Orlando, FL, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.—and that growth is reshaping the rental market. As population surges, wages lag, and housing supply remains tight, more residents are turning to rental options to meet their housing needs. For landlords, this creates strong opportunities—especially for those offering affordable, flexible housing that complies with local zoning laws.
Whether you’re exploring long-term rentals, short-term stays, or coliving rental models like PadSplit, understanding Orlando’s rental landscape is essential for maximizing your income and serving the community effectively.
Why Orlando is a strong rental market
Orlando consistently ranks as one of the most rent-burdened cities in Florida. Despite being perceived as more affordable than Miami or Tampa, average monthly rents have risen to around $1,800–$2,000 in 2025. At the same time, wages for many service, hospitality, and healthcare workers have not kept pace—leaving nearly half of all renters spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
With high in-migration, limited new inventory in affordable housing segments, and Florida’s landlord-friendly legal framework, Orlando offers fertile ground for rental property investors—particularly those focused on workforce housing and shared living solutions.
Orlando’s job market and growth drivers
Orlando’s economy is powered by a combination of tourism, healthcare, logistics, and technology. As the region continues to diversify beyond theme parks, it draws a wide range of renters—from international service workers to UCF students and defense contractors.
Key industries include:
- Tourism and hospitality: Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and hundreds of hotels and restaurants. These employers drive housing demand for tens of thousands of workers.
- Healthcare: AdventHealth and Orlando Health are among the largest healthcare systems in the state, attracting medical staff, specialists, and support employees.
- Higher education: The University of Central Florida (UCF) and Valencia College bring in students, faculty, and service providers.
- Logistics and construction: As one of the most active development markets in the U.S., Orlando supports strong demand in warehousing, transport, and the trades.
- Simulation and defense tech: Orlando is a global leader in simulation technology, creating housing demand from engineers, military personnel, and government contractors.
As Orlando continues to grow, its need for housing solutions that balance affordability, flexibility, and convenience becomes even more urgent.
Understanding zoning and rental regulations in Orlando
Before listing a property, landlords should understand Florida’s rental rules—and how they’re enforced at the city and county level.
- Short-term rentals (STRs): STRs are legal in Florida but are subject to state registration (DBPR), local zoning laws, and county or city licensing. In residential zones within Orange and Osceola counties, non-owner-occupied STRs are often prohibited. STRs are more commonly permitted in tourist-approved districts like parts of Kissimmee.
- Long-term rentals: Florida does not have rent control, and the legal environment is generally landlord-friendly. However, landlords must comply with habitability standards, lease laws, and any applicable local registration.
- Coliving rentals: Coliving rental models like PadSplit are legal in many parts of the Orlando metro. While room rentals are permitted, landlords should ensure properties comply with zoning, fire codes, and occupancy limits. Properties that house four or more unrelated adults may require multi-family zoning or special use designation.
Due diligence, proper licensing, and adherence to local ordinances are essential to operating a compliant and profitable rental business.
Best neighborhoods for long-term rentals
Pine Hills
- Why invest? Located west of downtown Orlando, Pine Hills is a high-demand area for working-class families. It offers affordable housing options and proximity to schools, parks, and job centers.
- Rental market insight: Consistent demand and lower property prices make it a solid choice for investors seeking stable returns.
- Best property types: Ranch-style homes, single-family homes, and small duplexes.
- Ideal tenants: Families, educators, and essential workers looking for long-term housing.
South Semoran / Engelwood Park
- Why invest? Close to Orlando International Airport and major highways, this neighborhood attracts a diverse population and provides excellent access to jobs and transit.
- Rental market insight: Moderate prices and strong tenant demand make this area attractive for buy-and-hold landlords.
- Best property types: Older single-family homes, townhouses, and converted duplexes.
- Ideal tenants: Airport employees, hospitality workers, and residents seeking affordable housing near central job hubs.
Best neighborhoods for short-term rentals
Kissimmee
- Why invest? Located near Disney World, Kissimmee is one of Central Florida’s most active short-term rental zones. STRs are permitted in many parts of Osceola County with the right licensing.
- Rental market insight: High occupancy and premium nightly rates are possible, especially in well-managed vacation homes.
- Best property types: Furnished vacation homes, STR-zoned townhomes, and condos in tourist corridors.
- Ideal guests: Families visiting theme parks, international travelers, and groups attending conventions.
International Drive / Lake Buena Vista
- Why invest? This stretch of Orlando is a major tourist and business hub, close to hotels, shopping, and entertainment.
- Rental market insight: STRs in properly zoned buildings and condo-hotels are in high demand. Licensing is mandatory, and HOAs often regulate rental activity.
- Best property types: Condo-hotels, high-rise apartments, and short-term permitted properties.
- Ideal guests: Convention attendees, families, and tourists seeking short-term stays near the action.
Best neighborhoods for coliving rentals
Holden Heights / South Downtown (SoDo)
- Why invest? SoDo is home to hospitals, shopping centers, and easy access to downtown Orlando. It’s ideal for workforce renters and professionals seeking convenience without downtown pricing.
- Rental market insight: Older homes with multiple bedrooms make this area well-suited for shared housing models.
- Best property types: 4–5 bedroom single-family homes, duplexes, and properties with multiple bathrooms.
- Ideal tenants: Medical staff, gig workers, and recent transplants seeking affordable, flexible rentals.
Azalea Park
- Why invest? This eastside neighborhood offers affordable entry prices and access to major roads and public transit.
- Rental market insight: Increasingly attractive to renters priced out of more central neighborhoods, especially for coliving setups.
- Best property types: Multi-bedroom homes, duplexes, and houses with shared common areas.
- Ideal tenants: Young professionals, hospitality workers, and students attending nearby colleges.
Emerging neighborhoods to watch
Pine Castle
- Why invest? South of downtown, Pine Castle offers affordability and access to logistics corridors and light industrial job centers.
- Rental market insight: Investors are increasingly targeting this area for long-term and shared rentals due to rising demand.
- Best property types: Ranch homes, single-family homes with 4+ bedrooms.
- Ideal tenants: Contractors, logistics workers, and families seeking affordable housing with room to grow.
Oak Ridge
- Why invest? With strong redevelopment interest and access to major roads, Oak Ridge is gaining attention from investors looking for high-demand submarkets.
- Rental market insight: Room-based rentals are particularly attractive here due to affordability challenges.
- Best property types: Large homes and duplexes with shared living potential.
- Ideal tenants: Working adults, new residents, and lower-income tenants seeking reliable housing options.
Financing and tax considerations for Orlando landlords
- Taxes: Florida has no state income tax, and property taxes are moderate—though they vary by county and exemption status.
- Insurance: Landlords must budget for storm and hurricane insurance, which has become more expensive due to increased climate risk.
- Financing options: DSCR loans, renovation loans, and private lending are common for Orlando investors competing in a hot market.
- Regulations: STR and coliving landlords should work with local officials to ensure compliance with evolving zoning and permitting requirements.
Make the most of Orlando’s rental market
Orlando offers landlords an exciting but competitive opportunity to grow their rental portfolios. Whether you’re providing long-term housing for families in Pine Hills or shared housing for gig workers in SoDo, aligning your strategy with local demand and zoning is essential.
Affordable housing is in short supply—and landlords who offer flexible, compliant options through models like PadSplit can earn strong returns while making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Join PadSplit today to increase your rental revenue while helping solve Orlando’s affordable housing crisis.
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. The content is intended to provide general guidance and should not be relied upon for making specific decisions.
PadSplit strongly recommends consulting with qualified legal counsel, licensed financial advisors, tax professionals, or other relevant experts for advice concerning your specific situation and investment needs. PadSplit makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information contained in this post.
