Orlando vs Phoenix
Florida Restricted | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Orlando, Florida | Phoenix, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $100 city permit + state DBPR license | $250/year (non-refundable) |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual (city); Biennial (state) | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $250–$500/day for code violations | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations |
| Verdict | Phoenix 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
Phoenix, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year (non-refundable)
Tax Rate ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations
Phoenix 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 →Phoenix Overview
Arizona SB 1168 (2022) grants cities enhanced enforcement while SB 1350 (2016) preempts outright bans. Phoenix requires STR permit, $500K liability insurance, neighbor notification, and prohibits STR use of accessory dwelling units.
Full Phoenix guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Orlando or Phoenix?
Orlando is classified as "Restricted" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Orlando's permit fee is $100 city permit + state DBPR license compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Orlando or Phoenix?
Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city), while Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations.