Orlando vs Santa Fe

Florida Restricted | New Mexico 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
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license
Tax Rate ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500/day for operating without permit

Santa Fe has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license for STR licensing, while Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license. Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and Santa Fe renewal is annual. Overall, Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe, hosts pay ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax. 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 Santa Fe, violations can result in Up to $500/day for operating without permit. 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 →

Santa Fe Overview

Residential zone STRs capped at 1,000 citywide permits; one per person; must be 50+ feet from another STR. Rentals limited to once per 7-day period (except Nov 15–Jan 15). Local operator must respond within 1 hour.

Contact: Santa Fe Land Use Dept. — (505) 955-6639

Full Santa Fe guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Orlando or Santa Fe?
Orlando is classified as "Restricted" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Orlando's permit fee is $100 city permit + state DBPR license compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe. Overall, Santa Fe has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Orlando or Santa Fe?
Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city), while Santa Fe charges ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Orlando and Santa Fe have day limits for Airbnb?
Orlando has no annual day limit. Santa Fe has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Orlando or Santa Fe?
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. Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license with ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax. Automatic tax collection in Orlando and Santa Fe makes compliance easier for beginners.