Detroit vs Orlando
Michigan Legal but Limited | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Orlando, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $100 city permit + state DBPR license |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual (city); Biennial (state) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $250–$500/day for code violations |
| 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
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
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 →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.
Full Orlando guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Orlando?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Orlando is "Restricted." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Orlando?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). 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. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations.