Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Miami-Dade County, including both unincorporated areas and municipalities, but regulations vary significantly by jurisdiction. Miami Beach has the strictest regulations, prohibiting STRs in single-family homes and many multi-family buildings in most zoning districts. Unincorporated Miami-Dade County allows STRs with specific requirements, while the City of Miami has its own permitting procedures.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

For Unincorporated Miami-Dade County:

1. Verify Property Eligibility: Confirm your property is in an unincorporated area (not within city limits)
2. Obtain State Licensing: Register with the State of Florida for vacation rental licensing
3. Register for Taxes: Set up Tourist Tax Account with Florida Department of Revenue
4. Apply for Certificate of Use: Obtain and maintain current CU before listing
5. Prepare for Inspection: Schedule and pass property inspection
6. Comply with All Regulations: Meet occupancy, safety, and operational requirements

For Miami Beach:

1. Check Zoning Eligibility: Verify property is in approved zoning district using official zoning map
2. Obtain Required Permits: Apply for Business Tax Receipt and Resort Tax account
3. Display Required Information: Include permit numbers in all advertisements
4. Maintain Compliance: Adhere to strict operational requirements

For City of Miami:

1. Follow City Procedures: Complete short-term rental lodging procedures as outlined by the City of Miami
2. Obtain Required Permits: Follow city-specific licensing requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (All Areas):

• Florida Vacation Rental License from Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Tourist Tax Account Registration with Florida Department of Revenue
• Monthly collection and remittance of Convention and Tourist Development taxes

Miami-Dade County (Unincorporated) Requirements:

• Certificate of Use (CU) - $36.70 annually
• Property Inspection - $136.17 total cost ($89.97 + $9.50 surcharge)
• Annual CU renewal required
• CU must be displayed conspicuously in rental property

Miami Beach Requirements:

• Vacation/Short-Term Rental Business Tax Receipt
• Resort Tax Certificate
• Zoning Approval confirming property is in eligible district
• Permit numbers must be displayed in all advertisements

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Miami-Dade County (Unincorporated):

Maximum Occupancy:

• Maximum 2 persons per bedroom + 2 additional persons per property
• Maximum 12 total persons (excluding children under 3)

Responsible Party Requirements:

• Must reside in property for more than 6 months per calendar year (Estate/Low Density Residential only)
• No residency restrictions in other land use categories

Safety and Compliance:

• Swimming pool safety features required if hosting guests under 6
• Sexual offender/predator background checks mandatory
• Compliance with noise, nuisance, parking, solid waste, and pet regulations

Operational Requirements:

• Written notice to guests of all regulations must be posted
• Guest register maintained and available for inspection
• 24/7 violation response capability required
• HOA/condo association notification and compliance required

Miami Beach:

Prohibited Areas:

• All single-family homes prohibited
• Many multi-family buildings in most zoning districts prohibited
• Only specific approved zoning districts allow STRs

Permitted Districts:

• CD-2, CD-3, CPS-1, CPS-2, CPS-4, GU, MR, MXE, RM1, RM2, RM3, RPS3, RPS4, RS-3, RS-4, SPE, TC-1, TC-3, TC-3(c), TC-C districts (as specifically listed)

Advertising Requirements:

• Business Tax Receipt number must be displayed
• Resort Tax certificate number must be displayed
• All advertisements must include permit numbers

Enforcement and Penalties

Miami-Dade County:

• 1st Offense: $100 fine
• 2nd Offense within 24 months: $1,000 fine
• 3rd Offense within 24 months: $2,500 fine
• Additional penalties and liens for unpaid fines

Miami Beach:

• Strict enforcement through Code Compliance
• Contact Code Compliance at 305.673.7555 for violations
• Business license suspension/revocation possible

Contact Information

Miami-Dade County (Unincorporated Areas):

• Neighborhood Regulations Division: 786-315-2552
• 311 Contact Center: Dial 311
• Email: [email protected]
• Main Office:
  • Stephen P. Clark Center
  • 111 NW 1st Street, 11th Floor, Miami, FL 33128
  • Phone: 305-375-2877
  • Email: [email protected]
• Permitting Center:
  • Herbert S. Saffir Permitting and Inspection Center
  • 11805 SW 26 Street, Miami, FL 33175
  • Phone: 786-315-2000

Miami Beach:

• Code Compliance: 305.673.7555
• Customer Service Center: 305.673.7420
• Business Registration: Register at energovcss.miamibeachfl.gov

City of Miami:

• Contact City of Miami directly at miami.gov for specific contact information

Links to Source Pages

• Miami-Dade County Official: www.miamidade.gov/building/standards/residential-short-term-vacation-rentals.asp
• Miami Beach Official: www.miamibeachfl.gov/business/vacation-short-term-rentals/
• City of Miami Official: www.miami.gov/Permits-Construction/Short-Term-RentalLodging-Procedures

Important Notes for Investors

1. Miami Beach Market: Severely restricted - most residential properties ineligible
2. Unincorporated Areas: More opportunities but strict compliance requirements
3. City of Miami: Additional verification needed due to truncated source material
4. Ongoing Compliance: All jurisdictions require active monitoring and annual renewals
5. Legal Risk: Significant fines and potential property liens for violations

Recommendation: Conduct thorough due diligence on specific property zoning and eligibility before purchase, as regulations vary dramatically by exact location within Miami-Dade County.