Austin vs Miami

Texas Legal but Limited | Florida Restricted

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

Austin, Texas
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead)
Tax Rate 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible
Miami, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee
Tax Rate 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement

Austin has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Austin Overview

Type 1 (owner-occupied) is allowed citywide. Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) licenses are no longer issued in residential areas — existing Type 2 licenses expire April 2027.

Full Austin guide →

Miami Overview

STRs restricted to commercially zoned or mixed-use areas. Single-family residential neighborhoods generally prohibit STRs. State preemption law limits some local regulations. Both city Certificate of Use and state DBPR license required.

Full Miami guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Austin or Miami?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Miami is "Restricted." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Miami?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Austin: $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement.