Asheville vs Fort Lauderdale
North Carolina Restricted | Florida Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Asheville, North Carolina | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 homestay permit fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy) | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for violations | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension |
| Verdict | Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Asheville, North Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $200 homestay permit fee
Tax Rate ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for violations
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal
Tax Rate ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension
Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Asheville Overview
Whole-dwelling STRs banned in most zones since 2018; only allowed in resort zoning districts. Owner-occupied homestays (max 2 guest rooms, host must live on-site) are permitted in residential zones with a permit.
Full Asheville guide →Fort Lauderdale Overview
Annual registration and Certificate of Compliance required. Occupancy capped at 2 persons per bedroom. Florida DBPR state license also required.
Full Fort Lauderdale guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Asheville or Fort Lauderdale?
Asheville is classified as "Restricted" while Fort Lauderdale is "Legal with Permit." Asheville's permit fee is $200 homestay permit fee compared to $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal in Fort Lauderdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Asheville or Fort Lauderdale?
Asheville charges ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy), while Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Asheville: $500/day for violations. Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension.