Fort Lauderdale vs Miami
Florida Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Miami, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal | $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) | 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual (city); Biennial (state) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension | $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement |
| 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
Miami, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee
Tax Rate 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement
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 →Miami Overview
STRs restricted to commercially zoned or mixed-use areas. Single-family residential neighborhoods generally prohibit STRs. State preemption law limits some local regulations. Both city Certificate of Use and state DBPR license required.
Full Miami guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Miami?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Miami is "Restricted." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Miami?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort 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. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement.