Miami, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Miami, Florida

Short-term rentals are conditionally allowed in Miami, Florida, but with significant restrictions that vary by location and property type. The regulatory framework differs significantly between Miami-Dade County (unincorporated areas) and the City of Miami Beach, with each jurisdiction having distinct rules, zoning requirements, and permitting processes.

Key Points:

Miami-Dade County (Unincorporated Areas): Short-term rentals are permitted with proper licensing and compliance
Miami Beach: Heavily restricted - prohibited in single-family homes and many multi-family buildings; only allowed in specific zoning districts
State Requirements: Florida requires vacation rental licenses for entire unit rentals

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Miami

For Miami-Dade County (Unincorporated Areas):

Determine Property Eligibility
- Verify your property is in unincorporated Miami-Dade County
- Check zoning compliance through the Comprehensive Development Master Plan Land Use Plan Map
- Ensure compliance with Estate or Low Density Residential requirements if applicable
Obtain Required Permits and Licenses
- Apply for Certificate of Use (CU) from Miami-Dade County
- Obtain State of Florida Vacation Rental Dwelling License (for entire units)
- Register for Tourist Tax Account
- Complete property inspection
Ensure Regulatory Compliance
- Meet occupancy limits (maximum 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, up to 12 total)
- Implement required safety features
- Establish 24/7 violation response capability

For Miami Beach:

Verify Zoning Eligibility
- Consult the Short-Term Rental Zoning Map to determine if your property qualifies
- Note: Single-family homes and many multi-family buildings are prohibited from short-term rentals
Obtain Business Permits
- Register through the Miami Beach Citizen Access Portal
- Obtain Vacation/Short-Term Rental Business Tax Receipt
- Display license numbers in all advertisements

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Miami-Dade County Requirements:

Certificate of Use (CU):

Cost: $36.70 per certificate
Inspection Fee: $89.97 plus $9.50 surcharge (total: $136.17)
Renewal: Annual renewal required at same cost
Application: Online portal

State of Florida Requirements:

Vacation Rental Dwelling License (for entire units)
Florida Sales Tax Registration
Federal Employer Identification Number (for business entities)
Certificate of Balcony Inspection (if applicable)

Tourist Tax Registration:

Required for rentals 6 months or less
Register online

Miami Beach Requirements:

Business Tax Receipt:

Vacation/Short-Term Rental Business Tax Receipt
Must display certificate number and resort tax number in all advertisements
Register through Citizen Access Portal

Specific Regulations

Miami-Dade County Regulations:

Occupancy Limits:

Maximum 2 persons per bedroom
Plus 2 additional persons per property
Total maximum: 12 persons (excluding children under 3)

Residency Requirements:

For Estate or Low Density Residential areas: Responsible party must reside in property for more than 6 months per calendar year
No residency restrictions for other land use categories

Safety Requirements:

Swimming Pool Safety: Must have pool safety barriers, covers, alarms, or door latches/alarms for guests under 6 years old
Sexual Offender Screening: Required background checks through Miami-Dade Police or other law enforcement
2,500-foot School Buffer: Sexual offenders/predators cannot occupy properties within 2,500 feet of schools for 4+ days per month

Operational Requirements:

Display Certificate of Use visibly within rental property
Provide written notice of regulations to guests
Maintain guest register with names and dates
Ensure 24/7 violation response capability
Notify HOA/condo associations of vacation rental use

Miami Beach Regulations:

Zoning Restrictions:

Prohibited in single-family homes
Prohibited in many multi-family residential buildings
Only permitted in specific zoning districts (CD-2, CD-3, CPS-1, CPS-2, CPS-4, MXE, RM-1, RM-2, RM-3, RPS-3, RPS-4, TC-1, TC-3, TC-C, and others)

Rental Duration:

Minimum rental period: 6 months and 1 day for prohibited areas
Short-term rentals (less than 6 months) only in approved buildings/zones

Enforcement and Penalties

Miami-Dade County Penalties:

Operating Without Certificate of Use:

1st Offense: $100
2nd Offense (within 24 months): $1,000
3rd and Subsequent Offenses (within 24 months): $2,500
Liens may be placed on properties for unpaid fines

Additional Violations:

Subject to civil penalties under Chapter 8CC of Miami-Dade County Code
Enforcement costs and administrative costs may apply

Miami Beach Enforcement:

Code Compliance enforcement at 305-673-7555
Potential eviction of guests from illegal rentals
Fines assessed against property owners
Customer Service Center: 305-673-7420

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Miami-Dade County:

Regulatory and Economic Resources Department

Address: Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st Street, 11th Floor, Miami, FL 33128
Phone: 305-375-2877
Email: economy@miamidade.gov
Neighborhood Regulations Division: 786-315-2552
311 Contact Center: Call 311 or email neighborhoodcompliance@miamidade.gov

Miami Beach:

Code Compliance Department

Phone: 305-673-7555
Customer Service Center: 305-673-7420

General City Information:

Website: www.miamibeachfl.gov

Source Links

Miami-Dade County Resources:

Miami Beach Resources:

State Resources:

Important Note: This guide provides general information based on current regulations. Laws and requirements may change, and specific situations may require additional compliance measures. Property owners should consult with local authorities and legal professionals for specific guidance on their individual circumstances.

Miami, located in southeastern Florida, is a vibrant city renowned for its cultural diversity, dynamic arts scene, and stunning coastal landscapes. With a population of approximately 442,241 according to the latest U.S. Census, Miami is a bustling metropolis known for its appealing climate and luxurious lifestyle. The city is situated about 40 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, the nearest major city, making it a convenient destination.

Miami’s appeal for short-term rentals is bolstered by its plethora of notable landmarks and attractions. One of the most famous locales is the Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach, known for its beautifully preserved architecture from the 1930s and '40s (Art Deco Historic District). Another hotspot is Little Havana, a vibrant neighborhood celebrated for its Cuban culture, cuisine, and festivals (Little Havana).

For those interested in arts and culture, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) offers contemporary art exhibitions and is located in the heart of downtown Miami (PAMM). Additionally, the Wynwood Walls have transformed the Wynwood neighborhood into an open-air street art museum, featuring large-scale works by internationally renowned artists (Wynwood Walls).

Miami also offers a plethora of natural attractions. Biscayne National Park, a vast marine park that preserves Biscayne Bay and its offshore barrier reefs, is ideal for water sports enthusiasts (Biscayne National Park). Similarly, the Everglades National Park, located just to the west of the city, provides access to a unique subtropical ecosystem (Everglades National Park).

The city's proximity to these attractions, combined with its significant urban appeal, makes Miami a desirable destination for short-term rentals. Whether for a quick getaway or an extended visit, Miami offers an eclectic mix of cultural, historical, and natural sites to explore.

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