Known as the “Venice of America” and the world’s yachting capital, Fort Lauderdale is emerging as one of South Florida’s most exciting urban markets for real estate investors. The city generated over $125 million in tourist tax revenue last year—and approximately 14 million people visit Fort Lauderdale every year, contributing more than $11.4 billion to the local economy. Clear proof that there’s steady demand for short-term stays. For those eyeing top Airbnb-friendly opportunities in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a compelling choice.

With its laid-back, powdery sand beaches, definitely boat-friendly lifestyle, navigable waterways, rich arts and culture scene, and collection of fine dining venues, Fort Lauderdale feels tailor-made for flexible living and short term stays. Developers are responding by bringing new, thoughtfully designed condo offerings to market.

This new wave of pre construction Fort Lauderdale condos that allow Airbnb or daily rentals offers more than just a place to stay—each project delivers an all-encompassing living experience. Think resort-style amenities, masterfully designed spaces, curated experiences, and a prime location that puts the best of the city at your disposal. For investors, this means generating revenue from memorable stays that encourage guest returns.

Fort Lauderdale’s Top New Condos Designed for Short-Term Rental Success

Combining luxury, flexibility, and location, these new Fort Lauderdale Airbnb-friendly preconstruction projects are redefining what it means to invest—and stay—in comfort and luxury.

Natiivo Fort Lauderdale

200 West Broward Boulevard

Developed by Newgard Group

Completion Expected: 2028 

Considered one of the best Airbnb pre-constructions in Fort Lauderdale, this 40-story tower is purposefully designed for short-term rentals without compromising on luxury. Featuring 384 fully furnished residences built and pre-licensed for daily rentals, it will be the first of its kind in the city.

Offering a stunning blend of comfort and functionality, turnkey interiors by Pompano Beach-based IDDI ensure each residence is rental-ready from day one. Each unit will be outfitted with everything you and your guests could need, including chef-inspired kitchens with imported custom cabinetry, European-style appliance packages, flatscreen TVs, outdoor furniture, and Wi-Fi.

You can choose from a selection of studios to three-bedroom layouts, ranging from 515 to 1,150 square feet.

With 45,000 square feet of high-end amenities creating a true live-work-play environment, the range of offerings will be second to none. At the heart of the experience will be the exclusive Natiivo Social club, reserved for owners and guests, featuring a resort-style pool deck, an entertainment lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness and movement studio, a signature restaurant, and innovative coworking spaces designed for digital nomads.

Natiivo’s centrality further amplifies its ROI potential. Just minutes from Las Olas Boulevard—Fort Lauderdale’s premier destination for shopping, dining, arts, and nightlife—and only a seven-minute drive to the beach, this investor-focused project is perfectly positioned for daily rental demand. 

With the Brightline station within walking distance, you can also enjoy high-speed connectivity to Miami, Orlando, and beyond.

The St. Regis Resort and Residences Bahia Mar

801 Seabreeze Boulevard

Developed by Related Group, Tate Capital, and Rok Acquisitions

Completion Expected: 2029 

Set on 40 acres of prime beachfront, The St. Regis Resort and Residences Bahia Mar is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious new Fort Lauderdale condos that allow Airbnb.

As part of Bahia Mar’s transformative $2 billion redevelopment, this premium address will offer you and your guests access to a full-service St. Regis beach club, a reimagined 250-slip mega-yacht marina, a two-acre waterfront park, a scenic public promenade, and the Marina Village at Bahia Mar with world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The Arquitectonica-designed enclave will comprise three buildings: two 23-story condo towers and a taller resort tower. The condo towers will offer 80 three- to four-bedroom homes starting at 2,600 square feet, each with modern open layouts and wraparound terraces. The resort tower will include 79 condo-hotel units and 197 hotel rooms.

All residences will feature timeless interiors by London’s acclaimed Tara Bernerd & Partners, bringing a globally inspired aesthetic and an unprecedented level of nautical luxury to Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront.

In addition to St. Regis’ storied hospitality and signature services, you will have access to more than 70,000 square feet of five-star amenities. Highlights include a bayfront pool with private cabanas, a wellness terrace with sauna and cold plunge pools, a full-service beauty salon, a pickleball court, a multisport simulator, a children's entertainment room, a library, a billiards room, private dining rooms, and more. The resort tower will also feature St. Regis’ signature Tea Room, Spirits Room, and fine dining restaurant.

Staying at The St. Regis Bahia Mar, you will be across the street from where the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show takes place, and a 10-minute drive from Las Olas Boulevard, providing a rare blend of location, lifestyle, and branded luxury.

Aiming to attract those with discerning taste and a passion for yachting, this waterfront enclave holds exceptional long-term investment potential.

Resort Residences at Pier Sixty-Six

2301 SE 17th Street

Developed by Tavistock Development Co.

Opened: 2025

Having welcomed its first residents and guests recently this year, the Resort Residences at Pier Sixty-Six ranks among the hottest new pre construction condos for sale in Fort Lauderdale that allow Airbnb.

Owing to its billion-dollar renovation and reimagined marina, this exceptional investment opportunity offers access to 12 restaurants and lounges, three pools, three ballrooms, a spa, and 164 marina slips in a premier waterfront setting.

Masterfully designed by Garcia Stromberg, this exclusive collection of 31 homes with private gardens flaunts a stunning fusion of midcentury modern and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Set across two four-story villas, the residences ensure utmost privacy for you and your guests with just five homes per floor. Floor plans range from 1,645 to over 3,800 square feet, with a choice of two- to four-bedroom units.

Lifestyle amenities at this iconic collection include three pool experiences, a wellness spa, a Technogym-powered fitness center, The Club Room, and a marine-focused kids’ club.

Perfectly positioned for both business and leisure, this resort residence is ideally located to attract an upscale clientele. With direct access to the superyacht marina and waterfront promenade, just 10 minutes by car from the airport, and 15 minutes from the inter-city Brightline station, you and your guests are conveniently connected to the best of South Florida.

Nautica Hotel & Residences

400/420 SW 3rd Avenue

Developed by Cymbal DLT

Completion Expected: 2027

Approved in 2024 and part of the six-acre master-planned Nautico District, this short-term rental-friendly development will give you and your guests front row access to a reimagined marina and riverfront in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. 

In addition to the 30-story condo tower, this $1.5 billion project will also be home to a 30-story hotel tower, a 37-story apartment tower, and premium waterfront retail.

Designed by Miami’s award-winning Arquitectonica, the residential building will bring 345 branded condos to the banks of the New River. While an official branding partner is yet to be announced, the residences are expected to feature premium modern finishes and elevated design throughout. Units will range from 521 to 1,874 square feet, with a choice of studios to three-bedroom layouts.

You can live out your yachting dreams with 78 dry boat slips and 12 wet slips just downstairs, along with access to an app-based “yacht valet” service, ensuring your boat is fully prepped and ready to sail whenever you are.

Other condo-exclusive amenities include a pool, a resident’s lounge, a party lounge, a game room, a fitness center, a kids’ room, and tennis, racquetball and pickleball courts.

The Nautica Hotel and Residences will be within walking distance from a Publix and the Broward Center for Performing Arts. The city’s premier shopping, dining, art, and cultural experiences along Las Olas Boulevard will also be within easy reach.

The Residences at Shell Bay, Hallandale Beach

501 Diplomat Parkway 

Developed by Witkoff Group and PPG Development

Completion Expected: 2027

Although located between Fort Lauderdale Beach and Miami Beach, this short-term rental project earns a mention for one compelling reason: it is set within America’s most expensive country club.

Shell Bay Club is a 150-acre, Greg Norman-designed championship Golf Course and Racquet Club, home to a collection of four Grand Slam surfaces, pickleball courts, padel courts, a 9-hole par 3 course, plus a 48-slip private marina and yacht club.

As an owner at The Residences at Shell Bay Hallandale Beach, you’ll have the flexibility to rent your unit on home sharing platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway, provided it remains owner-occupied for at least 180 days per year. 

Rising 20 stories, this Kobi Karp-designed tower will afford 108 bespoke luxury residences with sweeping views of the neighboring marina and championship golf course.

Envisioned as a Mediterranean-inspired sanctuary, it will feature upscale interiors by AvroKO, with Italian Molteni&C gourmet kitchens, white oak cabinetry, custom furnishings, spa-like bathrooms, a soft palette of natural materials, and private wraparound terraces.

Units will range from 900 to a sprawling 4,000 square feet, with a choice of one- to four-bedroom floor plans.

Amenities include a 20,000-square-foot private members’ Clubhouse featuring indoor and outdoor dining helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, the 18,000-square-foot Shell Bay spa and fitness center, rooftop pools with private cabanas, pickleball and paddle courts, a multi-sport simulator lounge, a children’s play lab, and coworking spaces.

With Auberge Resorts managing amenities and day-to-day living, you and your guests will have world-class hospitality at your disposal.

Key Airbnb Stats and Future Developments in Fort Lauderdale

According to the short-term rental analytics tool Airbtics’ latest analysis (Feb 2024 to Jan 2025), mid-scale Airbnb rentals in Fort Lauderdale averaged $185 per night with a 68% occupancy rate, closely trailing Miami Beach’s daily average of $189 with a 69% occupancy rate.

This indicates that Fort Lauderdale’s short-term rental demand is nearly on par with Miami Beach, which has historically been a major global tourist destination. From an investor’s perspective, this means Fort Lauderdale offers similar earning potential with lower entry prices.

With new projects bringing fresh energy and improving Fort Lauderdale’s overall infrastructure, it’s easy to see how your investment could grow.

For instance, FATVillage, just two blocks from the Brightline station, is set to become the cultural and creative epicenter of Fort Lauderdale. The $500 million project by Hines and partners will transform a four-block stretch next to Flagler Village into a walkable district, thriving with food, art, and tech. The 5.6-acre development, compared to Miami’s Wynwood district, will feature a mix of office and retail space, art galleries, and residences.

Addressing Fort Lauderdale’s public transit needs, Broward County approved PREMO, or the Premium Mobility Program, in June 2023. The extensive program will add 11.5 miles of commuter rails, 23.3 miles of light rail transit (LRT), 76 miles of rapid bus transit, and 100 miles of high frequency bus services, transforming travel in and around Fort Lauderdale. The LRT will also connect the airport to the Broward Convention Center, and Port Everglades.

Furthermore, Brightline’s high-speed rail system offers comfortable and convenient travel across Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. With plans to extend service to Tampa, this added connectivity will undoubtedly elevate home values and short-term rental demand.

More Expert Tips for  Fort Lauderdale Airbnb Investors

Here are some of the most common topics about buying Fort Lauderdale condos that our clients wish to know about:

Is Airbnb profitable in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes, it is. With above-average occupancy rates and earnings reported by most home sharing platforms, from Airbnb to Hostaway, the short-term rental market in Fort Lauderdale has proven to offer strong returns. With its laid-back beach vibe, family-friendly attractions, and a lifestyle built around boating, outdoor fun, and the arts, ensure travelers keep coming back. For investors, that steady demand translates into significant income potential.

Do you need a real estate license for short-term rentals in Florida?

As an owner, you do not need a real estate license to operate and manage your short-term rental property. However, you will need to register for all the necessary state and county licenses required for vacation rental properties, submit your proof of ownership, and submit your vacation rental application to LauderBuild as per instructions.

You will also need to pay a vacation rental registration fee and look into applicable rental taxes. Therefore, it is highly advisable for you to consult a knowledgeable real estate agent or legal expert before signing the dotted line.

Does Fort Lauderdale have Airbnb restrictions?

Yes, it does. The city has a few restrictions in place to ensure short-term rentals run smoothly and stay in line with Fort Lauderdale’s community values. These help minimize disruptions and maintain its yachter’s paradise charm. For example, occupancy is limited to two overnight guests per bedroom, and noise monitoring devices are often installed to encourage respectful stays.

Additional restrictions apply to on-street guest parking, so it’s always advisable to consult with a qualified expert before listing your unit on a homesharing website. This will ensure compliance and help your guests enjoy a hassle-free experience, while protecting and maximizing your investment.

Ready to invest in a luxury Airbnb condo in Fort Lauderdale?

At Blackbook Properties, we provide access to a trusted network of local experts, from legal advisors to property managers, ensuring you make all the right moves to expand your investment portfolio with clarity.

Contact us today to connect with an expert and explore your options for the best Fort Lauderdale condos for sale that allow Airbnb, both existing and in pre-construction.