Denver vs Key West
Colorado Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Denver, Colorado | Key West, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $100 license fee | $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) | 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $999/day for unlicensed operation | Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate |
| Verdict | Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
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
Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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.
Full Denver 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 Denver or Key West?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Key West is "Restricted." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee in Key West.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Key West?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/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?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Key West: Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate.