Denver vs Orlando
Colorado Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Denver, Colorado | Orlando, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $100 license fee | $100 city permit + state DBPR license |
| Tax Rate | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual (city); Biennial (state) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $999/day for unlicensed operation | $250–$500/day for code violations |
| 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
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
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 →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 Denver or Orlando?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Orlando is "Restricted." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Orlando?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), 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?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations.