Milwaukee vs Orlando
Wisconsin Legal with Permit | Florida Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Orlando, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee | $100 city permit + state DBPR license |
| Tax Rate | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual (city); Biennial (state) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses | $250–$500/day for code violations |
| Verdict | Milwaukee has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
Orlando, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $100 city permit + state DBPR license
Tax Rate 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $250–$500/day for code violations
Milwaukee has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee guide →Orlando Overview
STRs are prohibited in most single-family residential zoning districts. Allowed in tourist-commercial zones and some mixed-use areas. Florida state law preempts local bans enacted after June 2011, creating a complex legal landscape.
Full Orlando guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Milwaukee or Orlando?
Milwaukee is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Orlando is "Restricted." Milwaukee's permit fee is $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Milwaukee or Orlando?
Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations.