Smart Moves: Using Short-Term Rentals for Florida Relocations

Relocating for a job is stressful enough without living out of a suitcase in a cramped hotel room. If you're moving to the Sunshine State for a project or a new position, you need a space that feels like home, not a transit station. For business professionals, finding affordable corporate lease apartments is the smartest way to bridge the gap between your old home and your new one.

Florida is booming with business growth, from the tech corridors of Orlando to the financial districts of Miami. But navigating the housing market here during a temporary stay is tricky. You don't want to sign a 12-month lease for a 3-month project, but paying nightly hotel rates destroys your per diem budget fast. Short-term rentals offer the perfect middle ground. They give you the space you need to work and relax without the long-term commitment.

Why Choose Short-Term Rentals Over Hotels?

Short-term rentals provide significantly more value than hotels by offering full kitchens, separate living areas, and tax savings on stays over 30 days. In Florida, hotel taxes (often called tourist development taxes) add 6% to 13% to your bill nightly. Once you sign a lease for a short-term rental longer than six months (or one month in some jurisdictions, depending on specific county rules), you often become exempt from these short-term taxes.

Beyond the tax breaks, the daily cost of a corporate apartment is typically 30% to 50% lower than a comparable business hotel. You also save heavily on food. Eating out three times a day in a city like Tampa or Orlando costs the average traveler $75 to $100 daily. With a full kitchen, you can cut that grocery bill down to $100 a week. Plus, you get a washer and dryer in your unit. That means no more spending your Sunday afternoon waiting in a hotel lobby for your laundry cycle to finish.

How Flexible Are These Leases?

Corporate housing offers flexible lease terms starting at 30 days, allowing you to extend your stay as your project demands without penalties. Traditional landlords usually demand a 7 to 12-month commitment. If your project in Jacksonville wraps up two months early, breaking that traditional lease could cost you two months' rent—roughly $3,000 to $5,000.

Short-term rentals work differently. They are designed for the unpredictability of business. If you need to stay an extra week or leave a month early, property management companies can typically adjust. This flexibility is standard across the Southeast. We see this demand constantly in our home base; clients looking for furnished rentals Simpsonville often need the same month-to-month flexibility as our clients relocating to Florida. You get the stability of an apartment with the agility of a hotel reservation.

Top Florida Neighborhoods for Business Stays

Lake Nona (Orlando)

Lake Nona is the top choice for medical and tech professionals working in Central Florida. Located just 10 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), this master-planned community is home to "Medical City." It features high-speed fiber internet throughout the neighborhood and autonomous shuttles. It feels modern, clean, and incredibly efficient for getting work done.

Brickell (Miami)

If you're in finance or international trade, Brickell is where you want to be. Often called the "Manhattan of the South," this neighborhood offers high-rise living with walkable access to banks, consulates, and top-tier dining. You don't need a car here. The Metromover can get you around the district for free. It is intense and fast-paced, perfect for the executive who thrives on energy.

Channelside (Tampa)

For those working in Tampa, the Channelside District offers a great mix of work and play. It sits right next to downtown and the Water Street development. You can walk to the Amalie Arena or take the TECO Line Streetcar to Ybor City. The apartments here are generally newer, built within the last 15 years, meaning modern amenities and better soundproofing are standard.

How to Find Quality Corporate Housing

Secure your rental through a specialized corporate housing provider rather than a general vacation rental site to ensure safety, reliability, and business-appropriate amenities. Platforms like Airbnb are great for a weekend at the beach. But for a three-month work assignment, you risk dealing with absentee hosts, spotty Wi-Fi, or photos that don't match reality.

A dedicated housing company vets every property. We know this process inside and out. When we select furnished rentals Simpsonville, for example, we check the internet speed, the mattress quality, and the parking situation personally. You should demand the same level of scrutiny for your Florida rental. Look for companies that specialize in "executive" or "corporate" housing. They understand that a non-functioning coffee maker or a noisy neighbor isn't just an annoyance; it's a disruption to your workday.

Additionally, verify the "all-inclusive" status. A true corporate rental includes all utilities, cable, internet, and furniture in one check. You shouldn't have to call the power company to set up service for a 60-day stay.

What Amenities Should You Prioritize?

Focus on high-speed internet, dedicated workspace, and in-unit laundry when selecting your temporary home. In a survey of remote workers, 87% listed fast internet as their non-negotiable requirement. Ask for a speed test screenshot before you sign. If you're video conferencing daily, you need at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.

Don't overlook the parking situation. In dense areas like Miami or downtown Orlando, parking can cost an extra $150 to $200 a month if it's not included. Ensure your lease specifies a dedicated spot. Finally, check for blackout curtains in the bedroom. Florida sun is bright and rises early. If you're working late nights, you need to be able to sleep past 6:30 AM. Whether you're booking a condo in Miami or looking for furnished rentals Simpsonville, these small details make the difference between a frustrating stay and a productive one.

Making Your Temporary Move Successful

Short-term rentals offer the space, savings, and sanity you need during a business relocation. You avoid the high taxes of hotels and the rigid contracts of standard apartments. By choosing the right neighborhood and vetting your provider, you can land in Florida ready to work from day one.

If you're planning a move in the Southeast and need reliable housing, we can help. We have years of experience connecting professionals with the perfect temporary homes. Even if your search started with furnished rentals Simpsonville, our network and expertise extend to helping you find the right solutions for your specific needs.

Need Help Finding Your Next Temporary Home?

Don't leave your housing to chance. Contact the experts at Upstate Corporate Housing today. Call us at (864) 963-1005 to discuss your specific requirements and let us find the perfect furnished apartment for your next assignment.