Denver vs Miami

Colorado Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted

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
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

Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Denver charges $100 license fee for STR licensing, while Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee. Denver renewal is every 2 years, and Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Denver has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Miami (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). In Miami, hosts pay 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). 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 Miami, violations can result in $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. 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 →

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.

Contact: Miami Planning & Zoning — (305) 416-1400

Full Miami guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or Miami?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Miami is "Restricted." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami. Overall, Denver has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Miami?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Denver and Miami have day limits for Airbnb?
Denver has no annual day limit. Miami has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Denver or Miami?
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. Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee with 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). Automatic tax collection in Denver and Miami makes compliance easier for beginners.