Austin vs Orlando
Texas Legal but Limited | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Austin, Texas | Orlando, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) | $100 city permit + state DBPR license |
| Tax Rate | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual (city); Biennial (state) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible | $250–$500/day for code violations |
| Verdict | Austin has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Orlando, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $100 city permit + state DBPR license
Tax Rate 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $250–$500/day for code violations
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 →Orlando Overview
STRs are prohibited in most single-family residential zoning districts. Allowed in tourist-commercial zones and some mixed-use areas. Florida state law preempts local bans enacted after June 2011, creating a complex legal landscape.
Full Orlando guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Austin or Orlando?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Orlando is "Restricted." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Orlando?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). 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. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations.