Fort Lauderdale vs Los Angeles
Florida Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) |
| 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
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
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 →Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Los Angeles?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Los Angeles?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy 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. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses).