Orlando vs Savannah
Florida Restricted | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Orlando, Florida | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $100 city permit + state DBPR license | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| 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 | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Savannah 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
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation
Savannah 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 →Savannah Overview
STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.
Full Savannah guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Orlando or Savannah?
Orlando is classified as "Restricted" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Orlando's permit fee is $100 city permit + state DBPR license compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Orlando or Savannah?
Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city), while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. 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. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.