Fort Lauderdale vs Washington DC
Florida Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Fort Lauderdale has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or Washington DC?
Fort Lauderdale is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Fort Lauderdale's permit fee is $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Fort Lauderdale or Washington DC?
Fort Lauderdale charges ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.