Fort Lauderdale vs Milwaukee
Florida Legal with Permit | Wisconsin Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Milwaukee?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Milwaukee is "Legal with Permit." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee in Milwaukee.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Milwaukee?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined). 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. Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses.