Orlando vs Phoenix

Florida Restricted | Arizona Legal with Permit

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

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.

Permits & Licensing

Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license for STR licensing, while Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable). Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and Phoenix renewal is annual. Overall, Phoenix has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Orlando (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). In Phoenix, hosts pay ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + 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 Orlando face penalties including $250–$500/day for code violations. In Phoenix, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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 →

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.

Contact: Phoenix Planning & Development — (602) 534-9723

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. Overall, Phoenix has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Orlando and Phoenix have day limits for Airbnb?
Orlando has no annual day limit. Phoenix has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Orlando or Phoenix?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license for permits with 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) in taxes. Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable) with ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). Automatic tax collection in Orlando and Phoenix makes compliance easier for beginners.