Orlando vs Washington DC
Florida Restricted | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Orlando, Florida | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $100 city permit + state DBPR license | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual (city); Biennial (state) | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $250–$500/day for code violations | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Washington DC 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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Washington DC 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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Orlando or Washington DC?
Orlando is classified as "Restricted" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Orlando's permit fee is $100 city permit + state DBPR license compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Orlando or Washington DC?
Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.