Fort Lauderdale vs Gatlinburg
Florida Legal with Permit | Tennessee Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Gatlinburg, Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal | $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) | 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension | $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom
Tax Rate 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Fort Lauderdale Overview
Annual registration and Certificate of Compliance required. Occupancy capped at 2 persons per bedroom. Florida DBPR state license also required.
Full Fort Lauderdale guide →Gatlinburg Overview
Tourist Residency Permit required with annual inspection. STRs prohibited in R-1A and R-2A zones. Properties over 3 stories or 12+ occupants require sprinkler systems.
Full Gatlinburg guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Gatlinburg is "Legal with Permit." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom in Gatlinburg.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension. Gatlinburg: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible.