Denver vs Fort Lauderdale

Colorado Legal with Permit | Florida Legal with Permit

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

Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
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

Denver charges $100 license fee for STR licensing, while Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal. Denver renewal is every 2 years, and Fort Lauderdale renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). 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 Denver face penalties including $999/day for unlicensed operation. 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.

Denver Overview

Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.

Contact: Denver Excise & Licenses — (720) 913-1311

Full Denver 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 Denver or Fort Lauderdale?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Fort Lauderdale is "Legal with Permit." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal in Fort Lauderdale. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Fort Lauderdale?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), 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?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Denver and Fort Lauderdale have day limits for Airbnb?
Denver has no annual day limit. Fort Lauderdale has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Denver or Fort Lauderdale?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Denver charges $100 license fee for permits with 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) 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 Denver and Fort Lauderdale makes compliance easier for beginners.