Destin, FL short-term rentals for sale
Emerald Coast beachfront STR market.
Short-term rentals for sale in Destin
STRwinners currently tracks 180 short-term rentals for sale in Destin, FL, priced from $195,000 to $6,975,000 with a median list price of $587,500. Condos are the most common property type (76% of listings), followed by townhomes (19%). The most common size is 3 bedrooms. 107 listings currently carry a STRONG verdict.
Top-scoring listings right now
- 4203 Indian Bayou Trl #1809, Destin, FL 32541
- 1751 Scenic Highway 98 E #313, Destin, FL 32541
- 10 Harbor Blvd #W329, Destin, FL 32541
- 940 Us Highway 98 W #34, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- 970 Us Highway 98 W #1207, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- 10 Harbor Blvd #W129, Destin, FL 32541
View all Destin listings
Destin as a short-term rental market
Destin sits on Florida's Emerald Coast in Okaloosa County and is known for white-sand beaches, clear green Gulf water and a large charter-fishing fleet. It draws a mix of families, couples and groups, with demand peaking in summer and lifted again in spring, when March travel adds bookings.
Gulf-front and near-beach condos are common, and purchase prices can be high relative to rental income, so check each property's numbers instead of relying on the market average.
What drives guest demand
- Gulf beaches and Henderson Beach State Park
- HarborWalk Village, waterfront dining and charter fishing
- Crab Island and boating
- Nearby Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach and the 30A communities for day trips
What's typically for sale
Gulf-front and near-beach condos are the most common listings, along with single-family homes and townhomes. Because purchase prices can be high relative to rental income, cash-on-cash return and DSCR deserve extra scrutiny.
Destin seasonality: when bookings happen
STRwinners' seasonality model puts the strongest booking revenue in March, June and July, which together generate about 52% of modeled annual revenue, with July the single busiest month. The slowest months are January, November and December, at about 8% combined, so build those softer months into your cash-flow projections.
Before you buy in Destin: rules and risks
Florida generally requires a state vacation-rental license and sales and tourist-development tax registration for transient rentals, and local rules vary between the City of Destin, Okaloosa County and neighboring jurisdictions. Confirm current requirements with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the county tax collector and the city, and check the condo association's rental policy.
Short-term rental rules are set locally and change often, so treat this as a checklist of what to verify, not legal advice.
- Zoning: confirm the specific address is in a district that allows nightly or weekly rentals.
- Permits and licenses: ask the city or county whether a rental permit, registration or business license is required.
- Taxes: register for state and local lodging (occupancy) taxes, and confirm who collects them if you use Airbnb or VRBO.
- HOA or condo rules: read the declaration for rental caps, minimum stays and rental-program requirements.
- Insurance and financing: get quotes for property, wind and flood coverage where relevant, and ask your lender how it treats short-term rental income.
Destin short-term rental FAQ
How much can a short-term rental earn in Destin?
STRwinners' market data shows an average daily rate of $251, occupancy of 38% and estimated annual revenue of $58,871 for a typical short-term rental in Destin, FL. Individual results vary widely with bedroom count, location, amenities and management, so check the projected revenue on each listing.
When is the peak season in Destin?
STRwinners' seasonality model puts the strongest booking revenue in March, June and July, which together generate about 52% of modeled annual revenue, with July the single busiest month. The slowest months are January, November and December, at about 8% combined, so build those softer months into your cash-flow projections.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Destin?
Florida generally requires a state vacation-rental license and sales and tourist-development tax registration for transient rentals, and local rules vary between the City of Destin, Okaloosa County and neighboring jurisdictions. Confirm current requirements with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the county tax collector and the city, and check the condo association's rental policy. Always confirm the current rules with the local authority before you buy.
Is Destin a good market for short-term rental investors?
Destin has strong demand and a long beach season, but also high purchase prices, condo fees and insurance costs. Whether a specific property works depends on its projected revenue against those costs, so compare cap rate, cash-on-cash return and DSCR rather than relying on the market average.
What should I know about insurance and HOA costs when buying in Destin?
Gulf Coast properties often carry higher windstorm and flood insurance premiums, and condo associations may charge significant monthly dues and special assessments. Get insurance quotes and the association's financials before making an offer.
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Projections are estimates, not guarantees, and this page is not legal, tax or investment advice.