Austin vs Orlando: Short-Term Rental Rules Compared (2026)
Austin is currently "allowed with permit" while Orlando is "primary residence only". The bigger difference is eligibility: Orlando restricts rentals to the host's own residence, while Austin permits dedicated rentals. On cost, Orlando is the cheaper market to license ($275 vs $836.30). Full verified details for both markets below — always confirm current requirements with each jurisdiction.
Side by side
| Rule | Austin, TX | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Allowed with permit | Primary residence only |
| Permit required | Yes | Yes |
| Permit name | Short-Term Rental (STR) Operating License | Home Sharing Registration |
| Permit fee | $836.30 | $275 |
| Renewal | Biennial | Annual |
| Primary residence only | No | Yes |
| Owner occupancy required | No | Yes |
| Night cap / year | None found | None found |
| Minimum stay | None found | None found |
| Total occupancy taxes | ~17% | ~12.5% |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 | July 10, 2026 |
Compare guest tax loads
Switch between the two markets to see itemized occupancy taxes on the same stay.
| Gross rent | $450.00 |
| Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (state) (6%)· usually collected by platform | $27.00 |
| City of Austin Hotel Occupancy Tax (11%)· usually collected by platform | $49.50 |
| Total tax (17%) | $76.50 |
| Guest pays | $526.50 |
Estimate only. Platform collection varies by listing site and agreement; verify rates with the taxing authorities.
Austin, TX
Short-term rentals are legal citywide in Austin — allowed as an accessory use in every zoning district — but each STR must hold a city operating license ($836.30 for a new license, $385.30 renewal, valid two years as of October 2025). There is no owner-occupancy requirement (a 2023 federal court struck that down), but density is capped: at most two STRs per single-family site with 1,000-foot site-to-site spacing for additional units by the same operator, and generally 10% of units in multifamily buildings; starting July 1, 2026 platforms must delist unlicensed properties on city request. Guests pay 6% state plus 11% city hotel occupancy tax, both collected by platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo for platform bookings. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
Full Austinrules, playbook & sources →Orlando, FL
Orlando only allows short-term rentals (under 30 days) as owner-occupied 'home sharing': the owner or a long-term tenant must live on-site and be present during every stay, only one booking at a time is allowed, and no more than half the bedrooms may be rented — renting out an entire home short-term is prohibited in residential zones (whole-unit 'Commercial Dwelling Units' are limited to O-3, MU and AC commercial districts). Hosts must obtain an annual Home Sharing Registration ($275 first year, $100-$125 renewals, with a yearly interior inspection), and guests pay roughly 12.5% in combined state and Orange County taxes, which Airbnb and Vrbo collect on platform bookings. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
Full Orlandorules, playbook & sources →Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change frequently in both markets; verify current requirements with each jurisdiction before operating.