Baltimore vs Key West

Maryland Legal but Limited | Florida Restricted

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

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.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Key West charges $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee. Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Key West renewal is annual. Overall, Baltimore has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Key West (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Baltimore, hosts pay 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging 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 Baltimore face penalties including $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. 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.

Baltimore Overview

Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.

Contact: Baltimore DHCD Property Registration — (410) 396-3575

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.

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

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. Overall, Baltimore has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Key West have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Key West has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Key West?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for permits with 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging 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 Baltimore and Key West makes compliance easier for beginners.