Las Vegas vs Miami

Nevada Legal but Limited | Florida Restricted

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

Las Vegas, Nevada
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification)
Tax Rate 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation
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

Las Vegas has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Las Vegas charges $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) for STR licensing, while Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee. Las Vegas renewal is annual, and Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Las Vegas has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Miami (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Las Vegas, hosts pay 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County). 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 Las Vegas face penalties including $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation. 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.

Las Vegas Overview

Only owner-occupied (hosted) rentals are permitted; the owner must reside on-site during each rental day. Properties must be at least 660 feet from another STR and 2,500 feet from a resort hotel. Limited to 3 bedrooms max. Requires $500,000 liability insurance.

Contact: City of Las Vegas Code Enforcement — (702) 229-6281

Full Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas or Miami?
Las Vegas is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Miami is "Restricted." Las Vegas's permit fee is $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami. Overall, Las Vegas has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Las Vegas or Miami?
Las Vegas charges 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County), while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Las Vegas: $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Las Vegas and Miami have day limits for Airbnb?
Las Vegas has no annual day limit. Miami has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Las Vegas or Miami?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Las Vegas charges $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) for permits with 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County) 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 Las Vegas and Miami makes compliance easier for beginners.