Orlando vs San Francisco

Florida Restricted | California Legal but Limited

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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting

San Francisco has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license for STR licensing, while San Francisco charges $450 registration fee. Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and San Francisco renewal is every 2 years. Overall, San Francisco has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Orlando (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). In San Francisco, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

San Francisco imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Orlando has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Orlando face penalties including $250–$500/day for code violations. In San Francisco, violations can result in $1,000/day for illegal hosting. 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 →

San Francisco Overview

Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.

Contact: SF Office of Short-Term Rentals — (415) 575-9179

Full San Francisco guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Orlando or San Francisco?
Orlando is classified as "Restricted" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Orlando's permit fee is $100 city permit + state DBPR license compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco. Overall, San Francisco has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Orlando or San Francisco?
Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city), while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Orlando and San Francisco have day limits for Airbnb?
Orlando has no annual day limit. San Francisco limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Orlando or San Francisco?
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. San Francisco charges $450 registration fee with 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Automatic tax collection in Orlando and San Francisco makes compliance easier for beginners.