Detroit vs Key West
Michigan Legal but Limited | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Key West, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate |
| Verdict | Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Key West, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate
Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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.
Full Detroit guide →Key West Overview
Moratorium on new transient rental licenses — only grandfathered properties may operate STRs under 28 days. Existing licenses are property-specific and command $400K+ on the secondary market. Florida DBPR state license also required.
Full Key West guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Key West?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Key West is "Restricted." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee in Key West.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Key West?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Key West: Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate.