According to JaxToday.org, a staggering eight million people visited Jacksonville, FL, in 2024. Their positive economic impact on the city was just as impressive: $7.4 billion!
As a homeowner in Jax, you can also participate in this beautiful coastal town's ever-evolving tourism industry by renting your home to travelers. Doing so can generate extra income, which you can use however you see fit, whether to supplement your savings or pay your mortgage.
The real estate experts at PMI Jacksonville have shared vacation home rental tips and property management advice to help you get started, so read on.
Understand Local Regulations
Before advertising your home as a traveler-friendly property, familiarize yourself with laws and regulations on short-term rentals (STRs). Under Florida Statutes Section 509.013, STRs are "transient public lodging establishments" rented to guests more than three times yearly for less than 30 days or one calendar month per period. STRs must acquire the appropriate licenses and permits from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants before they operate.
Additional requirements established by the local city government may apply to Jacksonville travel rentals. So, before you market your property to vacationers, ensure you check in with the Jacksonville Short-Term Vacation Rentals Special Committee. They can provide advice and recommendations specific to your STR.
Prepare Your Property
Once you've covered the legal matters, the next step is to make your home attractive to travelers. The first step is to ensure cleanliness, as a spotless vacation home creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Here are other tips to prepare your property:
- Provide essential amenities: Wi-Fi, kitchen supplies, and toiletries are must-haves
- Consider decor updates: A fresh coat of paint or tasteful decorations can make your property stand out
- Enhance outdoor spaces: A cozy patio or garden area can be a big draw for guests
- Take quality photos: High-resolution images showcase your property effectively, drawing more interest
Create Appealing Listings
Your online listing is your primary marketing tool, so ensure you write clear, engaging descriptions of the property. You should also highlight your home's unique features and proximity to local attractions.
When you create listings, add local keywords to enhance online visibility on rental platforms, such as:
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Jacksonville, FL
- Jax, FL
- Jacksonville beaches
- Downtown Jacksonville
Don't forget to incorporate your location's charm, such as mentioning popular tourist hotspots nearby.
Use Multiple Listing Platforms
Don't limit yourself to just one vacation rental platform. Instead, list your property on as many of the following sites to expose it to as many travelers as possible:
- Airbnb
- VRBO
- Booking.com
- Trip Advisor
Earn Extra Income by Renting Your Home to Travelers
Renting your home to travelers can significantly supplement your household income. However, for this new business venture to work, you must adhere to state and local regulations, prepare your property, and implement effective marketing strategies.
If all that seems like a lot of work, don't worry: PMI Jacksonville can take over. Our full-service STR property management firm uses state-of-the-art technology and the local expertise of our highly qualified real estate and property management experts. We also have the backing of PMI, a fast-growing company that has helped improve the property management sector within the last two decades.
Call us today, and we'll happily provide you with a free Jacksonville, FL, property analysis!
