Atlanta vs Key West

Georgia Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Atlanta, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150/year
Tax Rate 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for operating without permit
Key West, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate

Atlanta has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Atlanta charges $150/year for STR licensing, while Key West charges $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee. Atlanta renewal is annual, and Key West renewal is annual. Overall, Atlanta has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Key West (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Atlanta, hosts pay 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax. In Key West, hosts pay 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Atlanta face penalties including $1,000/day for operating without permit. In Key West, violations can result in Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Atlanta Overview

Owner-occupied and investor-owned units both allowed with a Short-Term Rental License. Must pass fire inspection and provide 24/7 local contact.

Contact: Atlanta Office of Buildings — (404) 330-6150

Full Atlanta guide →

Key West Overview

Moratorium on new transient rental licenses — only grandfathered properties may operate STRs under 28 days. Existing licenses are property-specific and command $400K+ on the secondary market. Florida DBPR state license also required.

Contact: Key West Licensing Division — (305) 809-3959

Full Key West guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Key West?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Key West is "Restricted." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee in Key West. Overall, Atlanta has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Key West?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Atlanta: $1,000/day for operating without permit. Key West: Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Atlanta and Key West have day limits for Airbnb?
Atlanta has no annual day limit. Key West has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Atlanta or Key West?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Atlanta charges $150/year for permits with 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax in taxes. Key West charges $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee with 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales). Automatic tax collection in Atlanta and Key West makes compliance easier for beginners.