Key West vs Orlando
Florida Restricted | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Key West, Florida | Orlando, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee | $100 city permit + state DBPR license |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual (city); Biennial (state) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate | $250–$500/day for code violations |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
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
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →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.
Full Orlando guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Key West or Orlando?
Key West is classified as "Restricted" while Orlando is "Restricted." Key West's permit fee is $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Key West or Orlando?
Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
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. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations.