Orlando vs Philadelphia
Florida Restricted | Pennsylvania Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Orlando, Florida | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $100 city permit + state DBPR license | $50 Limited Lodging license |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) | 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 180 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual (city); Biennial (state) | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $250–$500/day for code violations | $300/day for unlicensed rental |
| Verdict | Philadelphia has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $50 Limited Lodging license
Tax Rate 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax
Day Limit 180 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unlicensed rental
Philadelphia has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Philadelphia Overview
Limited Lodging license required. Primary residence only, capped at 180 days/year for unhosted rentals. Hosted (owner-present) stays have no day cap. Must carry liability insurance.
Full Philadelphia guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Orlando or Philadelphia?
Orlando is classified as "Restricted" while Philadelphia is "Legal with Permit." Orlando's permit fee is $100 city permit + state DBPR license compared to $50 Limited Lodging license in Philadelphia.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Orlando or Philadelphia?
Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city), while Philadelphia charges 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Philadelphia: $300/day for unlicensed rental.