Miami vs Palm Springs

Florida Restricted | California Legal but Limited

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
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension

Palm Springs has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee for STR licensing, while Palm Springs charges $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate. Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and Palm Springs renewal is annual. Overall, Palm Springs has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Miami (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Miami, hosts pay 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). In Palm Springs, hosts pay 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID). 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 Palm Springs, violations can result in $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension. 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 →

Palm Springs Overview

Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.

Contact: Dept. of Special Program Compliance — (760) 322-8383

Full Palm Springs guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Miami or Palm Springs?
Miami is classified as "Restricted" while Palm Springs is "Legal but Limited." Miami's permit fee is $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee compared to $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate in Palm Springs. Overall, Palm Springs has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Miami or Palm Springs?
Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax), while Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Miami and Palm Springs have day limits for Airbnb?
Miami has no annual day limit. Palm Springs has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Miami or Palm Springs?
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. Palm Springs charges $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate with 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID). Automatic tax collection in Miami and Palm Springs makes compliance easier for beginners.