Daytona Beach, Florida, is a vibrant city located on the Atlantic coast, known for its stunning beaches, motorsports, and rich cultural history. Here’s an overview of Daytona Beach:

1. Geography and Location

• Location: Daytona Beach is situated in Volusia County on Florida’s east coast, about 50 miles northeast of Orlando. The city is part of the Daytona Beach metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities like Ormond Beach and Port Orange.
• Environment: The city features 23 miles of wide, hard-packed sandy beaches, which are a central part of its identity. The Halifax River flows along the western edge of the city, adding to its natural beauty.

2. History

• Early History: Daytona Beach was originally inhabited by the Timucuan Indians. European settlers arrived in the 18th century, and the city was founded by Mathias Day in 1876, from whom the city gets its name.
• Racing Heritage: Daytona Beach has a deep connection to motorsports, dating back to the early 20th century when cars raced on the hard-packed sand. This racing heritage eventually led to the establishment of NASCAR, with Daytona International Speedway becoming one of the most famous racetracks in the world.

3. Economy

• Tourism: Tourism is the cornerstone of Daytona Beach’s economy. The city attracts millions of visitors annually for its beaches, motorsports events, and festivals.
• Motorsports: Daytona Beach is synonymous with motorsports, particularly NASCAR. The Daytona International Speedway hosts the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in the sport.
• Education and Healthcare: The city also has a strong presence in education, with institutions like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and healthcare, with several major hospitals and medical centers.
• Retail and Dining: Daytona Beach has a variety of shopping and dining options, ranging from local boutiques to national chains.

4. Recreation and Attractions

• Daytona International Speedway: The Speedway is a world-renowned motorsports complex that hosts numerous racing events, including the iconic Daytona 500. It also offers tours and experiences for visitors.
• Beaches: Daytona Beach is famous for its drive-on beaches, where vehicles are allowed on designated areas of the shoreline. The beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Bike Week and Biketoberfest: These motorcycle rallies are major events in Daytona Beach, drawing hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world.
• Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier: The historic boardwalk offers a variety of amusements, restaurants, and shops, along with a pier that’s popular for fishing and sightseeing.
• Cultural Attractions: The city is home to several cultural sites, including the Museum of Arts and Sciences, the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, and the Peabody Auditorium, which hosts concerts and performances.
• Outdoor Activities: Daytona Beach offers numerous parks, golf courses, and outdoor recreational activities. The nearby Tomoka State Park is popular for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

5. Education

• Schools: Daytona Beach is served by Volusia County Schools, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The city also has a number of private schools.
• Higher Education: The city is home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona State College, and Bethune-Cookman University, making it a hub for higher education in the region.

6. Living in Daytona Beach

• Quality of Life: Daytona Beach offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other coastal cities in Florida. It has a mix of residential neighborhoods, ranging from beachfront condos to suburban communities.
• Community: The city has a vibrant community with numerous events, festivals, and activities throughout the year. It’s a popular destination for retirees, students, and families alike.

7. Transportation

• Road Access: Daytona Beach is easily accessible via Interstate 95, which runs north-south along the East Coast, and Interstate 4, which connects the city to Orlando and Tampa.
• Public Transportation: The Volusia County public transit system (Votran) provides bus services throughout the area. Daytona Beach International Airport offers flights to various destinations.

Population:

• Population (2023): 82,485
• Population Change (2010 – 2020): Approx. +10%
• Married population (2023): 42%
• Median Age (2021): 39.3
• Homeowners compared to Renters (2023): Homeowners – 43.5%, Renters – 56.5%
• Poverty Rate (2022): 20.3% compared to the US national average of 11.5%

Demographics (2021):

• White Non Hispanic: 51.7%
• Black Non Hispanic: 31.3%
• White Hispanic: 3.6%
• Multiracial Non Hispanic: 3.4%
• Asian: 3%

(Median prices shown are only for dates specified)

Cost of Living:

• Cost of Living compared to the US national average (2023): Slightly Lower
• Cost of Housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Lower
• Cost of Food compared to the US national average (2023): Approximately the same
• Cost of Healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 6% Lower
• Cost of Transportation compared to the US national average (2023): Approximately the same
• Cost of Utilities compared to the US national average (2023): Approximately the same

Political Affiliation based on the 2024 US election results ( Volusia County ):

• Republican: 60.23%
• Democrat: 38.55%
• Other: 1.22%

Property Tax Rate:

• 0.92% of a property’s assessed fair market value

Largest Industry:

• Retail Trade / Health Care and Social Services / Accommodation & Food

Temperature

• Average High: 80.6°F 
• Average Low: 62.5°F

Fun Facts:

Most sources agree that Daytona Beach was named after business tycoon Matthias D. Day, who purchased 3,200 acres of land in 1871 from The Orange Grove Plantation, which occupied where Daytona Beach is now. Day built a hotel where the initial part of the town arose. Due to financial troubles, Day lost the title to his land; however, the residents decided to name the city Daytona in his honor.

Location and Amenities:

• Commute to work time: 19.3 min. (compared to the US national average of 26.9 min.)
• Orlando: 58 min. (56.9 miles)
• Jacksonville: 1 hr 24 min. (89.1 miles)
• Disney World (Orlando): 1 hr 12 min. (70.8 miles)
• Orlando International Airport: 1 hr 12 min. (72.3 miles)
• University of Central Florida (Orlando): 1 hr 4 min. (58.7 miles)
• Daytona Beach: “The world’s most famous beach” with over 23 miles of coastline and beaches
• Halifax Health Medical Hospital: Ranked a Top 50 hospital in the US for cardiovascular care
• Advent Health Hospital: Daytona Beach
• Daytona State College
• Daytona International Airport
• Volusia Mall: 1700 W International Speedway Blvd
• The Daytona 500: Annual event
• Spring Break: Annual festivities involving primarily college students on school break
• Bike Week: Annual event where thousands of motorcycles fill the streets
• Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier: An iconic spot for fishing, amusement centers, casino gaming, waterfront restaurants, bars, and entertainment

Short Term Rental Regulations:

 

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use.