Tampa vs Washington DC
Florida Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Tampa, Florida | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Tampa has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
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
Tampa has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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.
Full Tampa 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 Tampa or Washington DC?
Tampa is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Tampa's permit fee is $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Tampa or Washington DC?
Tampa charges ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax), 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?
Tampa: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.