Key West vs Washington DC
Florida Restricted | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Key West, Florida | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Washington DC 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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Washington DC 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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Key West or Washington DC?
Key West is classified as "Restricted" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Key West's permit fee is $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Key West or Washington DC?
Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.