Miami vs Orlando: Short-Term Rental Rules Compared (2026)
Miami is currently "restricted" while Orlando is "primary residence only". The bigger difference is eligibility: Orlando restricts rentals to the host's own residence, while Miami permits dedicated rentals. Full verified details for both markets below — always confirm current requirements with each jurisdiction.
Side by side
| Rule | Miami, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Restricted | Primary residence only |
| Permit required | Yes | Yes |
| Permit name | Certificate of Use (CU) for Lodging + Business Tax Receipt (BTR) (City of Miami), plus Florida DBPR lodging license and Certificate of Occupancy | Home Sharing Registration |
| Permit fee | — | $275 |
| Renewal | Annual | 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 | ~13% | ~12.5% |
| Last verified | July 10, 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 |
| Florida Transient Rental Tax (state sales tax) (6%)· usually collected by platform | $27.00 |
| Miami-Dade Discretionary Sales Surtax (1%)· usually collected by platform | $4.50 |
| Miami-Dade Tourist Development Tax (2%)· usually collected by platform | $9.00 |
| Miami-Dade Convention Development Tax (3%)· usually collected by platform | $13.50 |
| Miami-Dade Professional Sports Franchise Facility Tax (1%)· usually collected by platform | $4.50 |
| Total tax (13%) | $58.50 |
| Guest pays | $508.50 |
Estimate only. Platform collection varies by listing site and agreement; verify rates with the taxing authorities.
Miami, FL
In the City of Miami (distinct from Miami Beach), short-term rentals are banned in T3 and T4-R transect zones — which cover most single-family homes and duplexes — under a ban upheld in City of Miami v. Airbnb, and are legal only in higher-intensity zones where Miami 21 permits lodging. Operating legally requires converting the unit to Apartment-Hotel/Condo-Hotel use via a building permit, then holding a Certificate of Occupancy, an annually renewed city Certificate of Use, a city Business Tax Receipt, and a Florida DBPR lodging license (about $170/year for a single unit plus a $50 application fee; city fees are invoiced case-by-case). Combined lodging taxes total roughly 13% (6% state sales + 1% county surtax + 6% Miami-Dade tourist taxes), which registered platforms like Airbnb collect. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
Full Miamirules, 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.