Santa Fe vs Tampa

New Mexico Legal but Limited | Florida Legal with Permit

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

Santa Fe, New Mexico
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license
Tax Rate ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500/day for operating without permit
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

Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license for STR licensing, while Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required. Santa Fe renewal is annual, and Tampa renewal is annual. Overall, Tampa has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Santa Fe (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Santa Fe, hosts pay ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax. 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 Santa Fe face penalties including Up to $500/day for operating without permit. 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.

Santa Fe Overview

Residential zone STRs capped at 1,000 citywide permits; one per person; must be 50+ feet from another STR. Rentals limited to once per 7-day period (except Nov 15–Jan 15). Local operator must respond within 1 hour.

Contact: Santa Fe Land Use Dept. — (505) 955-6639

Full Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe or Tampa?
Santa Fe is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Tampa is "Legal with Permit." Santa Fe's permit fee is $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business 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 — Santa Fe or Tampa?
Santa Fe charges ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax, 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?
Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit. Tampa: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Santa Fe and Tampa have day limits for Airbnb?
Santa Fe has no annual day limit. Tampa has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Santa Fe or Tampa?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license for permits with ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax 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 Santa Fe and Tampa makes compliance easier for beginners.