Fort Lauderdale vs Orlando

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
Orlando, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $100 city permit + state DBPR license
Tax Rate 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $250–$500/day for code violations

Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal for STR licensing, while Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license. Fort Lauderdale renewal is annual, and Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Fort Lauderdale has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Orlando (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Fort Lauderdale, hosts pay ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax). In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). 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 Orlando, violations can result in $250–$500/day for code 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 →

Orlando Overview

STRs are prohibited in most single-family residential zoning districts. Allowed in tourist-commercial zones and some mixed-use areas. Florida state law preempts local bans enacted after June 2011, creating a complex legal landscape.

Contact: Orlando Permitting Services — (407) 246-2271

Full Orlando guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Orlando?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Orlando is "Restricted." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando. Overall, Fort Lauderdale has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Orlando?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Fort Lauderdale and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
Fort Lauderdale has no annual day limit. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Fort Lauderdale or Orlando?
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. Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license with 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Automatic tax collection in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.