Detroit vs Fort Lauderdale

Michigan Legal but Limited | Florida Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal
Tax Rate ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension

Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Detroit charges $500 annual license fee for STR licensing, while Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal. Detroit renewal is annual, and Fort Lauderdale renewal is annual. Overall, Fort Lauderdale has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Detroit (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Detroit, hosts pay 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined). In Fort Lauderdale, hosts pay ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Detroit imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Fort Lauderdale has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Detroit face penalties including Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. In Fort Lauderdale, violations can result in $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Detroit Overview

90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.

Contact: BSEED — (313) 224-2733

Full Detroit guide →

Fort Lauderdale Overview

Annual registration and Certificate of Compliance required. Occupancy capped at 2 persons per bedroom. Florida DBPR state license also required.

Contact: Fort Lauderdale Community Enhancement & Compliance — (954) 828-8000

Full Fort Lauderdale guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Fort Lauderdale?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Fort Lauderdale is "Legal with Permit." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal in Fort Lauderdale. Overall, Fort Lauderdale has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Fort Lauderdale?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Detroit and Fort Lauderdale have day limits for Airbnb?
Detroit limits STRs to 90 nights per year. Fort Lauderdale has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Detroit or Fort Lauderdale?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Detroit charges $500 annual license fee for permits with 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) in taxes. Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal with ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax). Automatic tax collection in Detroit and Fort Lauderdale makes compliance easier for beginners.