Fort Lauderdale vs Phoenix

Florida Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit

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
Phoenix, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year (non-refundable)
Tax Rate ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Fort Lauderdale charges $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal for STR licensing, while Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable). Fort Lauderdale renewal is annual, and Phoenix renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Fort Lauderdale, hosts pay ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax). In Phoenix, hosts pay ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + 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 Phoenix, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 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 →

Phoenix Overview

Arizona SB 1168 (2022) grants cities enhanced enforcement while SB 1350 (2016) preempts outright bans. Phoenix requires STR permit, $500K liability insurance, neighbor notification, and prohibits STR use of accessory dwelling units.

Contact: Phoenix Planning & Development — (602) 534-9723

Full Phoenix guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Phoenix?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Phoenix?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Fort Lauderdale: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension. Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Fort Lauderdale and Phoenix have day limits for Airbnb?
Fort Lauderdale has no annual day limit. Phoenix has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Fort Lauderdale or Phoenix?
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. Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable) with ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). Automatic tax collection in Fort Lauderdale and Phoenix makes compliance easier for beginners.