,359, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Fort Walton Beach STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while December experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Fort Walton Beach:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 80%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 58% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 34%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 16% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Fort Walton Beach
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Fort Walton Beach (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Fort Walton Beach involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Fort Walton Beach typically peaks in July and dips lowest during January. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $428+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $326 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $240 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $169 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Fort Walton Beach
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Fort Walton Beach (2025)
Peak Season (July, June, May)
- Revenue averages $5,870 per month
- Occupancy rates average 50.6%
- Daily rates average $327
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,984 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 37.5%
- Daily rates hold near $259
Low Season (January, November, December)
- Revenue drops to average $1,758 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 30.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $211
Seasonality Insights for Fort Walton Beach
- The Airbnb seasonality in Fort Walton Beach shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Fort Walton Beach's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $6,213, occupancy reaching a high of 57.6%, and ADRs peaking at $342.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,695, occupancy could drop to 27.6%, and ADRs may adjust down to $209.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Fort Walton Beach.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Fort Walton Beach seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Fort Walton Beach (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Fort Walton Beach? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Okaloosa Island | A barrier island known for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly atmosphere. It's a great spot for vacationers looking for relaxation and water activities, making it a popular destination for Airbnb hosts. | Okaloosa Island Beach, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Fort Walton Beach Pier, John Beasley Park, Emerald Coast Science Center |
| Downtown Fort Walton Beach | The downtown area is undergoing revitalization and is becoming a hub for local restaurants, shops, and events. It appeals to both tourists and locals, making it ideal for Airbnb investments. | Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, Emerald Coast Science Center, Historic Fort Walton Beach, Local artisanal shops, Festivals and events throughout the year |
| Holiday Isle | A popular neighborhood known for its proximity to Destin and beautiful waterfront properties. It's ideal for vacation rentals, attracting those who want to enjoy the Gulf Coast lifestyle. | HarborWalk Village, Destin Harbor, Beaches of South Walton, Boating and fishing experiences, Dining and nightlife options |
| Cinco Bayou | A quaint area with a mix of residential and waterfront properties. Attracts families and travelers looking for a quieter stay while still being close to Fort Walton Beach attractions. | Cinco Bayou Park, Niceville, Quiet beachfront access, Local parks and recreation areas |
| Navarre Beach | Located nearby, it's a tranquil beach area known for its wide sandy beaches and is popular among families. This peaceful environment is appealing for Airbnb rentals. | Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Marine Park, Dining with ocean views, Water sports and activities, Nature reserves |
| Fort Walton Beach West | This area offers proximity to several parks and is close to the beach. It's an affordable option for families and groups looking to experience Fort Walton Beach. | Parks and picnic areas, Family-friendly beaches, Local dining options, Events at nearby facilities |
| Santa Rosa Island | Famous for its stunning beaches and natural scenery, this area attracts nature lovers and beachgoers. Ideal for hosts wanting to offer a beach getaway experience. | Gulf Islands National Seashore, White sandy beaches, Snorkeling and paddle boarding, Camping and hiking opportunities |
| Bruner Park | A small, yet charming area that provides access to outdoor recreation and is just minutes from Fort Walton Beach. Great for tourists looking for a relaxing stay close to nature. | Bruner Park hiking trails, Nature trails, Access to local wildlife, Nearby beach access |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Fort Walton Beach (2025)
While Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Fort Walton Beach to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 0% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Fort Walton Beach (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Fort Walton Beachbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Gulf Front, 8 Rooms, Pool & Hot Tub, Pickleball
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Newest Condo @ FWB - Direct Walk Out to Beach/Pool
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Gulf Front, 8 Rooms, Pool and Hot Tub, Pickleball
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Sea Turtle House-On Beach-Townhome-Kayaks/SUP
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Gulf Front, 8 Rooms, Pool and Hot Tub, Pickleball
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Gulf Front, 8 Rooms, Pool and Hot Tub, Pickleball
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Fort Walton Beach (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Fort Walton Beach based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Vibe Vacations | 129 | $5,188,690 | 1791 | 4.43/5.0 |
| Vacasa Fort Walton Beach | 84 | $2,257,563 | 1279 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Legacy | 82 | $2,132,701 | 974 | 3.66/5.0 |
| RealJoy | 48 | $2,110,845 | 865 | 4.52/5.0 |
| Brooks And Shorey Resorts | 108 | $2,009,573 | 552 | 3.24/5.0 |
| Team SD | 50 | $1,980,786 | 4432 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Easy Vacation Services | 50 | $1,947,914 | 1571 | 4.35/5.0 |
| Vacasa Florida | 182 | $1,938,834 | 4463 | 4.51/5.0 |
| Bobby | 14 | $1,609,155 | 439 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Sugar Sands | 45 | $1,333,940 | 1000 | 4.47/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Fort Walton Beach.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Fort Walton Beach STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Fort Walton Beach. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsFort Walton Beach Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Fort Walton Beach
- The Fort Walton Beach Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 97.6% of the 2,113 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Fort Walton Beach, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (83.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 15.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, outdoor/unique, others (combined 1.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Fort Walton Beach Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Fort Walton Beach
- The dominant room capacity in Fort Walton Beach is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 39.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 63.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Fort Walton Beach, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 30.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Fort Walton Beach.
Fort Walton Beach Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Fort Walton Beach
- The most common guest capacity trend in Fort Walton Beach vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (37.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Fort Walton Beach STR market, accounting for 71.1% of listings.
- 74.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Fort Walton Beach.
- On average, properties in Fort Walton Beach are equipped to host 6.1 guests.
Fort Walton Beach Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Fort Walton Beach
- The most common availability pattern in Fort Walton Beach falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 48.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 82.6% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Fort Walton Beach (34.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 18.7% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Fort Walton Beach Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
335 listings
16.7% of total
2 Nights
352 listings
17.6% of total
3 Nights
494 listings
24.7% of total
4-6 Nights
101 listings
5% of total
7-29 Nights
49 listings
2.4% of total
30+ Nights
670 listings
33.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Fort Walton Beach is 30+ Nights, adopted by 33.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (33.5%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Fort Walton Beach, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 33.5% of Fort Walton Beach hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 16.7% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 33.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Fort Walton Beach.
Fort Walton Beach Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
390 listings
21.1% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
101 listings
5.5% of total
Flexible
93 listings
5% of total
Moderate
523 listings
28.3% of total
Firm
403 listings
21.8% of total
Strict
337 listings
18.2% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Fort Walton Beach
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Fort Walton Beach is Moderate, used by 28.3% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (33.3%) and stricter (40.0%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 28.3% market standard in Fort Walton Beach.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Fort Walton Beach.
Fort Walton Beach STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Fort Walton Beach
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Fort Walton Beach is 61 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 95 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in December (average 51 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (75 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (61 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (61 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Fort Walton Beach.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 95 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 75 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Fort Walton Beach averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Fort Walton Beach (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Fort Walton Beach
- Essential amenities in Fort Walton Beach that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, Coffee maker, Refrigerator, Microwave, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Essentials are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Fort Walton Beach: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, Coffee maker, Refrigerator, Microwave, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, Coffee maker, Refrigerator, Microwave, Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Essentials to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Fort Walton Beach to stay competitive.
Fort Walton Beach Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Fort Walton Beach
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Fort Walton Beach consists of primarily domestic travelers (99%), often arriving from nearby Atlanta, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 98.5% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.5%) and Canada (0.3%).
- Top languages spoken are English (77.9%) followed by Spanish (13.7%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Atlanta and Houston.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Fort Walton Beach Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seaside | 573 | $5,021 | $671.62 | 34% |
| Alys Beach | 439 | $5,007 | $578.72 | 37% |
| Inlet Beach | 70 | $4,987 | $460.71 | 40% |
| Seacrest Beach | 357 | $4,820 | $516.77 | 38% |
| Rosemary Beach | 517 | $4,381 | $546.77 | 36% |
| Watersound | 83 | $4,268 | $395.68 | 39% |
| Gulf County | 10 | $4,188 | $406.73 | 36% |
| Santa Rosa Beach | 2,727 | $3,917 | $439.95 | 38% |
| Cape San Blas | 84 | $3,714 | $463.96 | 35% |
| Port St. Joe | 564 | $3,684 | $430.55 | 36% |