Milwaukee vs Tampa
Wisconsin Legal with Permit | Florida Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Tampa, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee | $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required |
| Tax Rate | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) | ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses | Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
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
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →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 Milwaukee or Tampa?
Milwaukee is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Tampa is "Legal with Permit." Milwaukee's permit fee is $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee compared to $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required in Tampa.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Milwaukee or Tampa?
Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined), 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?
Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses. Tampa: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction.