Gatlinburg vs Key West
Tennessee Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Key West, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom | $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax | 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible | Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate |
| Verdict | Gatlinburg has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom
Tax Rate 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible
Key West, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate
Gatlinburg has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Gatlinburg Overview
Tourist Residency Permit required with annual inspection. STRs prohibited in R-1A and R-2A zones. Properties over 3 stories or 12+ occupants require sprinkler systems.
Full Gatlinburg guide →Key West Overview
Moratorium on new transient rental licenses — only grandfathered properties may operate STRs under 28 days. Existing licenses are property-specific and command $400K+ on the secondary market. Florida DBPR state license also required.
Full Key West guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Gatlinburg or Key West?
Gatlinburg is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Key West is "Restricted." Gatlinburg's permit fee is $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom compared to $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee in Key West.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Gatlinburg or Key West?
Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax, while Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Gatlinburg: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible. Key West: Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate.