Detroit vs Orlando

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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Detroit charges $500 annual license fee for STR licensing, while Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license. Detroit renewal is annual, and Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Detroit has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Orlando (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Detroit, hosts pay 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined). In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). 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 Orlando 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 Orlando, violations can result in $250–$500/day for code violations. 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 →

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.

Contact: Orlando Permitting Services — (407) 246-2271

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. Overall, Detroit has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Detroit and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
Detroit limits STRs to 90 nights per year. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Detroit or Orlando?
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. Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license with 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Automatic tax collection in Detroit and Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.