Charlotte vs Orlando
North Carolina Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | Orlando, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | $100 city permit + state DBPR license |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual (city); Biennial (state) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for continued non-compliance | $250–$500/day for code violations |
| Verdict | Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Charlotte, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Business license required; contact city for current fee
Tax Rate ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for continued non-compliance
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
Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Charlotte Overview
Charlotte removed STR-specific zoning regulations from its UDO in April 2022, making it one of NC's most permissive markets. Hosts must still obtain a business license and register for Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax.
Full Charlotte 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.
Full Orlando guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or Orlando?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Orlando is "Restricted." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or Orlando?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Charlotte: $500/day for continued non-compliance. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations.