Miami vs San Francisco
Florida Restricted | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Miami, Florida | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual (city); Biennial (state) | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | San Francisco has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
San Francisco has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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.
Full Miami guide →San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Miami or San Francisco?
Miami is classified as "Restricted" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Miami's permit fee is $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Miami or San Francisco?
Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax), while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.