Fort Lauderdale vs Miami

Florida Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted

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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal for STR licensing, while Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee. Fort Lauderdale renewal is annual, and Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Fort Lauderdale has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Miami (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Fort Lauderdale, hosts pay ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax). In Miami, hosts pay 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort 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 Miami, violations can result in $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. 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 →

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.

Contact: Miami Planning & Zoning — (305) 416-1400

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. Overall, Fort Lauderdale has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Fort Lauderdale and Miami have day limits for Airbnb?
Fort Lauderdale has no annual day limit. Miami has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Fort Lauderdale or Miami?
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. Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee with 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). Automatic tax collection in Fort Lauderdale and Miami makes compliance easier for beginners.