Fort Lauderdale vs Seattle
Florida Legal with Permit | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500/day for operating without a license |
| 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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
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 →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Seattle?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Seattle?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.