Charleston vs Fort Lauderdale
South Carolina Restricted | Florida Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charleston, South Carolina | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes) | ~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 | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension |
| Verdict | Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Charleston, South Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee
Tax Rate ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible
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.
Charleston Overview
Whole-house STRs are effectively banned; at least one full-time resident must sleep on-site each night. Max 4 adult guests. Charleston is one of the few U.S. cities that criminally prosecutes illegal STR operators. $1M liability insurance required.
Full Charleston 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 Charleston or Fort Lauderdale?
Charleston is classified as "Restricted" while Fort Lauderdale is "Legal with Permit." Charleston's permit fee is $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee compared to $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal in Fort Lauderdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charleston or Fort Lauderdale?
Charleston charges ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes), 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?
Charleston: Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible. Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension.