New York City vs Orlando

New York Effectively Banned | Florida Restricted

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

New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations
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

Orlando has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

New York City charges $145 registration fee (OSE) for STR licensing, while Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license. New York City renewal is every 2 years, and Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Overall, Orlando has a more permissive regulatory environment (Restricted) compared to New York City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In New York City, hosts pay 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax. 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 York City face penalties including $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. 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 York City Overview

Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.

Contact: NYC Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement — (212) 676-4101

Full New York City 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 York City or Orlando?
New York City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Orlando is "Restricted." New York City's permit fee is $145 registration fee (OSE) compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando. Overall, Orlando has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New York City or Orlando?
New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax, 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 York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do New York City and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
New York City has no annual day limit. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — New York City or Orlando?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: New York City charges $145 registration fee (OSE) for permits with 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax 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 York City and Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.