Baltimore vs Fort Lauderdale
Maryland Legal but Limited | Florida Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Biennial | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension |
| Verdict | Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Baltimore, Maryland
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit
Tax Rate 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Biennial
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration 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.
Baltimore Overview
Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.
Full Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Fort Lauderdale?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Fort Lauderdale is "Legal with Permit." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal in Fort Lauderdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Fort Lauderdale?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, 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?
Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension.