Columbus vs Orlando
Ohio Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Orlando, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $100 city permit + state DBPR license |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales 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 | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation | $250–$500/day for code violations |
| 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
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
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 →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 Columbus or Orlando?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Orlando is "Restricted." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Orlando?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales 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?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations.