Orlando vs Sacramento
Florida Restricted | California Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Orlando, Florida | Sacramento, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $100 city permit + state DBPR license | $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) | 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual (city); Biennial (state) | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $250–$500/day for code violations | Contact city for current details |
| Verdict | Sacramento 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
Sacramento, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax
Tax Rate 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details
Sacramento 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 →Sacramento Overview
Host must reside in the property at least 184 nights/year (primary residence requirement); non-primary-residence rentals capped at 90 days/year. Maximum 6 guests at any time.
Full Sacramento guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Orlando or Sacramento?
Orlando is classified as "Restricted" while Sacramento is "Legal with Permit." Orlando's permit fee is $100 city permit + state DBPR license compared to $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax in Sacramento.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Orlando or Sacramento?
Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city), while Sacramento charges 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments. 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. Sacramento: Contact city for current details.