Orlando vs Seattle

Florida Restricted | Washington 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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license

Seattle has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license for STR licensing, while Seattle charges $75/year short-term rental operator license. Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and Seattle renewal is annual. Overall, Seattle 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 Seattle, hosts pay 15.6% combined 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 Seattle, violations can result in $500/day for operating without a license. 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 →

Seattle Overview

Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.

Contact: Seattle Finance & Admin Services — (206) 684-8484

Full Seattle guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Orlando or Seattle?
Orlando is classified as "Restricted" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Orlando's permit fee is $100 city permit + state DBPR license compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle. Overall, Seattle has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Orlando or Seattle?
Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city), while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Orlando and Seattle have day limits for Airbnb?
Orlando has no annual day limit. Seattle has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Orlando or Seattle?
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. Seattle charges $75/year short-term rental operator license with 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). Automatic tax collection in Orlando and Seattle makes compliance easier for beginners.