Miami vs Washington DC
Florida Restricted | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Miami, Florida | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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 | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Washington DC 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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Washington DC 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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Miami or Washington DC?
Miami is classified as "Restricted" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Miami's permit fee is $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Miami or Washington DC?
Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.