Jersey City vs Key West
New Jersey Restricted | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Jersey City, New Jersey | Key West, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal | $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee | 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) |
| Annual Day Limit | 60 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations | Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Jersey City, New Jersey
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal
Tax Rate 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee
Day Limit 60 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations
Key West, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Jersey City Overview
Adopted after 2019 voter referendum. Owner-occupied only — tenants and rent-controlled units prohibited. Unhosted stays capped at 60 nights/year. Only buildings with fewer than 4 units eligible.
Full Jersey City guide →Key West Overview
Moratorium on new transient rental licenses — only grandfathered properties may operate STRs under 28 days. Existing licenses are property-specific and command $400K+ on the secondary market. Florida DBPR state license also required.
Full Key West guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Jersey City or Key West?
Jersey City is classified as "Restricted" while Key West is "Restricted." Jersey City's permit fee is $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal compared to $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee in Key West.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Jersey City or Key West?
Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee, while Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations. Key West: Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate.