Boston vs Miami
Massachusetts Legal but Limited | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Boston, Massachusetts | Miami, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $25 registration fee | $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee |
| Tax Rate | 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax | 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual (city); Biennial (state) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unregistered listing | $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement |
| Verdict | Boston 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
Miami, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee
Tax Rate 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement
Boston 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 →Miami Overview
STRs restricted to commercially zoned or mixed-use areas. Single-family residential neighborhoods generally prohibit STRs. State preemption law limits some local regulations. Both city Certificate of Use and state DBPR license required.
Full Miami guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Boston or Miami?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Miami is "Restricted." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Miami?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement.