Space Coast Living

Chapter 07 ยท Condos & Rentals

Cocoa Beach condos and the rental math.

Oceanfront condos are the classic Cocoa Beach purchase. Before you count on rental income, know the rules and run the numbers.

Short-term rental ROI calculator

Your estimate

Monthly cash flow

-$2,077

Gross income / yr
$38,325
Operating costs / yr
$36,303
Net operating income
$2,022
Mortgage / yr
$26,945
Cap rate
0.4%
Cash-on-cash
-17.9%

Cash invested: $139,500. An estimate for planning only, not financial advice. Occupancy and rates vary by building, season, and rental rules.

Short-term rental rules to know

City of Cocoa Beach rules

Cocoa Beach limits short-term vacation rentals in most residential zones. Rentals shorter than the city's minimum stay are only allowed in specific zoning districts, and owners must register with the city.

Condo association rules

Many buildings set their own minimum stay (often 30 days, 90 days, or longer) and cap rentals per year. Read the declaration and rules before you make an offer.

State license

Florida requires a vacation rental license from the DBPR (Division of Hotels and Restaurants) for qualifying rentals.

Taxes on stays under six months

Collect Florida sales tax, the county surtax, and the Brevard tourist development tax. Platforms like Airbnb remit some of this, but not always all of it.

Insurance

You'll need a landlord or short-term rental policy, and the building's master policy affects your assessments.

Always verify before you buy. Rules change. Check the current ordinance with the City of Cocoa Beach, the condo's recorded documents, and Florida DBPR licensing.

City of Cocoa BeachFlorida DBPR vacation rentals

Condo buying checklist

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