Columbus vs Fort Lauderdale

Ohio Legal with Permit | Florida Legal with Permit

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

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.

Permits & Licensing

Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for STR licensing, while Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal. Columbus renewal is annual, and Fort Lauderdale renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Columbus, hosts pay 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. In Fort Lauderdale, hosts pay ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

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 Columbus face penalties including Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. In Fort Lauderdale, violations can result in $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Columbus Overview

Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.

Contact: Dept. of Building and Zoning Services — (614) 645-8366

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.

Contact: Fort Lauderdale Community Enhancement & Compliance — (954) 828-8000

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. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Columbus and Fort Lauderdale have day limits for Airbnb?
Columbus has no annual day limit. Fort Lauderdale has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Columbus or Fort Lauderdale?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for permits with 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax in taxes. Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal with ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax). Automatic tax collection in Columbus and Fort Lauderdale makes compliance easier for beginners.