Boston vs Fort Lauderdale
Massachusetts Legal but Limited | Florida Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Boston, Massachusetts | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $25 registration fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unregistered listing | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension |
| Verdict | Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Boston, Massachusetts
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $25 registration fee
Tax Rate 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unregistered listing
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.
Boston Overview
Only primary-residence units may be listed as STRs. Investor-owned (non-owner-occupied) short-term rentals are prohibited. Must register with the city and carry $1M liability insurance.
Full Boston 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 Boston or Fort Lauderdale?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Fort Lauderdale is "Legal with Permit." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal in Fort Lauderdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Fort Lauderdale?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center 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?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension.