Dallas vs Key West
Texas Restricted | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Dallas, Texas | Key West, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $285 registration fee | $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500–$2,000/violation | Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Dallas, Texas
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $285 registration fee
Tax Rate 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500–$2,000/violation
Key West, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Dallas Overview
Dallas banned non-owner-occupied STRs in residential single-family zoning districts effective April 2023. Owner-occupied or 'hosted' stays and multifamily/commercial zoning remain allowed with registration.
Full Dallas guide →Key West Overview
Moratorium on new transient rental licenses — only grandfathered properties may operate STRs under 28 days. Existing licenses are property-specific and command $400K+ on the secondary market. Florida DBPR state license also required.
Full Key West guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Dallas or Key West?
Dallas is classified as "Restricted" while Key West is "Restricted." Dallas's permit fee is $285 registration fee compared to $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee in Key West.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Dallas or Key West?
Dallas charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), while Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Dallas: $500–$2,000/violation. Key West: Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate.