Fort Lauderdale vs Honolulu
Florida Legal with Permit | Hawaii Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Honolulu, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine |
| Verdict | Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Honolulu, Hawaii
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine
Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Honolulu Overview
STRs limited to resort-zoned and eligible apartment-zoned areas. Hosts must register as B&B (owner-occupied, max 2 guest rooms) or TVU (whole-home in eligible zones). Registrations are non-transferable.
Full Honolulu guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Honolulu?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Honolulu is "Restricted." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal in Honolulu.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Honolulu?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). 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. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine.