Los Angeles vs Miami

California Legal but Limited | Florida Restricted

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

Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
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

Los Angeles has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Los Angeles charges $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee for STR licensing, while Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee. Los Angeles renewal is annual, and Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Los Angeles has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Miami (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Los Angeles, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. 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

Los Angeles imposes a 120-night annual limit, while Miami has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Los Angeles face penalties including $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). 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.

Los Angeles Overview

Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.

Contact: LA City Planning — (213) 482-7077

Full Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles or Miami?
Los Angeles is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Miami is "Restricted." Los Angeles's permit fee is $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami. Overall, Los Angeles has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Los Angeles or Miami?
Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Los Angeles and Miami have day limits for Airbnb?
Los Angeles limits STRs to 120 nights per year. Miami has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Los Angeles or Miami?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Los Angeles charges $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee for permits with 14% Transient Occupancy Tax 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 Los Angeles and Miami makes compliance easier for beginners.