Orlando vs Washington DC

Florida Restricted | District of Columbia 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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license for STR licensing, while Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license. Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and Washington DC renewal is every 2 years. Overall, Washington DC 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 Washington DC, hosts pay 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Washington DC imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Orlando has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Orlando face penalties including $250–$500/day for code violations. In Washington DC, violations can result in $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation. 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 →

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.

Contact: DC DLCP Short-Term Rental Hotline — (202) 221-8550

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. Overall, Washington DC has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Orlando and Washington DC have day limits for Airbnb?
Orlando has no annual day limit. Washington DC limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Orlando or Washington DC?
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. Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license with 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Automatic tax collection in Orlando and Washington DC makes compliance easier for beginners.