Orlando vs Tampa

Florida Restricted | Florida 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
Tampa, Florida
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required
Tax Rate ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction

Tampa has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license for STR licensing, while Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required. Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and Tampa renewal is annual. Overall, Tampa 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 Tampa, hosts pay ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax). 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 Tampa, violations can result in Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. 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 →

Tampa Overview

No city-specific STR ordinance — state DBPR license and county Business Tax Receipt are primary requirements. Florida's 2011 preemption law limits local restrictions. STRs generally allowed in commercial and mixed-use zones.

Contact: Tampa Land Development Coordination — (813) 274-3100

Full Tampa guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Orlando or Tampa?
Orlando is classified as "Restricted" while Tampa is "Legal with Permit." Orlando's permit fee is $100 city permit + state DBPR license compared to $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required in Tampa. Overall, Tampa has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Orlando or Tampa?
Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city), while Tampa charges ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Tampa: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Orlando and Tampa have day limits for Airbnb?
Orlando has no annual day limit. Tampa has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Orlando or Tampa?
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. Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required with ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax). Automatic tax collection in Orlando and Tampa makes compliance easier for beginners.