Denver vs Orlando

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
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.

Permits & Licensing

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

Tax Obligations

In Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). 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 Orlando, violations can result in $250–$500/day for code violations. 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 →

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.

Contact: Orlando Permitting Services — (407) 246-2271

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. Overall, Denver has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Denver and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
Denver has no annual day limit. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Denver or Orlando?
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. Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license with 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Automatic tax collection in Denver and Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.