Fort Lauderdale vs Savannah
Florida Legal with Permit | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| 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 | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| 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
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation
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 →Savannah Overview
STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.
Full Savannah guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Savannah?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Savannah?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales 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. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.