Columbus vs Miami
Ohio Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Miami, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax | 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual (city); Biennial (state) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation | $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement |
| Verdict | Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Miami, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee
Tax Rate 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement
Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus guide →Miami Overview
STRs restricted to commercially zoned or mixed-use areas. Single-family residential neighborhoods generally prohibit STRs. State preemption law limits some local regulations. Both city Certificate of Use and state DBPR license required.
Full Miami guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Miami?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Miami is "Restricted." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Miami?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). 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. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement.