Fort Lauderdale vs Indianapolis

Florida Legal with Permit | Indiana 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
Indianapolis, Indiana
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150 one-time registration fee per property
Tax Rate 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal for STR licensing, while Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property. Fort Lauderdale renewal is annual, and Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, hosts pay 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). 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 Indianapolis, violations can result in Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. 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 →

Indianapolis Overview

Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.

Contact: Dept. of Business and Neighborhood Services — (317) 327-8700

Full Indianapolis guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Indianapolis?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Indianapolis is "Legal with Permit." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $150 one-time registration fee per property in Indianapolis. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Indianapolis?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension. Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Fort Lauderdale and Indianapolis have day limits for Airbnb?
Fort Lauderdale has no annual day limit. Indianapolis has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Fort Lauderdale or Indianapolis?
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. Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property with 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). Automatic tax collection in Fort Lauderdale and Indianapolis makes compliance easier for beginners.