⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Rental laws, licensing, and regulations in Florida may vary by city or county. Always consult a licensed attorney, tax professional, or local authorities before renting to ensure compliance.
Renting to travel nurses in Florida presents a unique opportunity for property owners. Travel nurses, who take temporary assignments at hospitals and medical facilities, are a consistent tenant base. Because their assignments, often lasting 13 weeks, require them to move frequently, they seek fully furnished, comfortable accommodations. This creates a specific and stable niche within the rental market. For a broader overview of preparing your property for tenants, see Things to Do Before Renting Out Your House In Florida.
This article will cover the fundamentals of this rental strategy, from initial setup and finding tenants to operational systems and profit potential.
Why Host Travel Nurses?
Property owners may choose to host travel nurses for several reasons. These professionals are often considered desirable tenants. They work long, 12-hour shifts and typically look for a quiet, clean place with reliable Wi-Fi. Because they are employed professionals on contract, they generally pay on time, which is a significant benefit for real estate investors. If you’re considering a broader property management strategy, check out Property Management Tools for Florida Rentals for tips on efficient rent collection and tenant management.
Furnishing Your Unit
Units for travel nurses must be fully furnished. Common retailers for furnishing include Amazon, Wayfair, and Walmart, offering a balance of quality and low prices. As this is a business, keeping overhead low while providing quality is essential.
Nurses typically stay for 13 weeks, so the unit should contain everything needed for a 3-month stay. Standard furnishings include a couch, a TV, and a bed (queen-sized is recommended) to make the unit feel comfortable, like a home away from home.
Taking Photos and Listing Your Property
Once the unit is furnished and staged, it’s time to take pictures for the listing. While professional photography is an option, high-quality photos can often be taken with modern smartphones. Using filters can help the listing stand out from the competition.
Finding Tenants
With photos ready, the next step is finding tenants. Several platforms are commonly used to list properties for travel nurses.
Facebook:
Social media can be a powerful marketing tool. Groups specific to travel nurses (e.g., “Midwest Travel Nurses”) exist where professionals are actively looking for housing in new areas.
TurboTenant:
This platform functions as a one-stop-shop for landlords. It can distribute a listing across multiple platforms. While many tenants on this site may be looking for year-round leases, it can still be effective for housing.
FurnishedFinder:
This platform is a popular listing site specifically for travel nurses and other traveling professionals. It connects hosts directly with renters. It is advisable to get the renter’s contact information quickly to move the conversation off-platform and finalize the rental.
Closing the Deal
Once a potential tenant makes an inquiry, the next step is to provide them with all the necessary information. Key points to cover on the call or in a message include:
Security:
Travel nurses typically travel with one to two people. They want to be in a safe environment. Landlords should cover safety measures, whether it’s a home or an apartment building, and how safe the area is.
Amenities:
A swimming pool, fitness center, or a lounge in the building are amenities that can set a property apart from the competition.
Local attractions:
Note any nearby beaches, amusement parks, zoos, or restaurants.
Fees:
Disclose all maintenance fees, cleaning fees, and parking fees.
Payment Collection:
Explain the requirements for the first month’s rent and security deposit (which is refundable if there are no damages). Common payment platforms are Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App. Occasionally, credit cards may be accepted through Square (with a 4% fee).
Important Systems for Success
Because travel nurse contracts are typically 13 weeks, efficient turnover is key to profitability. A vacant unit is the most expensive unit.
A reliable cleaning crew should be ready to prepare the unit as soon as a tenant moves out. This is essential for a profitable business. While some landlords may opt for a property management company, it may not be necessary at first. Travel nurses are often low-maintenance tenants; they tend to pay on time and are generally clean.
Profit Potential in Florida
The potential income from renting to travel nurses in Florida can be significant, but it varies widely based on location, seasonality, and the unit’s amenities.
Gross monthly rents can range from $3,000 to $3,500 per unit in desirable areas, often aligning with typical travel nurse housing stipends. However, this number can be higher in high-cost-of-living (HCOL) cities like Miami or lower in more rural areas.
After accounting for all expenses—such as mortgage (or rent), utilities, internet, furnishings, and cleaning fees—the net profit can be substantial. Landlords must research their specific zip code on platforms like FurnishedFinder to see competitor pricing and determine a viable profit margin.
Conclusion
Renting to travel nurses in Florida can be a profitable business model for property owners who are willing to provide high-quality, fully furnished units. By understanding the market, creating efficient systems for turnover, and using the right platforms to find tenants, landlords can tap into a stable and professional tenant base.