Charleston vs Orlando

South Carolina Restricted | Florida Restricted

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

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
Orlando, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $100 city permit + state DBPR license
Tax Rate 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $250–$500/day for code violations

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Charleston charges $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee for STR licensing, while Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license. Charleston renewal is annual, and Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Restricted."

Tax Obligations

In Charleston, hosts pay ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes). In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Orlando, but hosts in Charleston must collect and remit taxes themselves — a significant operational burden.

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 Charleston face penalties including Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible. In Orlando, violations can result in $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Charleston Dept. of Planning, Preservation & Sustainability — (843) 724-7311

Full Charleston guide →

Orlando Overview

STRs are prohibited in most single-family residential zoning districts. Allowed in tourist-commercial zones and some mixed-use areas. Florida state law preempts local bans enacted after June 2011, creating a complex legal landscape.

Contact: Orlando Permitting Services — (407) 246-2271

Full Orlando guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Charleston or Orlando?
Charleston is classified as "Restricted" while Orlando is "Restricted." Charleston's permit fee is $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charleston or Orlando?
Charleston charges ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Notably, Orlando benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Charleston must handle taxes themselves.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Charleston: Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Charleston and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
Charleston has no annual day limit. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Charleston or Orlando?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Charleston charges $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee for permits with ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes) in taxes. Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license with 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Automatic tax collection in Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.