Has your short-term rental been harder to fill lately? You're not imagining things.
Between rising costs, increased competition from mega-resorts, and unpredictable income, many Orlando-area investors are finding that long-term rentals offer a more stable, less stressful alternative.
In this post, we’ll break down why this shift is happening, what it means for property owners in Central Florida, and how to decide if it’s time for you to make the switch.
The Short-Term Rental Landscape Is Shifting
Orlando has always been a hotspot for short-term rentals. With millions of visitors each year coming to experience theme parks, conventions, and sunny weather, it seemed like a no-brainer investment. But the short-term game is evolving, and not in favor of the average property owner.
Here’s what’s changing:
Major hospitality competition: Resorts like Margaritaville, Evermore, and Everest Place offer high-end, all-in-one experiences that many travelers now prefer over Airbnbs or individual vacation homes.
Professional service expectations: Today’s guests want hotel-style perks: on-demand service, walkable amenities, and zero hassle. Competing with that as an individual investor is tough.
Platform saturation: With more properties than ever listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, standing out (and staying booked) takes constant effort and investment.
The Real Cost of Running a Short-Term Rental
Many investors are attracted to the high nightly rates short-term rentals can command. But those top-line numbers don’t tell the full story.
Hidden (and not-so-hidden) expenses include:
- Cleaning fees every 2–3 days
- Lawn care, pool maintenance, pest control
- Utility bills that stay high year-round
- Furniture and linen replacements
- Emergency repairs
- Platform fees, local permits, tourist taxes, and HOA requirements
Add that up, and short-term owners in Orlando are often spending $10,000–$15,000 more per year than they would with a long-term tenant. That eats into your profits fast.
Unpredictable Income = Investor Stress
Even when bookings are steady, short-term rentals come with volatility.
You’re only as good as your next guest, and one cancellation, slow season, or negative review can throw off your whole month.
Other risks include:
- Sudden local regulations or STR bans
- Natural disasters or weather-related disruptions
- Market shifts in traveler behavior (like preferring resorts over homes)
- Compared to this, long-term rentals offer consistency, simplicity, and peace of mind.
5 Reasons to Consider Switching to Long-Term Rentals
If you’re feeling burned out by short-term management or your numbers aren’t where they used to be, here’s why it might be time to pivot:
1. Lower Operating Costs
You’re not cleaning constantly, paying guest service teams, or replacing broken furniture. Long-term tenants treat the property like a home, not a hotel.
2. Stable Cash Flow
Rent comes in monthly, and it’s predictable. That’s great for budgeting, reinvesting, and financing new properties.
3. Easier Financing & Appraisals
Lenders and appraisers love steady income. A well-performing long-term rental looks great on paper, which helps when refinancing or selling.
4. Fewer Regulations
Many Florida cities are cracking down on short-term rentals. With long-term tenants, you avoid the risk of fines or forced shutdowns.
5. Less Time Managing
No more constant messages, emergency guest issues, or weekend turnovers. A reliable long-term tenant gives you your time and your sanity back.
Is Short-Term Still Worth It?
In some cases, of course. If you live near your property, manage it yourself, and it’s in a high-demand area with little competition, short-term rentals can still be lucrative. They also make sense if you use the property yourself for part of the year or already have great systems in place for turnovers.
But if your goal is passive income, portfolio growth, or fewer headaches, long-term rentals may offer a better path forward.
How to Make the Switch
Thinking of transitioning from short-term to long-term? You don’t have to do it alone.
At State Property Management, we work with investors across Central Florida who want more reliable returns, fewer hassles, and expert support. From marketing your rental to finding qualified tenants and handling maintenance, our full-service property management team makes the process seamless.
Contact us for a free consultation today!
Final Thoughts
The rental market is evolving, and smart investors evolve with it. If you're tired of the unpredictability and rising costs of short-term rentals, long-term leasing may be the key to stable, sustainable income in Central Florida.