Florianópolis is one of the top 5 Airbnb destinations in Brazil. The island attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists during the high season and a massive number of digital nomads year-round, making it a highly lucrative market for short-term rental investments. If you are considering buying property in Brazil as a foreigner, renting out apartments to tourists can be a great source of passive income.
How Short-Term Rentals Work in Brazil
Short-term rentals via platforms like Airbnb are entirely legal in Brazil. However, condominium rules (convenção do condomínio) can impose their own restrictions, so always review the building's bylaws before purchasing. Registering a company (CNPJ) is not strictly mandatory to start, but it can significantly reduce your tax burden as your revenue grows.
Neighborhood Rankings by Airbnb Yield (2025–2026 Data)
Location is the key to success. Here is an overview of the best neighborhoods for short-term rentals:
1. Lagoa da Conceição
A premium segment and an expat favorite. It boasts a high ADR (Average Daily Rate) of R$ 450–900 and an occupancy rate hovering around 65–80% year-round, thanks to its vibrant infrastructure and dining scene.
2. Ingleses
A hub for mass tourism, particularly popular with Argentine and Uruguayan visitors. It offers a large volume of supply and demand. ADR sits around R$ 200–450, with 55–75% occupancy. It is one of the most stable markets for budget-friendly studios.
3. Jurerê Internacional
Famous for luxury villas and high-end apartments. ADR can reach R$ 800–2500 per night. However, it suffers from extreme seasonality: demand spikes from December to March but drops sharply during winter.
4. Canasvieiras
A popular, densely built family beach. It shows excellent and stable occupancy during the summer season. Ideal for small 1- or 2-bedroom apartments.
5. Campeche
A fast-growing neighborhood in the south of the island. It attracts surfers, digital nomads, and eco-tourism enthusiasts. ADR here ranges from R$ 300 to 600, and demand is becoming increasingly year-round.
Yield Calculation Example
Let's look at a classic investment example: a 50m² studio in Ingleses.
- Purchase Price: ~ R$ 450,000
- Expected Annual Gross Revenue: R$ 55,000–70,000
- Estimated Cap Rate: ~13–15% annually, which is an excellent return.
Taxes on Airbnb Income
Taxation depends on your legal status. As an individual, you pay IRPF via the Carnê-Leão system (progressive rate, up to 27.5%). If you open a CNPJ (legal entity), such as a Simples Nacional micro-enterprise, taxes can be optimized significantly. For more details on taxation, read our guide on paying taxes on foreign income in Brazil.
Risks and Management
- Seasonality: January to March is the peak revenue window, while July and August are slow.
- Property Managers: If you don't want to handle cleaning and key handovers yourself, local management companies charge commissions ranging from 10% to 20%.
- Remote Management: Many investors manage their properties from abroad using channel managers like Stays.net or Hostaway.