Houston vs Miami
Texas Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Houston, Texas | Miami, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $90 registration fee | $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual (city); Biennial (state) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for non-compliance | $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement |
| Verdict | Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Houston, Texas
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $90 registration fee
Tax Rate 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for non-compliance
Miami, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee
Tax Rate 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement
Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Houston Overview
Houston has no zoning code, so STRs are broadly permitted. Hosts must register, collect HOT, and meet fire-safety and parking standards. Deed-restricted communities may impose additional restrictions.
Full Houston guide →Miami Overview
STRs restricted to commercially zoned or mixed-use areas. Single-family residential neighborhoods generally prohibit STRs. State preemption law limits some local regulations. Both city Certificate of Use and state DBPR license required.
Full Miami guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Houston or Miami?
Houston is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Miami is "Restricted." Houston's permit fee is $90 registration fee compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Houston or Miami?
Houston charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Houston: $500/day for non-compliance. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement.