Short Term Rental
Management

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

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Melbourne, Florida Short Term Rental Overview

Airbnb Market
Melbourne, Florida presents exceptional short-term rental investment opportunities driven by its strategic location between Orlando's theme parks and the Space Coast's attractions, generating consistent year-round demand that enables property owners to achieve 15-25% higher revenue compared to traditional long-term rentals. The city's proximity to Kennedy Space Center creates predictable booking spikes during rocket launches, while its position just 45 minutes from Disney World attracts families seeking more affordable accommodations outside Orlando's premium-priced hotel market. Current market data indicates Melbourne Airbnb properties average 65-75% occupancy rates with nightly rates ranging from $120-200 depending on property size and amenities, significantly outperforming the regional average daily rate of $95 for traditional hotels. The area's growing tech sector, anchored by companies like Harris Corporation and Northrop Grumman, generates substantial corporate travel demand for extended stays, while the nearby beaches and Florida Institute of Technology ensure diverse guest demographics throughout peak and shoulder seasons. Property owners can capitalize on Melbourne's lower acquisition costs compared to beachfront markets while still commanding premium nightly rates, creating an optimal investment scenario where cash-on-cash returns frequently exceed 12-18% annually when properties are professionally managed and strategically marketed to capture both leisure and business travelers.
Short Term Rental Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Melbourne, Florida involve a complex web of city ordinances, zoning restrictions, and permit requirements that can change frequently, leaving property owners vulnerable to costly fines, legal penalties, and potential shutdown of their rental operations if they fail to maintain proper compliance with business licenses, occupancy taxes, safety inspections, and neighborhood-specific restrictions. The risk of inadvertently violating local laws—whether through improper registration, missed tax filings, or failure to meet evolving safety standards—can result in thousands of dollars in penalties and damage to your investment's profitability. However, when you partner with a professional short-term rental management service, you can rest assured that all licensing requirements, permit renewals, tax collections and remittances, and ongoing legal compliance are handled expertly on your behalf, allowing you to enjoy the income from your property while staying fully protected from the ever-changing regulatory landscape.
Occupancy Rates
Melbourne, Florida experiences distinct seasonal patterns that significantly impact Airbnb occupancy rates, with peak tourist seasons occurring during winter months (December through March) when northern visitors escape cold weather, and summer months (June through August) when families vacation during school breaks, typically achieving occupancy rates of 75-85%. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November see moderate demand with occupancy rates around 60-70%, while the slowest period occurs during late fall (October-November) when hurricane season concerns and fewer events drive occupancy down to 45-60%. Professional revenue management becomes essential during these fluctuations, requiring dynamic pricing strategies that increase rates during peak demand periods like Space Coast events and rocket launches, while offering competitive pricing during slower months to attract budget-conscious travelers and maintain cash flow. Successful Airbnb operators in Melbourne must implement sophisticated pricing algorithms that account for local events, weather patterns, and competitor rates, adjusting daily rates by 20-40% between peak and off-peak periods to optimize both occupancy and revenue throughout the year.
Vacation Rental Management
Self-managing a vacation rental in Melbourne, Florida presents overwhelming operational challenges that can quickly derail profitability and guest satisfaction in this highly competitive coastal market. Guest turnover demands precise coordination of cleaning crews, maintenance checks, and restocking between same-day bookings, which becomes particularly complex during peak season when properties may flip multiple times per week with zero margin for error. The 24/7 communication requirement means fielding guest inquiries, emergency calls, and booking management at all hours, including weekends and holidays when Melbourne's beach proximity drives constant guest activity and questions about local attractions, weather concerns, and property amenities. Maintenance issues in Florida's humid, salt-air environment require immediate attention—from HVAC failures during sweltering summers to storm damage during hurricane season—and finding reliable, licensed contractors who can respond quickly often proves impossible for individual owners lacking established vendor relationships. Without the systematic processes, dedicated staff, and local expertise that full-service property management provides, maintaining the consistent 5-star experience that guests expect in Melbourne's saturated vacation rental market becomes virtually impossible, transforming what should be passive income into a demanding, round-the-clock responsibility that ultimately compromises both guest satisfaction and long-term profitability.
Attractions and Amenities
Melbourne, Florida's tourism centers around four primary attractions: the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex just 30 minutes north, the pristine beaches of the Atlantic coastline including Melbourne Beach and Satellite Beach, the Historic Downtown Melbourne district with its arts scene and riverfront dining, and the Brevard Zoo with its unique kayak tours through animal habitats. To maximize revenue from guests visiting these specific destinations, rental properties must offer early departure accommodations and secure parking for Kennedy Space Center day trips, comprehensive beach equipment including chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and boogie boards for oceanfront activities, plus outdoor shower facilities for post-beach cleanup. Properties should also provide high-speed Wi-Fi and comfortable common areas for guests planning space center visits or researching local dining options, along with bicycle storage and easy downtown access for exploring Melbourne's walkable historic district. Additionally, family-friendly amenities like pack-n-plays, high chairs, and spacious outdoor areas are essential given the zoo's appeal to families with children, while covered parking protects vehicles from Florida's intense sun and frequent afternoon thunderstorms that affect all outdoor activities.

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