New Orleans vs Orlando

Louisiana Restricted | Florida Restricted

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

New Orleans, Louisiana
Status Restricted
Permit Fee NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year
Tax Rate 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing
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

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

New Orleans charges NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year for STR licensing, while Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license. New Orleans renewal is annual, and Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Restricted."

Tax Obligations

In New Orleans, hosts pay 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee. In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). 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 New Orleans face penalties including $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing. In Orlando, violations can result in $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

New Orleans Overview

Heavily restricted: French Quarter is banned (except parts of Bourbon St), permits limited to owner's primary residence via lottery, CSTR permits frozen since 2023, and one STR per block density cap applies.

Contact: New Orleans STR Administration — (504) 658-7144

Full New Orleans 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.

Contact: Orlando Permitting Services — (407) 246-2271

Full Orlando guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in New Orleans or Orlando?
New Orleans is classified as "Restricted" while Orlando is "Restricted." New Orleans's permit fee is NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New Orleans or Orlando?
New Orleans charges 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee, while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
New Orleans: $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do New Orleans and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
New Orleans has no annual day limit. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — New Orleans or Orlando?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: New Orleans charges NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year for permits with 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee in taxes. Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license with 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Automatic tax collection in New Orleans and Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.