Detroit vs Miami

Michigan Legal but Limited | Florida Restricted

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
Miami, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee
Tax Rate 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement

Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Detroit charges $500 annual license fee for STR licensing, while Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee. Detroit renewal is annual, and Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Detroit has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Miami (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Detroit, hosts pay 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined). In Miami, hosts pay 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). 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 Miami 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 Miami, violations can result in $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. 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 →

Miami Overview

STRs restricted to commercially zoned or mixed-use areas. Single-family residential neighborhoods generally prohibit STRs. State preemption law limits some local regulations. Both city Certificate of Use and state DBPR license required.

Contact: Miami Planning & Zoning — (305) 416-1400

Full Miami guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Miami?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Miami is "Restricted." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami. Overall, Detroit has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Miami?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Detroit and Miami have day limits for Airbnb?
Detroit limits STRs to 90 nights per year. Miami has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Detroit or Miami?
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. Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee with 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). Automatic tax collection in Detroit and Miami makes compliance easier for beginners.