Snowbird Guide: Owning a Second Home in Fort Lauderdale

Dreaming of trading snow for sun a few months each year? If Fort Lauderdale is on your shortlist, you’re smart to look beyond the beaches and dig into the rules, costs, and logistics of owning a second home. You want a clear plan for financing, rentals, insurance, and how to manage the place while you’re away. This guide walks you through what matters most so you can buy with confidence and enjoy your time here. Let’s dive in.

Fort Lauderdale at a glance for snowbirds

Fort Lauderdale runs on a strong visitor economy, and that seasonality shapes pricing, rental demand, and service availability. Peak snowbird months typically run late fall through early spring. The region’s travel infrastructure, including Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, supports steady short-stay demand and resale liquidity, which can help second-home owners who plan to rent part-time or sell later. You can see the county’s visitor momentum in recent tourism metrics and tax receipts reported by Broward County’s economic updates.

• Learn more about local visitor trends and infrastructure in Broward County’s economic report: tourism and economic prosperity indicators.

Taxes, residency, and homestead basics

Florida has no state personal income tax, which is one reason many snowbirds consider Florida domicile. If you intend to change residency for tax purposes, document your ties and consult a qualified tax advisor.

The homestead exemption is only for your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. Seasonal or second homes do not qualify. Review the Broward County Property Appraiser’s guidance on eligibility and filing timelines: homestead exemption overview.

Renting your second home legally

Short-term rentals are regulated in Fort Lauderdale. If you plan to rent for fewer than 30 days at a time, you must register with the City’s Vacation Rental Program, complete inspections, and follow operating rules that cover safety equipment, occupancy limits, noise standards, and a 24-7 responsible party. Start with the City’s official page: Vacation Rental Program and Certificate of Compliance.

For taxes, Broward County imposes a Tourist Development Tax of 6 percent on rentals of six months or less, in addition to state sales tax. Owners are responsible for registration and remittance. Get the details from the county: Broward County Tourist Development Tax.

Financing a second home

Lenders treat second homes differently than primary residences. Under Fannie Mae’s occupancy rules, a second home is a property you will occupy part of the year and is not primarily an investment. Review the definitions here: Fannie Mae occupancy types.

Expect different terms than a primary residence. Many conventional programs require larger down payments and some cash reserves, and rates may be higher for second-home loans. For consumer-friendly guidance on typical down payment and reserve expectations, see Bankrate’s overview of second-home mortgages.

Insurance and flood risk

Insurance is a key part of your carrying costs. Florida’s homeowners market has seen volatility and program changes that affect premiums and availability. Get quotes early and review wind and hurricane deductibles before you make an offer. For context on recent market shifts, see Axios’ coverage of Florida insurance trends.

Flood risk also matters in Fort Lauderdale. Many areas fall within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, and most lenders require flood insurance in those zones. The City notes a 30-day waiting period for new NFIP policies, so plan ahead. Explore local resources on flood zones and coverage here: City of Fort Lauderdale flood and insurance guidance.

Condos, HOAs, and rental rules

Association rules can make or break your plan. Condos and HOAs often limit short-term rentals, cap the number of leases per year, or set minimum lease terms. Florida law and case nuances can affect how new or amended restrictions apply to you, especially if rules changed after earlier owners bought in. A good starting point is this overview of Florida condo and HOA rules: Florida Realtors legal library. Ask for governing documents, rental policies, recent amendments, budgets, reserve studies, and any special assessments during due diligence.

Operations for seasonal owners

Decide how you will manage the property when you are away. Owner-managing can reduce fees but takes time and a reliable local vendor list. Full-service managers handle guest communications, cleaning, maintenance, and compliance for a percentage of gross rent.

Plan for hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30. Line up shutters or impact windows, confirm your insurance, create a pre-storm checklist with your manager, and schedule annual service for roofs, A/C, and drainage. For official dates and preparedness, review the National Hurricane Center’s seasonal guidance.

Keep utilities set to protect the home. Many owners keep A/C on to manage humidity, schedule pool service, and install smart locks, leak sensors, and remote thermostats. Set a 24-7 local contact and document emergency procedures.

Where to buy in Fort Lauderdale

Match the property to your goals. If you want a walkable, beach-focused lifestyle, look at condo corridors near the shoreline and Central Beach. For a downtown experience with dining and riverfront access, the Las Olas area offers urban amenities and boating access along the Intracoastal. You will also find established residential neighborhoods near downtown with a mix of single-family homes and low-rise condos. Waterfront communities with private docks appeal to boating owners who prioritize ocean and Intracoastal access.

Focus on these filters as you search:

• Planned use: pure second home, short-term rental, or seasonal living plus long-term lease.
• HOA and condo rental rules and building finances.
• Flood and wind exposure plus insurance quotes.
• Proximity to healthcare, services, airport, and your preferred lifestyle.

Quick buyer checklist

• Confirm your intended use and verify that city rules and association bylaws allow it.
• Pull flood zone info early and get homeowners and flood insurance quotes before you go under contract.
• Request full HOA or condo documents, budgets, reserve studies, meeting minutes, and special assessment history.
• Speak with a local lender about second-home loan options, rates, and reserves.
• If you plan to rent short-term, budget for city registration, inspections, life-safety equipment, and taxes.
• Build your management plan: vendor list, cleaning, pool, HVAC, pest control, and emergency contact.

Considering selling your seasonal home

Timing can influence activity. Showings often rise during peak visitor months, roughly late fall through early spring, when more snowbirds are in town. Regardless of season, prepare for insurance-driven buyer scrutiny. Roof condition, wind mitigation features, electrical systems, and any structural reports can affect both insurability and buyer confidence. A pre-listing checkup can help reduce surprises.

Ready to explore your Fort Lauderdale second home?

You deserve a clear, step-by-step plan that fits how you live, travel, and invest. If you want a single advisor who understands Florida and the Northeast, and who can guide you from search to closing to setup, let’s connect. Reach out to Marlene Harrison - FL to start the conversation.

FAQs

How long is snowbird season in Fort Lauderdale?

• Peak demand typically runs from late fall through early spring, when visitor activity and occupancy are highest.

Can I claim Florida homestead on a winter-only home?

• No. The homestead exemption applies only to your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year, per Broward County guidance.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fort Lauderdale?

• Yes, with proper city registration, inspections, and compliance with operating rules and taxes for rentals under 30 days.

What insurance should I plan for as a coastal second-home owner?

• Budget for homeowners or wind coverage plus separate flood insurance if required by your lender or risk profile, and review hurricane deductibles in advance.

How do lenders treat second-home mortgages?

• Lenders follow second-home occupancy rules and often require higher down payments, some cash reserves, and slightly higher rates than primary residences.

When is hurricane season and how should I prepare?

• Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Secure shutters or impact glass, confirm coverage and deductibles, set a storm plan with your manager, and service key systems before peak months.