Savannah vs Tampa

Georgia Legal with Permit | Florida Legal with Permit

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

Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation
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

Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal for STR licensing, while Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required. Savannah renewal is annual, and Tampa renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Savannah, hosts pay 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales 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 Savannah face penalties including Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. 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.

Savannah Overview

STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.

Contact: Savannah Planning & Urban Design — (912) 525-2783

Full Savannah 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 Savannah or Tampa?
Savannah is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Tampa is "Legal with Permit." Savannah's permit fee is $400 initial application; $250/year renewal 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 — Savannah or Tampa?
Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales 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?
Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Tampa: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Savannah and Tampa have day limits for Airbnb?
Savannah has no annual day limit. Tampa has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Savannah or Tampa?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal for permits with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales 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 Savannah and Tampa makes compliance easier for beginners.