Indianapolis vs Orlando

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
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

Indianapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property for STR licensing, while Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license. Indianapolis renewal is annual, and Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Indianapolis has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Orlando (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Indianapolis, hosts pay 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). 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 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.

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 →

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 Indianapolis or Orlando?
Indianapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Orlando is "Restricted." Indianapolis's permit fee is $150 one-time registration fee per property compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando. Overall, Indianapolis has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Indianapolis or Orlando?
Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Indianapolis and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
Indianapolis has no annual day limit. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Indianapolis or Orlando?
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. Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license with 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Automatic tax collection in Indianapolis and Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.