Miami vs Santa Fe

Florida Restricted | New Mexico 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
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license
Tax Rate ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500/day for operating without permit

Santa Fe has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee for STR licensing, while Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license. Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and Santa Fe renewal is annual. Overall, Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe, hosts pay ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax. 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 Santa Fe, violations can result in Up to $500/day for operating without permit. 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 →

Santa Fe Overview

Residential zone STRs capped at 1,000 citywide permits; one per person; must be 50+ feet from another STR. Rentals limited to once per 7-day period (except Nov 15–Jan 15). Local operator must respond within 1 hour.

Contact: Santa Fe Land Use Dept. — (505) 955-6639

Full Santa Fe guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Miami or Santa Fe?
Miami is classified as "Restricted" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Miami's permit fee is $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe. Overall, Santa Fe has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Miami or Santa Fe?
Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax), while Santa Fe charges ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Miami and Santa Fe have day limits for Airbnb?
Miami has no annual day limit. Santa Fe has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Miami or Santa Fe?
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. Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license with ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax. Automatic tax collection in Miami and Santa Fe makes compliance easier for beginners.