Maui County vs Miami

Hawaii Effectively Banned | Florida Restricted

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

Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter
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

Miami has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Maui County charges Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount for STR licensing, while Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee. Maui County renewal is annual, and Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Miami has a more permissive regulatory environment (Restricted) compared to Maui County (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Maui County, hosts pay ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). In Miami, hosts pay 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Miami, but hosts in Maui County must collect and remit taxes themselves — a significant operational burden.

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 Maui County face penalties including $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. 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.

Maui County Overview

Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.

Contact: Planning Dept., Current Planning Division — (808) 270-8205

Full Maui County 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 Maui County or Miami?
Maui County is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Miami is "Restricted." Maui County's permit fee is Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount compared to $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee in Miami. Overall, Miami has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Maui County or Miami?
Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET), while Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). Notably, Miami benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Maui County must handle taxes themselves.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Maui County and Miami have day limits for Airbnb?
Maui County has no annual day limit. Miami has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Maui County or Miami?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Maui County charges Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount for permits with ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) 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 Miami makes compliance easier for beginners.