Indianapolis vs Miami

Indiana Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted

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

Indianapolis, Indiana
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150 one-time registration fee per property
Tax Rate 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations
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

Indianapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property for STR licensing, while Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee. Indianapolis renewal is annual, and Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Indianapolis has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Miami (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Indianapolis, hosts pay 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). In Miami, hosts pay 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

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 Indianapolis face penalties including Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. In Miami, violations can result in $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Indianapolis Overview

Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.

Contact: Dept. of Business and Neighborhood Services — (317) 327-8700

Full Indianapolis 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.

Contact: Miami Planning & Zoning — (305) 416-1400

Full Miami guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Indianapolis or Miami?
Indianapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Miami is "Restricted." Indianapolis's permit fee is $150 one-time registration fee per property compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami. Overall, Indianapolis has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Indianapolis or Miami?
Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined), while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Indianapolis and Miami have day limits for Airbnb?
Indianapolis has no annual day limit. Miami has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Indianapolis or Miami?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property for permits with 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) in taxes. Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee with 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). Automatic tax collection in Indianapolis and Miami makes compliance easier for beginners.