Miami vs Savannah

Florida Restricted | Georgia Legal with Permit

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
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation

Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee for STR licensing, while Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal. Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and Savannah renewal is annual. Overall, Savannah has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Miami (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Miami, hosts pay 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). In Savannah, hosts pay 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales 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 Savannah, violations can result in Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. 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 →

Savannah Overview

STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.

Contact: Savannah Planning & Urban Design — (912) 525-2783

Full Savannah guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Miami or Savannah?
Miami is classified as "Restricted" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Miami's permit fee is $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah. Overall, Savannah has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Miami or Savannah?
Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax), while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Miami and Savannah have day limits for Airbnb?
Miami has no annual day limit. Savannah has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Miami or Savannah?
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. Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Miami and Savannah makes compliance easier for beginners.