Baltimore vs Key West
Maryland Legal but Limited | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Key West, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) |
| 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 | Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate |
| Verdict | Baltimore 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
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
Baltimore 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 →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.
Full Key West guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Key West?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Key West is "Restricted." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee in Key West.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Key West?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales). 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. Key West: Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate.