Honolulu vs Tampa

Hawaii Restricted | Florida Legal with Permit

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
Tampa, Florida
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required
Tax Rate ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction

Tampa has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Honolulu charges $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal for STR licensing, while Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required. Honolulu renewal is annual, and Tampa renewal is annual. Overall, Tampa has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Honolulu (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Honolulu, hosts pay ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). In Tampa, hosts pay ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Tampa, 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 Tampa, violations can result in Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. 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 →

Tampa Overview

No city-specific STR ordinance — state DBPR license and county Business Tax Receipt are primary requirements. Florida's 2011 preemption law limits local restrictions. STRs generally allowed in commercial and mixed-use zones.

Contact: Tampa Land Development Coordination — (813) 274-3100

Full Tampa guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Honolulu or Tampa?
Honolulu is classified as "Restricted" while Tampa is "Legal with Permit." Honolulu's permit fee is $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal compared to $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required in Tampa. Overall, Tampa has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Honolulu or Tampa?
Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET), while Tampa charges ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax). Notably, Tampa 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. Tampa: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Honolulu and Tampa have day limits for Airbnb?
Honolulu has no annual day limit. Tampa has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Honolulu or Tampa?
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. Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required with ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax). Automatic tax collection in Tampa makes compliance easier for beginners.