Short Term Rental
Management

Surge offers local full service vacation rental management for busy vacation rental owners and Airbnb hosts in Ebro, Florida

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Ebro, Florida Short Term Rental Overview

Airbnb Market
Ebro, Florida presents an exceptional short-term rental investment opportunity driven by its strategic proximity to Panama City Beach's $2.3 billion tourism economy while offering significantly lower property acquisition costs than beachfront markets. Property owners can capitalize on average daily rates of $150-200 during peak season, with occupancy rates exceeding 75% from March through October, generating potential annual revenues of $35,000-50,000 for well-positioned properties. The area's appeal stems from its location within 30 minutes of pristine Gulf Coast beaches, world-class fishing at nearby state parks, and major attractions, while providing guests with a more authentic, budget-friendly alternative to expensive beachfront accommodations. Current market analysis indicates limited short-term rental inventory in Ebro creates a supply-demand imbalance favoring property owners, with comparable properties in the region showing 15-20% year-over-year revenue growth as travelers increasingly seek unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer both natural beauty and proximity to major tourist corridors.
Short Term Rental Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Ebro, Florida can be intricate and constantly evolving, with Washington County and local municipal authorities implementing specific zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, safety requirements, and permitting processes that property owners must navigate carefully to avoid costly fines, legal disputes, or forced closure of their rental operations. The complexity of staying compliant with business licenses, transient rental permits, tax collection requirements, and frequent regulatory updates creates significant liability for individual property owners who may inadvertently violate local ordinances or miss critical filing deadlines. However, partnering with a professional short-term rental management service eliminates these compliance risks entirely, as experienced managers handle all aspects of licensing, permit renewals, tax collection and remittance, regulatory monitoring, and legal adherence, ensuring your property operates within full compliance while you enjoy peace of mind and maximum rental income without the administrative burden.
Occupancy Rates
Airbnb occupancy rates in Ebro, Florida experience significant seasonal fluctuations, with peak tourist seasons occurring during spring break (March-April) and summer months (June-August) when families visit nearby beaches and outdoor recreation areas, achieving occupancy rates of 75-85%. The slower shoulder seasons fall during late fall and winter months (November-February), when occupancy can drop to 35-50% due to cooler weather and reduced tourist activity in the Florida Panhandle region. Professional revenue management and dynamic pricing strategies are essential for maintaining consistent year-round occupancy by automatically adjusting nightly rates based on local demand patterns, competitor pricing, and seasonal trends—increasing rates during peak periods to maximize revenue while strategically lowering prices during shoulder seasons to attract budget-conscious travelers and maintain cash flow. This approach allows Ebro Airbnb operators to capture premium pricing when demand is high while remaining competitive during slower periods, ultimately achieving annual occupancy rates of 60-70% compared to static pricing models that typically yield only 45-55% occupancy in this seasonal market.
Vacation Rental Management
Managing a vacation rental in Ebro, Florida presents unique operational challenges that can quickly overwhelm property owners attempting to self-manage their investment. The area's popularity with fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers creates unpredictable guest turnover patterns, often requiring same-day cleanings and maintenance checks between bookings, which becomes nearly impossible to coordinate remotely or while maintaining a full-time job. The 24/7 communication demands are particularly taxing in Ebro's rural setting, where guests frequently encounter issues with unfamiliar outdoor equipment, boat launches, or need immediate assistance with fishing licenses and local regulations at all hours, creating constant interruptions to personal time. Maintenance challenges are amplified by the area's humid climate and sandy soil conditions, which accelerate wear on HVAC systems, plumbing, and outdoor amenities, while the limited pool of reliable local contractors means emergency repairs can take days to schedule without established professional relationships. Without full-service property management handling these complex logistics, owners risk negative reviews from delayed responses, maintenance failures, or poor guest experiences that can permanently damage their 5-star rating and significantly reduce booking rates in Ebro's increasingly competitive vacation rental market, ultimately destroying the passive income potential that initially attracted them to the investment.
Attractions and Amenities
Ebro, Florida's primary attractions center around Ebro Greyhound Park (one of the state's premier dog racing venues), the expansive Blackwater River State Forest with its pristine hiking trails and camping areas, Point Washington State Forest offering world-class hunting and outdoor recreation, and Lake Wimico providing exceptional freshwater fishing and boating opportunities. To effectively serve guests visiting these specific destinations, rental properties must provide early morning coffee service and grab-and-go breakfast options for race day visitors and hunters, secure storage for fishing equipment, hunting gear, and outdoor recreation supplies, high-speed Wi-Fi for guests researching race schedules and booking outdoor excursions, outdoor cleaning stations with hoses for washing fishing gear and muddy hiking boots, covered parking or garages to protect guests' boats and ATVs, comfortable outdoor seating areas where visitors can plan their next day's activities, and flexible check-in/check-out times to accommodate early morning hunting trips and late-night returns from the greyhound track.

Why choose Surge?

Surge is local Airbnb management that’s reliable, affordable and the best for your property.
Cost
Guest communications
Host Communications
Insurance
Contract
Cost
Starting at 15% fee
Guest communications
Guest response within 10 minutes, 24 hours a day
Host Communications
Designated host call in phone line
Insurance
Full damage protection for every reservation
Contract
No annual agreements
Other Property Mangers
Cost
25-40% fee
Guest communications
Sporadic guest communications
Host Communications
Bot response assistants
Insurance
Unreliable insurance coverage
Contract
Contract lock-ins

Understand Your STR Income

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Surge is geared towards maximizing potential

Be at ease with the knowledge that your vacation rental is being optimized to its fullest potential.
30%
In gross revenue
150 M
Potential guests
4.9
Superhost status
7+
Booking platforms
1
Property manager
The house was great. It accommodated our large group nicely. The owner was responsive and checked in on us throughout the trip. The gate around the home added privacy and security. The beds were comfortable as well. Extra linen, towels and washcloths. We are looking to book this home in the future!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
We really appreciated Surge. He was responsive, attentive, and went above to make sure our stay was seamless. You can tell he takes pride in providing a clean/organized place. Everyone loved the pool table and shuffleboard. This place is also very close to great restaurants. The place we went to had the best catfish. Would definitely rent from Surge again!!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
Our group really enjoyed our long weekend stay here! The property was very clean and spacious but also provided some privacy to accommodate our large family. Surge was responsive when we reached out to them and also accommodated an early check-in. We felt secure given that the property was gated and had smart locks on both entry doors. We strongly recommend this property and would love to stay here again!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
My family and I were here for my daughter’s graduation from UofH. Surge was very upfront, kept us informed and accommodating. The place was clean and fit my entire family comfortably. We have already made plans to come back. Great location, private and safe environment. Would highly recommend! Thank you Surge for making this stay memorable and stress free for our family!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
Great stay that accommodated all our needs for a successful for trip to Houston, i hope to Book in the coming future.
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
The host was great, he responded quickly when needed and checked in on us from time to time throughout the whole day. He was awesome and the place was great for my family of 16. Definitely will book with him in the future.
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
Does Surge Property Management allow pets in its short term rentals?
Surge Property Management leaves that decision to the property owner. While allowing pets can be a big perk for some guests, Surge does not have any requirements for the property owner to allow it. Service animals are a different case. Surge is prohibited to refuse a reservation, charge pet fees, hold guests to different rules, apply differential treatment or use discriminatory language if a guest is accompanied by a service animal. A guests service animal must not be out of control, un-housebroken, left alone at the listing without prior approval, allowed into areas that are considered unauthorized by the guest and allowed in a public space without being harnessed, leashed, or tethered and not under the guests control.
Do I get access to an owner portal?
Surge Property Management has a tech leading owner portal to keep its property owners in the loop, instead of on the outside looking in. In the owner portal you can reserve days for personal use, see pending reservations, nightly pricing rates, owner statements, expense receipts, guest messaging and more!
Do you screen the guests that are staying in my property?
Our intelligent Guest Screening technology allows us to screen vacation rental guests before they enter your property, making it easier to keep bad guests out. We proactively assess the risk posed by each guest, through legal, non-discriminatory checks. Guests will be asked to submit some personal details including their name, date of birth, physical home address and contact details. We then verify by having the guest take a live selfie and submit a photo of their ID(either a drivers license or passport). This information will then be processed to determine the true identity of your guest, including whether the ID is fraudulent and if the provided details match those on the ID. This process will generate a risk report for us to review before the guest arrives.
Do you provide insurance for guest damages?
We partner with the premier provider of short term rental protection also offering guest screening and comprehensive insurance coverage. Our partner brings confidence and peace of mind to both Surge Property Management and its clients(homeowners). Our third party partner has protected over 60 billion in homeowner liability coverage and 1 million guest nights. Ask your Surge sales representative for more details.
What happens if there is guest damage to my property?
Each guest is required to make a $500 security deposit. Any damage above $500 we are able to document, submit, and follow a claim through on your behalf with our short term rental insurance partner covering up to $5,000,000.
How does Surge compare to a national provider like Vacasa?
While both Surge and Vacasa both have a full service model designed to be hands off from the property owner, Surge stands out above the rest by being more intentional and selective with the properties we decide to accept into our management portfolio. This allows us to give the required attention to the properties we manage instead of just "setting it and forgetting it" like the other property managers do. Once you go onboard with them you just become another number.
Does Surge handle the maintenance of the vacation rental?
Yes, Surge is able to handle any property maintenance(including hot tub & pool) for your property. We have a large network of service providers, additionally, if you have a preferred vendor we can assign and coordinate maintenance with them as well.
What services does Surge Property Management offer?

Surge is a full-service property manager and provides the following service to property owners:

  • Listing creating and management across multiple channels
  • Calendar management
  • Cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Restocking
  • Maintenance
  • Dynamic Pricing
  • Lock automation
  • Guest Portal
  • Owners Portal
  • Listing optimization
  • Photography
  • 24/7 guest communication
  • Check-in/out support
  • and more!
Is Surge Property Management a Superhost on Airbnb?
Yes, Surge Property Management is a Superhost on AirBNB. Airbnb defines a Superhost as a Host who goes above and beyond to provide excellent hospitality. Guests can easily identify a Superhost from the badge that appears on their Airbnb listing and profile. Superhosts have more visibility and earning potential.
How and when do I get paid?
Surge Property Management initiates ACH payment to its property owners once a month by the 10th day of the next month. Along with the ACH deposit sent to you, you also receive a highly detailed statement for review.
Are there any hidden fees?
Surge Property Management has the most transparent pricing in the industry. Our property owners are our Partners in business which is why we hold transparency at a very high standard. With your monthly statements you will be able to trace every dollar from when the guest paid for their reservation to when it was deposited into your bank account. Contact your Surge sales rep for a personal walk through of our statement structure.
Can I still use my property?
Yes of course. The biggest perk of a vacation rental is still retaining personal use of the property for your personal use. Inside of our Owner’s Portal you can reserve days for personal use.
How do you market my property?

We list your property on the major platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, Google Vacation rentals and more! We also allow direct bookings very popular among returning guests. Our integration technology is second to none and was awarded the following:

  • Airbnb Preferred + Software Partner
  • VRBO Elite Partner
  • Booking.com Premier Connectivity Partner
How do you handle complaints or disputes?
We aim to resolve issues quickly and fairly, protecting both the guests and the property owner’s interests. We mediate disputes and ensure a smooth resolution process.
How do I get started with your service?
Contact us to schedule a consultation. We'll discuss your property, our services, and how we can help you achieve your rental goals.
How do you handle waste management?
We coordinate with local services to ensure proper waste disposal and recycling, maintaining cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
What safety measures do you implement?
We ensure the property has functional smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and complies with all local safety regulations.
What does Surge’s full service property management mean?
Surge's comprehensive property management service allows property owners to be completely hands-off with the daily operations of their Airbnb properties. Surge takes care of all the daily tasks, including listings, guest interactions, cleanings, restocking, and maintenance, ensuring a stress-free experience for the property owner.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Get in touch
(713) 853-9573