Key West vs Sedona
Florida Restricted | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Key West, Florida | Sedona, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee | $210/year |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) | 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit |
| Verdict | Sedona has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Sedona, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $210/year
Tax Rate 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit
Sedona has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Sedona Overview
Sedona straddles Yavapai and Coconino counties, so tax rates vary. Each unit needs its own permit. Special events (weddings, retreats) strictly prohibited. 24/7 complaint hotline: (928) 203-5110.
Full Sedona guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Key West or Sedona?
Key West is classified as "Restricted" while Sedona is "Legal with Permit." Key West's permit fee is $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee compared to $210/year in Sedona.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Key West or Sedona?
Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales), while Sedona charges 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino). 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. Sedona: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit.