Introduction
Sarasota, Florida, known for its stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and vibrant community, has become a sought-after destination for travelers seeking a memorable vacation experience. With the rise of the sharing economy, short-term rentals have become a popular choice for both tourists and property owners looking to capitalize on the city’s allure.
In this guide, we will delve into the current state of the short-term (Airbnb) rental market in Sarasota, exploring key data points, regulations, and opportunities for potential investors.
Market Overview
To understand the dynamics of the short-term rental market in Sarasota, let’s delve into some key statistics and figures.
Supply
AS of July 2025, the most popular homes are 2-bedroom homes, comprising 26.36% of inventory. This is followed by 3 and 1-bedroom homes at 20.60% and 20.32% of the total inventory, respectively.
Homes Appreciation
AS of July 2025, according to Zillow, homes in Sarasota experienced an depreciation of –4.17. This data indicates a significant decrease in property values.
Median Home Value
As of January of 2025, Homes in Sarasota have depreciated by -4.17%. The median home value in Sarasota is $444,200 as reported by Zillow. This figure highlights the city’s robust real estate market and the potential for long-term property appreciation.
Active Short Term Rentals
AS of July 2025, Sarasota boasts a significant Airbnb rental market, with approximately 3,330 active rentals. This abundance of available properties provides ample opportunities for investors and homeowners looking to capitalize on the tourism demand.
Average Daily Rate
The median ADR for the market is $262. The Average Daily Rate is the highest for 5-bedroom homes $539, followed by 4-bedrooms and 3 bedrooms at $462 and $361 respectively.
Occupancy Rate
Chalet data reveals an occupancy rate of 51.62% for Airbnb rentals in Sarasota. This high demand ensures a consistent stream of income for property owners and investors.
How Profitable is Airbnb in Sarasota ?
AS of July 2025, the average gross yield, which represents the annual income generated by a property as a percentage of its value, is 9.65% in Sarasota. This figure suggests that short-term rentals in the city offer a favorable return on investment. Sarasota is ranked #61 by return on investment on Airbnb rentals in the United States.
Annual Revenue
According to Chalet, short-term rentals in Pigeon Forge earn an average of $30,318 annually, highlighting the strong investment potential in the city’s market. You can evaluate your properties using our free Airbnb calculator.
Top Places for Airbnb in Sarasota
Sarasota’s top submarkets for Airbnb investments include areas like ZIP code 34237, which has the highest gross yield at 9% and an annual revenue of $28,067. In contrast, ZIP code 34231 offers more extensive opportunities with 1,155 full-time listings, but a lower gross yield of 8%.
Home values also vary significantly, with properties ranging from $298.6K in 92139 to $409.4K in 34231, making each submarket unique in terms of investment potential and entry cost.
Hosts
The market is dominated by property management firms. The largest host is And AMI Accomodations with 4.73% of the total inventory and an average review of 4.77⭐️s .
Property Tax
According to SmartAsset, the average property tax in Sarasota is 0.84%. This relatively moderate tax rate is an important consideration for those looking to invest in short-term rental properties.
Guests
The majority of the guests in Sarasota come from Florida and are within driving distance. 2.85% of all guests are from Orlando followed by Miami with 2.10%.
Regulations
Sarasota’s short-term rental regulations are somewhat investor-friendly, with different zoning regulations and limitations in place. Understanding these regulations is crucial for potential investors to ensure compliance and a smooth operation.
