Denver vs Tampa

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
Tampa, Florida
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required
Tax Rate ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Denver charges $100 license fee for STR licensing, while Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required. Denver renewal is every 2 years, and Tampa 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 Tampa, hosts pay ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% 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 Tampa, violations can result in Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. 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 →

Tampa Overview

No city-specific STR ordinance — state DBPR license and county Business Tax Receipt are primary requirements. Florida's 2011 preemption law limits local restrictions. STRs generally allowed in commercial and mixed-use zones.

Contact: Tampa Land Development Coordination — (813) 274-3100

Full Tampa guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or Tampa?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Tampa is "Legal with Permit." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required in Tampa. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Tampa?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while Tampa charges ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Tampa: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Denver and Tampa have day limits for Airbnb?
Denver has no annual day limit. Tampa has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Denver or Tampa?
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. Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required with ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax). Automatic tax collection in Denver and Tampa makes compliance easier for beginners.