Floating cities

[AngelLestat]

2 hours ago, Nibb31 said:

If it's floating in international waters, it's considered a ship under maritime law.

We agree in this point

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If they do not fly a flag of convenience, they don't benefit from any national protection, and can be subject to acts of piracy. So you're going to need to add paramilitary protection to the list of public services. 

Nope.. you are still in protection against piracy.. although as I said, you should have your own private security.
But none threat to your city can take much time, because you will get help from any country, because piracy is considered a threat to everyone, so it is a factor that all the world agrees to fight.
http://www.judicialmonitor.org/archive_spring2011/generalprinciples.html

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So you just include the taxes in the rent. They are still taxes.

Expenses (not sure if it is the right translation), no rent.. and is not the same. Because there a lot of things that you are not paying for, that a country needs to.

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No it wouldn't. You would be outside of your country's jurisdiction, so maritime law would apply. In most cases, the ship's captain is the highest authority (which makes your floating city a dictatorial regime).

Nope.
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2250/in-international-waters-are-you-beyond-the-reach-of-the-law
Extra source with less words:
http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question52490.html

Your country jurisdiction still counts.
Costa concordia captain was sentenced to 18 years of jail, by its own country jurisdiction.

And in any case you want to provide more confidence to your habitants, you can create a contract to ensure that any lawsuit or crime should be managed in certain court of the chosen country. 

Edited April 21, 2016 by AngelLestat