Fort Lauderdale vs Gatlinburg

Florida Legal with Permit | Tennessee Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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.

Permits & Licensing

Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal for STR licensing, while Gatlinburg charges $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom. Fort Lauderdale renewal is annual, and Gatlinburg renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Fort Lauderdale, hosts pay ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax). In Gatlinburg, hosts pay 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Fort Lauderdale face penalties including $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension. In Gatlinburg, violations can result in $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Fort Lauderdale Overview

Annual registration and Certificate of Compliance required. Occupancy capped at 2 persons per bedroom. Florida DBPR state license also required.

Contact: Fort Lauderdale Community Enhancement & Compliance — (954) 828-8000

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.

Contact: Building & Planning Department — (865) 436-7792

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. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
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.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Fort Lauderdale and Gatlinburg have day limits for Airbnb?
Fort Lauderdale has no annual day limit. Gatlinburg has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Fort Lauderdale or Gatlinburg?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal for permits with ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) in taxes. Gatlinburg charges $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom with 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax. Automatic tax collection in Fort Lauderdale and Gatlinburg makes compliance easier for beginners.