Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Reunion Florida.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in St. Cloud, Florida (Reunion Area) for 2024

Statewide and Local Regulations

Statewide Regulations

• Registration Requirement: All vacation rental properties must register with a new statewide database if Senate Bill 280 is signed into law.
• Local Government Authority: Local governments can require registration and charge a "reasonable fee" for registration. Fines of up to $500 can be imposed for registration violations.
• Occupancy Limits: Maximum overnight occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom, plus an additional two persons in one common area, or more than two persons per bedroom if there is at least 50 square feet per person.
• Inspections and Permits: Local governments may require inspections and an inspection fee to obtain permits to operate.
• Responsible Party: A responsible party must be available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
• Suspension of Licenses: Licenses can be suspended for vacation rentals that violate general laws five times during a 30 or 60-day period, or after two prior suspensions.
• Taxes: Short-term rental marketplaces must collect and remit state lodging taxes on behalf of hosts.

Local Regulations in St. Cloud

• Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Property owners must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt from the city to operate a short-term rental.
• Impact Fees: St. Cloud charges impact fees for short-term rentals to support increased public services, with the fee amount varying based on the type of rental unit.
• Neighborhood Specific Rules: Certain neighborhoods, such as Reunion Resort & Club, have additional rules. For example, short-term rentals in guest homes are allowed only when the main single-family residence is homesteaded.
• Strict Enforcement: St. Cloud is known for strictly enforcing its short-term rental regulations, with hosts reporting fines for operating without proper permits and licenses.

Additional Requirements

• Compliance with HOA Restrictions: Property owners must comply with any Homeowners Association (HOA) restrictions in their neighborhood.
• Registration and Permit Compliance: Hosts must ensure they comply with all local registration and permit requirements to avoid fines and penalties.

Top Airbnb Neighborhoods in Reunion, Florida: Why They Are Highly Lucrative

1. Reunion Resort

• Location and Accessibility: Reunion Resort is located in Kissimmee, just south of Disney World, making it highly accessible to major Orlando attractions.
• Diverse Accommodations: The resort offers a wide array of options, from condominiums and townhouses to large mansions with up to 16 bedrooms, catering to various group sizes and preferences.
• Amenities: The gated community features exceptional amenities, including three golf courses, a water park, and various recreational facilities, enhancing the guest experience.
• Resort-Style Living: Reunion Resort provides a vacation resort vibe, complete with amenities like pools, a game room, and a theater room, making it an attractive choice for families and large groups.

2. ChampionsGate (Adjacent to Reunion)

• Golfing and Spa Facilities: Although technically in Davenport, ChampionsGate is often considered in the broader context of the Reunion area due to its proximity. It offers golf courses and a spa, appealing to golf enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.
• Short-Term Rental Options: The majority of this area is zoned for short-term rentals, making it a viable option for Airbnb hosts. However, it is farther from the theme parks compared to other neighborhoods.

3. Margaritaville (Near Reunion)

• Prime Location: Located just off highways 192 and 429, Margaritaville is minutes from Disney World and offers a resort-style experience with amenities like an infinity pool, water park, and multiple dining options.
• Resort Amenities: The neighborhood has a resort-like feel, with amenities such as an infinity pool with a TV screen, multiple pools, and a main building with restaurants, enhancing the guest experience.

4. Windsor Hills (Near Reunion)

• Optimal Location: Windsor Hills is close to Walt Disney World and other tourist attractions, making it a convenient choice for guests. It is also gated and features a pool, splash pad, and movie room.
• Affordable and Updated Options: While some homes may need updates since the area was built in 2005, the low HOA fees and optimal location make it an attractive option for both guests and hosts.

These neighborhoods in and around Reunion, Florida, are highly appealing due to their proximity to major attractions, diverse accommodation options, and extensive resort-style amenities, which collectively contribute to their high revenue potential on Airbnb.

Tips for Furnishing and Designing an Inviting Airbnb in Reunion, Florida

Planning and Research

• Research Local Style and Inspiration: Look at top-performing Airbnb listings in Reunion, Florida, and gather inspiration from their designs. Create a vision board or use software like Photoshop to visualize how different furniture pieces will look in your space.

• Plan Ahead for Shipping Lead Times: Ensure you order key furniture items well in advance, considering the shipping times to avoid delays in preparing your property.

Furniture Selection

• Choose Durable and Easy-to-Clean Furniture: Opt for materials like leather, synthetic microfiber, solid wood, and metal for durability and ease of maintenance. Use stain-resistant fabrics for bedding and other fabric-covered items.

• Select Multi-Functional Furniture: Incorporate multi-functional pieces such as sofa beds and extendable dining tables to maximize space and cater to various guest needs.

• Ensure Replaceability: Choose furniture that is easy to replace if needed, to avoid having to redo the entire space if a piece becomes unavailable.

Room-Specific Furnishing

Bedrooms

• Include essential items like bed frames, nightstands, lamps, and closets. Use comfortable mattresses and provide complete bedding sets, including pillows, duvets, and sheets.

Living Room

• Furnish with a comfortable couch or sofa bed, coffee table, end tables, and an entertainment center. Add throw pillows, area rugs, and other decorative items to create a cozy atmosphere.

Kitchen

• Equip the kitchen with necessary appliances like a refrigerator, cooktop, oven, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. Include kitchen utensils, pots, pans, baking sheets, and tableware.

Bathrooms

• Provide basic amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and towels. Add decorative items like towel racks, shower curtains, and storage bins as needed.

Design Considerations

• Reflect Local Culture: Create a themed interior that reflects the local culture or environment of Reunion, Florida, to enhance the guest experience.

• Use Neutral Color Palettes: Employ neutral tones as a backdrop and add splashes of color through decorative accessories to make the space adaptable to different guest preferences.

• Consider Length of Stay: Design the space to cater to either short or long stays. For short stays, use vibrant and fun designs, while for longer stays, opt for more cozy and comfortable settings.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Skip the Ceiling: Pay attention to the ceiling when designing your space, as it can significantly impact the overall look and feel of the room.

• Focus on Comfort: Never cut corners on pillows or mattresses, as these are crucial for guest comfort and can affect your reviews.

• Add Decorative Touches: Include items like blinds, rugs, throw blankets, floor lamps, and decorative pieces to give your living room a sense of warmth and coziness.

Local Attractions and Insider Tips for Guests Visiting Reunion, Florida

Theme Parks and Water Parks

• Walt Disney World: Located just six miles from Reunion Resort, Disney World includes Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.
• Insider Tip: Consider purchasing a park hopper ticket to explore multiple parks in one day.
• Universal Orlando: Includes Universal's Islands of Adventure and the main Universal park, featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Both parks are approximately 20 miles from Reunion Resort.
• Insider Tip: Take advantage of the Early Park Admission if you're staying at an on-site hotel or have a special ticket.
• Aquatica: A thrilling water park with gentle and extreme rides, located 16.9 miles from Reunion Resort.
• Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot for lounging and to beat the crowds.
• Volcano Bay: A unique water park centered around a massive volcano, 20.6 miles from Reunion Resort.
• Insider Tip: Use the TapuTapu wearable to reserve ride times and minimize waiting.
• Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach: Disney-owned water parks, with Typhoon Lagoon being the closest to Reunion Resort at 12.8 miles away.
• Insider Tip: Check for special events and seasonal closures before planning your visit.

Local Towns and Communities

• Celebration: A charming town designed by Disney, known for its pastel-toned buildings and leafy avenues. It's an 18-minute drive from Reunion Resort.
• Insider Tip: Explore the town center, visit the local restaurants, and enjoy the scenic walks.

Golfing and Sports

• Reunion Resort Golf Courses: Three PGA golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Arnold Palmer.
• Insider Tip: Book tee times in advance, especially during peak season.
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex: Hosts over 200 sporting events annually, including spring training for the Atlanta Braves. Located near Walt Disney World.
• Insider Tip: Check the event schedule to catch a game or tournament during your stay.

Dining and Entertainment

• International Drive: Known for its diverse dining options, entertainment venues, and attractions. It's a short drive from Reunion Resort.
• Insider Tip: Use online guides to find the best restaurants and shows that suit your guests' interests.
• Downtown Orlando: Offers a vibrant nightlife, dining, and cultural attractions. It's about a 30-minute drive from Reunion Resort.
• Insider Tip: Recommend visiting during the week for a more relaxed atmosphere.

On-Site Amenities

• Reunion Resort Water Park: Features a lazy river, splash pool playground, beach entry pool, and a tiki bar.
• Insider Tip: Encourage guests to take advantage of the daily activities and events at the water park.
• Spa, Tennis Complex, and Fitness Center: Reunion Resort offers various amenities for relaxation and fitness.
• Insider Tip: Provide guests with a schedule of fitness classes and spa treatments available during their stay.

Additional Tips

• Transportation: Recommend renting a car or using ride-sharing services to navigate the area easily.
• Weather: Always check the weather forecast and advise guests to pack accordingly, especially during the summer months.
• Local Events: Inform guests about any local events or festivals happening during their stay to enhance their experience.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Reunion, Florida

To ensure a smooth and profitable short-term rental business in Reunion, Florida, several practical tips can make a significant difference. First, it is crucial to inform guests about noise regulations and quiet hours to maintain a peaceful environment and comply with local rules. This can be effectively communicated through a comprehensive digital and physical house manual that includes essential instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, and other vital information.

A simplified check-in process is also key. Utilizing smart locks eliminates the need for physical key exchanges, making the arrival process seamless and convenient for guests. Additionally, providing clear parking instructions accompanied by photos can help avoid confusion and ensure that guests can easily find and use the designated parking areas.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance guest satisfaction, reduce potential issues, and maintain a positive reputation in the competitive Reunion, Florida market. Effective communication, streamlined processes, and attention to detail are essential for a successful and profitable short-term rental business.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Reunion, Florida, and the surrounding areas:

House Cleaning Providers

Molly Maid

• Offers services in Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and surrounding areas, including flexible service options like same-day cleaning, routine cleaning, and special occasion cleaning.

My Cleaning Angel

• Provides house cleaning services in Kissimmee and surrounding areas, including one-time cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and recurring cleaning. They use eco-friendly products and offer customizable cleaning packages.

The Cleaning Authority

• Serves Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Davenport, and other surrounding areas. They offer one-time and regular cleaning services using environmentally responsible products and a Detail-Clean Rotation System.

Vacation Home Help

• Specializes in cleaning vacation rentals and homes in Reunion, including properties listed on Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO. They provide customized cleaning services based on the size and needs of the property.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Reunion, Florida: A Guide to Costs and Services

In Reunion, Florida, short-term rental management fees can vary significantly, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive services such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often between 20% to 30% of the rental income.

Basic services, which may only include marketing or customer service, can be less expensive, falling closer to the 10% to 20% range. Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for services like cleaning, repairs, and design, which can be either included in the management fee or charged separately. Understanding these fee structures is crucial for budgeting and ensuring the financial health of your short-term rental property in Reunion, Florida.