Columbus vs Fort Lauderdale
Ohio Legal with Permit | Florida Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales 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 | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation
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
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus 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 Columbus or Fort Lauderdale?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Fort Lauderdale is "Legal with Permit." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal in Fort Lauderdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Fort Lauderdale?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales 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?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension.