Phoenix vs Tampa

Arizona Legal with Permit | Florida Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Phoenix, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year (non-refundable)
Tax Rate ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 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

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable) for STR licensing, while Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required. Phoenix renewal is annual, and Tampa renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Phoenix, hosts pay ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + 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 Phoenix face penalties including $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 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.

Phoenix Overview

Arizona SB 1168 (2022) grants cities enhanced enforcement while SB 1350 (2016) preempts outright bans. Phoenix requires STR permit, $500K liability insurance, neighbor notification, and prohibits STR use of accessory dwelling units.

Contact: Phoenix Planning & Development — (602) 534-9723

Full Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Tampa?
Phoenix is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Tampa is "Legal with Permit." Phoenix's permit fee is $250/year (non-refundable) compared to $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required in Tampa. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Phoenix or Tampa?
Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + 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?
Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations. Tampa: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Phoenix and Tampa have day limits for Airbnb?
Phoenix has no annual day limit. Tampa has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Phoenix or Tampa?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable) for permits with ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + 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 Phoenix and Tampa makes compliance easier for beginners.