Las Vegas vs Orlando

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
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

Las Vegas has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Las Vegas charges $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) for STR licensing, while Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license. Las Vegas renewal is annual, and Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Las Vegas has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Orlando (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Las Vegas, hosts pay 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County). In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). 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 Orlando, violations can result in $250–$500/day for code violations. 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 →

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.

Contact: Orlando Permitting Services — (407) 246-2271

Full Orlando guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Las Vegas or Orlando?
Las Vegas is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Orlando is "Restricted." Las Vegas's permit fee is $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando. Overall, Las Vegas has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Las Vegas or Orlando?
Las Vegas charges 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Las Vegas: $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Las Vegas and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
Las Vegas has no annual day limit. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Las Vegas or Orlando?
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. Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license with 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Automatic tax collection in Las Vegas and Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.