Honolulu vs Orlando

Hawaii Restricted | Florida Restricted

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Honolulu, Hawaii
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine
Orlando, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $100 city permit + state DBPR license
Tax Rate 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $250–$500/day for code violations

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Honolulu charges $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal for STR licensing, while Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license. Honolulu renewal is annual, and Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Restricted."

Tax Obligations

In Honolulu, hosts pay ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Orlando, but hosts in Honolulu must collect and remit taxes themselves — a significant operational burden.

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 Honolulu face penalties including $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. In Orlando, violations can result in $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Honolulu Overview

STRs limited to resort-zoned and eligible apartment-zoned areas. Hosts must register as B&B (owner-occupied, max 2 guest rooms) or TVU (whole-home in eligible zones). Registrations are non-transferable.

Contact: Dept. of Planning and Permitting — (808) 768-7887

Full Honolulu guide →

Orlando Overview

STRs are prohibited in most single-family residential zoning districts. Allowed in tourist-commercial zones and some mixed-use areas. Florida state law preempts local bans enacted after June 2011, creating a complex legal landscape.

Contact: Orlando Permitting Services — (407) 246-2271

Full Orlando guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Honolulu or Orlando?
Honolulu is classified as "Restricted" while Orlando is "Restricted." Honolulu's permit fee is $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Honolulu or Orlando?
Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Notably, Orlando benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Honolulu must handle taxes themselves.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Honolulu and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
Honolulu has no annual day limit. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Honolulu or Orlando?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Honolulu charges $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal for permits with ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) in taxes. Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license with 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Automatic tax collection in Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.