Miami vs Orlando

Florida Restricted | Florida Restricted

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

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
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

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee for STR licensing, while Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license. Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Restricted."

Tax Obligations

In Miami, hosts pay 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). 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 Miami face penalties including $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. 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.

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 →

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 Miami or Orlando?
Miami is classified as "Restricted" while Orlando is "Restricted." Miami's permit fee is $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Miami or Orlando?
Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Miami and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
Miami has no annual day limit. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Miami or Orlando?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee for permits with 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax) 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 Miami and Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.