Own in Bahama Bay
A Lifestyle Investment in the Heart of Central Florida
Bahama Bay Resort isn’t just a resort—it’s a tropical-style condominium community offering a serene retreat paired with investment potential. Nestled on approximately 70 lush acres surrounding Lake Davenport, the resort features 38 landscaped buildings, each two to three stories high, housing a total of about 498 individually owned condo units.
Why Bahama Bay?
Year-Round Demand
Strong occupancy thanks to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, water parks, snowbirds, and conferences.
Value
Condos average around $275,000, among the best pricing for resort-style short-term rental (STR) properties in the Orlando area.
Lower Taxes
Davenport offers a lower property tax rate than many neighboring communities
Resort-Style Amenities
Four pools, six hot tubs, tennis, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, shuffleboard, pier, beach access, nature trails, and more.
Owner Control
Owners can choose their own management preferences, they may choose to self-manage, hire the on-site company, hire cleaners, or work with any another property manager.
HOA & Community
Fully Funded Reserves
Bahama Bay is compliant with Florida’s new reserve laws, a significant stability factor.
Shared Ownership of Amenities
Owners collectively own the pools, landscaping, and recreation facilities (the clubhouse (which includes a small gym), and Tradewinds restaurant, are separately owned, which many consider an advantage).
Monthly HOA Dues
Range from $575–$875, covering nearly everything: exterior maintenance, landscaping, pools/hot tubs, security, internet, cable, water, trash, and reserves. Owners pay only for electricity, property taxes, and insurance.
Lifestyle & Use
For snowbirds or frequent Florida visitors, ownership often makes more sense than renting:
If you’re spending $9,000–$10,000/year on rent, those dollars could be redirected to ownership.Benefits include personal use, family sharing, potential tax advantages, property appreciation, and rental income when you’re not here.
Many owners stay a few weeks or months each year and still generate solid returns.
Success Factors
You’ll hear mixed stories about Bahama Bay—some owners do well, others don’t. The difference is not the resort, but the owner’s approach. To succeed in vacation rentals, you need to treat it like a business:
- High-quality product presentation
- Customer service and responsiveness
- Active review management
- Smart pricing strategy & marketing
- Continuous improvement mindset
👉 If you bring the right approach, Bahama Bay gives you a better chance of success than almost anywhere else in Orlando.
Important Notes
Don’t invest if you’re undercapitalized.
Vacation rentals, Bahama Bay included, require a financial buffer to weather ramp‑up phases and slow seasons. Outcomes vary widely, and success isn’t guaranteed. Your own results will hinge on your skills, capital, operations, and strategy.
This is not financial advice.
Bahama Bay Investor FAQ
Bahama Bay offers 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums across 38 buildings. Each building is between 2-3 stories. Units range from about 1,176 sq ft (2 bed) to 1,740 sq ft (largest 3 bed). All come fully furnished with screened balconies, full kitchens, and in-unit laundry.
Monthly HOA dues range from approximately $575 to $875, depending on unit size and location. These dues cover:
Fully funded reserves (compliant with Florida law)
Landscaping and common area maintenance
Pool and hot tub upkeep
Security services
Internet, cable, water, and trash
Road maintenance and recreational facilities
Owners are responsible for:
Electricity, property taxes, insurance, and interior upkeep of their individual unit.
You’re in Control
At Bahama Bay, owners have full control over how their property is managed. This control is a major advantage compared to many other Orlando-area resorts. You can:
Self-manage and rent through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Work with any property manager of your choice and rent on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.
- Hire the on-site management company (Restricts owners rentals).
This flexibility allows you to align your rental strategy with your personal goals and level of involvement.
Income Varies
Rental income at Bahama Bay can vary significantly depending on several factors, including condo type, seasonality, and business approach.
Some owners turn a profit, others break even, and some may incur losses. Your results will depend largely on:
Your marketing efforts.
Pricing strategy.
Quality of guest experience and reviews.
Reputation.
- Condo presentation.
Like any vacation rental investment, Bahama Bay or otherwise, success is not guaranteed. According to some owners, with the right approach, profitability is possible.
Davenport’s property tax rate is lower than many neighboring Orlando communities, which helps maximize net income.
Yes. Owners can reserve their unit for personal use up to 175 days per year, they may rent it out when not in use. Many owners stay a few weeks each year while still generating income.
Owners, through the HOA, control the key resort amenities*, including:
-
Pools and hot tubs
-
Landscaping and common areas
Beach
Pier
Sports Courts
-
Nature Trails
and more
This ownership structure is a major benefit, it means a third-party developer can’t charge inflated fees for access to the amenities. Instead, owners collectively manage and fund them through the HOA, ensuring transparency and long-term cost control.
*The clubhouse and Tradewinds restaurant is separately owned and privately operated, as a result, access is restricted. Many see this structure as a benefit because it reduces HOA operating expenses. In todays day and age, with self checkin and smart lock systems, a clubhouse serves no useful purpose. A small gym is located inside the clubhouse and is only accessible to owners who use the onsite management company.
Yes. HOA reserves are fully funded and compliant with Florida’s new reserve funding laws. This gives owners long-term stability and helps protect property values. This is the current situation as of 8/24/2025 and may change.
No. As with any short-term rental, results vary by owner.
Some owners lose money, some make money, and some break even. Some owners, like snowbirds, are simply happy to earn off-season income while they are not using the property, especially if they are comfortable paying the annual carrying costs in exchange for 3 to 4 months of personal use and the possibility of long-term appreciation, which is never guaranteed.
Success requires treating it like a business, strong presentation, good guest service, marketing, and continuous improvement.
Disclaimer: This FAQ is for informational purposes only. It reflects general information and one owner’s experience. It should not be considered investment or financial advice. Always review HOA documents and Consult with attorneys, realtors, CPA’s and financial professionals before making any decisions or purchasing.
Sample Expenses:
| Item | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
HOA Dues ($550-$850) | $600 | Includes reserves, landscaping, etc. |
| Electricity | $200 | Average usage |
| Property Taxes | $200 | Based on Davenport rate |
| Insurance | $100 | Varies by policy |
| Maintenance | $125 | Manager’s maintenance plan |
| Total Expenses | ~$1,225 |
Why Bahama Bay vs. Other Resorts?
Not all Orlando-area resorts are created equal. Here’s what makes Bahama Bay stand out:
STR-Friendly – Some resorts prohibit or restrict short-term rentals. Bahama Bay was designed with STRs in mind.
Amenity Ownership – At Bahama Bay, owners collectively own most of the amenities and recreational facilities. Many other resorts rely on third parties, which can add costs and reduce control. (The HOA does not own the Clubhouse Facility or Tradewinds Restaurant)
Management Flexibility – Bahama Bay owners can self-manage, use home watch services, or hire another company. At other resorts, you may be forced into a single management provider.
Financial Strength – The HOA reserves are fully funded and compliant with Florida law, providing stability and protection for property values.
Ownership Process: Step by Step
Getting started is straightforward:
Browse Available Listings – See current condos for sale on Realtor.com or with a licensed Realtor.
Engage a Local Realtor – Work with an agent experienced in short-term rental communities.
Review HOA Docs & Rules – Understand what dues cover and the community guidelines.
Inspect the Unit – Review furnishings, maintenance history, and rental readiness.
Close on Your Condo – Complete the purchase and transfer of ownership.
Choose a Management Plan – Self-manage, or select another property manager.
Start Renting & Enjoying – Use your condo personally or begin generating rental income.
Ready to Explore?
Listings provided via Realtor.com. Please consult a licensed real estate professional for details about availability, HOA fees, ownership terms, and rental guidelines
More Questions?
Check out our Owners Manual which includes rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.