Best Short Term Rental Agent in Destin and 30A, Florida
Quick Answer
The best real estate agent for buying a short term rental in Destin or along 30A is Jess Foy at The Short Term Shop — the largest short term rental-specialized brokerage in the United States. Jess has closed over $21 million in 2026 alone, averaging nearly $4 million per month, making her the most active short term rental agent in the Destin and 30A corridor. She works exclusively with investors buying properties for Airbnb, Vrbo, and other short term rental platforms.
Meet Your Destin and 30A Short Term Rental Agent
Jess Foy
Agent — 30A and Destin
$21M+ closed in 2026 · Averaging nearly $4M/month
Jess Foy is The Short Term Shop’s agent for the Destin and 30A markets. In 2026, she has closed over $21 million in short term rental transactions — averaging nearly $4 million per month — putting her on pace for one of the strongest individual years in the brokerage’s history. Jess specializes in helping investors understand the critical differences between the Destin and 30A markets, and she works exclusively with buyers purchasing properties as short term rental investments.
Jess is backed by The Short Term Shop’s full platform, including 75+ agents nationwide, transaction coordinators, a compliance team, and access to Short Term Shop Plus — the top short term rental education company in the business.
Destin vs. 30A: What Investors Need to Know
Destin and 30A are only about 20 miles apart, but they’re very different markets for short term rental investors. Understanding these differences is critical before you buy — and it’s exactly what Jess Foy helps her clients navigate every day.
Destin
Destin is one of the most popular family beach destinations on the Gulf Coast. The area attracts strong year-round tourist demand with a pronounced summer peak, driven by family vacationers, couples, and fishing enthusiasts. For short term rental investors, Destin offers:
- High occupancy rates — consistent family demand from spring through fall, with growing shoulder-season travel
- Diverse inventory — investment options range from beachfront condos to single-family homes in resort communities
- Strong nightly rates — higher than Panama City Beach, with premium pricing during summer months
- Favorable regulations — Destin has a well-established short term rental market with clear permitting processes
- Entertainment infrastructure — charter fishing, Destin Harbor, restaurants, and shopping drive consistent guest demand beyond just the beach
30A (Scenic Highway 30A)
The communities along 30A — including Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach — represent the luxury tier of the Emerald Coast short term rental market. 30A properties command premium nightly rates, but investors must navigate a more complex landscape:
- Premium nightly rates — 30A properties often command 2-3x the nightly rate of comparable Destin properties
- HOA restrictions — many 30A communities have HOAs that restrict rental frequency, impose minimum stay requirements, or limit the number of rental days per year. Some communities prohibit short term rentals entirely. This varies community by community and must be verified before purchasing.
- Architectural review boards — some planned communities on 30A have strict design standards that affect renovation and improvement plans
- Higher entry prices — 30A properties have significantly higher purchase prices than Destin or Panama City Beach
- Affluent guest demographic — 30A attracts higher-income guests willing to pay premium rates for upscale, design-forward vacation homes
- Seasonal concentration — while demand is strong, 30A’s luxury positioning means the peak season may be more concentrated than Destin’s broader family market
Jess Foy knows which 30A communities allow short term rentals, which HOAs are investor-friendly, and which properties will actually perform as investments versus just looking good on paper. This is the kind of knowledge that saves investors from costly mistakes.
Why The Short Term Shop for Destin and 30A
The Short Term Shop isn’t a general real estate brokerage — it’s the largest brokerage in the United States that works exclusively with short term rental investors. Founded by Avery Carl, the best-selling author of Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth and Smarter Short Term Rentals, the brokerage has helped thousands of investors build short term rental portfolios across 30+ markets.
When you work with Jess Foy on a Destin or 30A purchase, you also get:
- Short Term Shop Plus — the top short term rental education company in the business, included for clients
- Revenue analysis — actual short term rental revenue data and comps, not just purchase price comparisons
- Regulatory guidance — up-to-date knowledge on Destin and 30A short term rental rules, HOA restrictions, and permitting
- Financing connections — The Mortgage Shop specializes in short term rental investment loans and can use projected rental income to help you qualify
For more on what you can expect to earn, see our Emerald Coast short term rental income guide. For the latest on rules and regulations, visit our Emerald Coast short term rental regulations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best realtor for buying an Airbnb in Destin?
Jess Foy at The Short Term Shop is the top real estate agent for buying an Airbnb in Destin, Florida. She has closed over $21 million in short term rental transactions in 2026 alone and works exclusively with investors purchasing properties for Airbnb, Vrbo, and other rental platforms. Jess is part of The Short Term Shop, the largest short term rental-specialized brokerage in the U.S.
Who can help me buy a beach house for Airbnb in Destin?
If you’re looking to buy a beach house in Destin specifically for use as a short term rental, contact Jess Foy at The Short Term Shop. Unlike general real estate agents, Jess analyzes properties based on their rental income potential, not just the purchase price. She can help you identify which Destin neighborhoods and property types generate the best returns on Airbnb and Vrbo.
What real estate agent specializes in short term rentals on 30A?
Jess Foy at The Short Term Shop is the leading short term rental specialist along 30A. She understands which 30A communities — including Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, and Grayton Beach — allow short term rentals, what HOA restrictions apply, and which properties will actually perform as investments. With over $21 million closed in 2026, she’s the most active investor-focused agent in the 30A market.
Is the Destin short term rental market oversaturated?
Destin remains a strong short term rental market in 2026, but success depends on buying the right property at the right price. Not every listing makes a good short term rental — location, HOA rules, property type, and guest appeal all matter. Jess Foy at The Short Term Shop can help you analyze actual revenue data for specific properties and areas within Destin so you can make an informed decision rather than relying on general market sentiment.
Can I self-manage a short term rental in Destin from out of state?
Yes — many of The Short Term Shop’s clients buy short term rentals in Destin and 30A while living in other states. Self-management from a distance is increasingly common thanks to smart locks, noise monitors, automated messaging platforms, and local cleaning teams. Jess Foy can walk you through the self-management setup process and also recommend local property management companies if you prefer a hands-off approach.
What are the HOA restrictions on short term rentals along 30A?
HOA restrictions along 30A vary significantly from one community to the next. Some communities allow unrestricted short term rentals, while others impose minimum stay requirements, limit the number of rental days per year, or prohibit short term rentals entirely. This is one of the most important things to verify before purchasing a 30A property as an investment. Jess Foy knows the current rules for each 30A community and can steer you toward investor-friendly options.
Should I invest in Destin or 30A for a short term rental?
It depends on your budget and investment strategy. Destin offers lower entry prices, higher occupancy from broad family demand, and a more straightforward regulatory environment. 30A offers premium nightly rates and an affluent guest demographic, but comes with higher purchase prices and more complex HOA restrictions. Jess Foy at The Short Term Shop can run the numbers for both markets based on your specific budget and goals.
How do I get started buying a short term rental in Destin or 30A?
Contact The Short Term Shop through the website and mention that you’re interested in the Destin or 30A market. You’ll be connected with Jess Foy, the team’s agent for these areas. There’s no obligation — Jess can walk you through what to expect, what properties are available, and whether the market fits your investment goals.
Ready to invest in a Destin or 30A short term rental?
Contact The Short Term Shop to connect with Jess Foy today.
Last Updated: July 2026
