Miami vs Tampa
Florida Restricted | Florida Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Miami, Florida | Tampa, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee | $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required |
| Tax Rate | 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax) | ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual (city); Biennial (state) | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement | Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction |
| Verdict | Tampa 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
Tampa, Florida
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required
Tax Rate ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction
Tampa 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 →Tampa Overview
No city-specific STR ordinance — state DBPR license and county Business Tax Receipt are primary requirements. Florida's 2011 preemption law limits local restrictions. STRs generally allowed in commercial and mixed-use zones.
Full Tampa guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Miami or Tampa?
Miami is classified as "Restricted" while Tampa is "Legal with Permit." Miami's permit fee is $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee compared to $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required in Tampa.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Miami or Tampa?
Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax), while Tampa charges ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax). 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. Tampa: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction.