Key West vs Miami

Florida Restricted | Florida Restricted

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

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
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

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Key West charges $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee for STR licensing, while Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee. Key West renewal is annual, and Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Restricted."

Tax Obligations

In Key West, hosts pay 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales). 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 Key West face penalties including Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate. 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.

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.

Contact: Key West Licensing Division — (305) 809-3959

Full Key West 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 Key West or Miami?
Key West is classified as "Restricted" while Miami is "Restricted." Key West's permit fee is $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Key West or Miami?
Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales), while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Key West: Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Key West and Miami have day limits for Airbnb?
Key West has no annual day limit. Miami has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Key West or Miami?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Key West charges $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee for permits with 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) 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 Key West and Miami makes compliance easier for beginners.