Short Term Rental
Management

Surge offers local full service vacation rental management for busy vacation rental owners and Airbnb hosts in St. Pete Beach, Florida

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St. Pete Beach, Florida Short Term Rental Overview

Airbnb Market
St. Pete Beach presents an exceptional short-term rental investment opportunity driven by its unique combination of year-round tourism demand, limited hotel inventory, and premium beachfront positioning along Florida's Gulf Coast. Property owners can capitalize on average daily rates ranging from $200-400 during peak season, with occupancy rates consistently exceeding 75% throughout the year due to the area's appeal to both leisure travelers and corporate guests visiting nearby Tampa Bay. The market benefits from St. Pete Beach's designation as a top-rated beach destination, generating sustained demand that allows investors to achieve gross rental yields of 8-12% annually, significantly outperforming traditional long-term rental returns of 3-5%. The city's favorable short-term rental regulations, combined with its proximity to Tampa International Airport and attractions like the Salvador Dalí Museum, create a competitive advantage that enables property owners to command premium pricing while maintaining high booking velocity. Current market data indicates that well-positioned properties in St. Pete Beach generate 40-60% higher revenue per square foot compared to similar coastal markets in Florida, making this an opportune time to maximize your asset's income potential through strategic short-term rental positioning.
Short Term Rental Regulations
St. Pete Beach has implemented strict short-term rental regulations that require property owners to obtain proper permits, comply with zoning restrictions, and adhere to occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and safety requirements, with violations potentially resulting in hefty fines, legal action, and the revocation of rental privileges. The city's regulatory landscape is constantly evolving, with new ordinances and enforcement measures being introduced regularly, making it challenging for individual property owners to stay current with all compliance requirements while managing the complex web of local taxes, state regulations, and permit renewals. However, when you partner with a professional short-term rental management service, you can rest assured that all licensing, permitting, tax obligations, and legal compliance matters are handled expertly on your behalf, allowing you to enjoy the income from your investment property without the stress and risk of navigating the intricate regulatory environment alone.
Occupancy Rates
St. Pete Beach experiences distinct seasonal patterns with peak occupancy rates typically occurring from December through April when northern visitors escape cold weather, driving demand and rates to their highest levels, while summer months from June through August see moderate occupancy despite higher temperatures due to family vacation travel and lower accommodation costs. The shoulder seasons of May, September, October, and November present the greatest revenue management challenges with significantly lower occupancy rates as snowbirds return north and families focus on back-to-school activities, requiring strategic pricing adjustments to attract budget-conscious travelers and extended-stay guests. Professional revenue management becomes crucial during these fluctuations, utilizing dynamic pricing algorithms that automatically adjust rates based on local events, weather forecasts, competitor pricing, and historical booking patterns to maximize revenue per available night while maintaining competitive occupancy levels. Without sophisticated pricing strategies that can capitalize on high-demand periods while strategically lowering rates during slower months to stimulate bookings, Airbnb properties in St. Pete Beach risk significant revenue losses and extended vacancy periods that compound during the challenging shoulder seasons when market demand naturally contracts.
Vacation Rental Management
Self-managing a vacation rental in St. Pete Beach presents overwhelming operational challenges that can quickly destroy profitability and guest satisfaction in this highly competitive coastal market. The relentless guest turnover cycle demands same-day cleaning, restocking, and property inspections between bookings, often requiring coordination with multiple vendors during peak season when availability is scarce and prices surge. Managing 24/7 guest communication becomes particularly demanding when dealing with emergency situations like air conditioning failures during Florida's brutal summer heat, plumbing issues, or hurricane-related concerns that require immediate local expertise and response. Maintenance challenges are amplified by the harsh saltwater environment that accelerates wear on HVAC systems, outdoor furniture, and building exteriors, while finding reliable contractors familiar with coastal property requirements often proves difficult for remote owners. The combination of these factors—coupled with the need to maintain consistently high standards against dozens of professionally managed competitors—makes full-service property management not merely convenient but essential for protecting your investment, ensuring guest satisfaction scores remain above 4.8 stars, and achieving true passive income rather than becoming enslaved to your property's demanding operational requirements.
Attractions and Amenities
St. Pete Beach's primary tourism drivers include the award-winning white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, the iconic Don CeSar "Pink Palace" Hotel that serves as both a luxury destination and historic landmark, Fort De Soto Park with its pristine nature trails and Civil War-era fort, and the vibrant Corey Avenue entertainment district featuring waterfront dining and nightlife. To maximize revenue from guests visiting these attractions, properties must offer beach-specific amenities including complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and towels for the Gulf beaches, along with bicycle rentals and outdoor gear storage for Fort De Soto Park explorers. Essential property features should include outdoor shower facilities and sandy foot-washing stations for beachgoers, waterfront or beach-view accommodations that capitalize on the stunning Gulf sunsets, heated pools and hot tubs for evening relaxation after full days of sun exposure, and convenient parking or shuttle services to Corey Avenue since the entertainment district can have limited parking during peak times. Additionally, properties should provide high-speed Wi-Fi for guests sharing their beach experiences on social media, early check-in and late check-out flexibility to accommodate flight schedules to this beach destination, and partnerships with local water sports operators to offer easy booking for parasailing, jet skiing, and fishing charters that complement the beach experience.

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