Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Miami Beach?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Miami Beach, but with significant restrictions and requirements.

The City of Miami Beach has implemented a highly regulated framework for short-term rentals (defined as rentals of less than six months and one day). Vacation/short-term rentals are prohibited in all single-family homes and in many multi-family housing buildings within certain zoning districts of Miami Beach. However, short-term rentals are permitted in specific, designated zoning areas and for approved apartment buildings.

For properties located within permitted zones, operators must obtain proper authorization including a Business Tax Receipt and Resort Tax account. Additionally, all short-term rental activities must comply with both city-specific regulations and broader county and state requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Miami Beach

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

• Check the official zoning map: Use the Short-Term Rental Zoning Map to confirm your property is in a qualified zone
• Review the approved apartment building list: Download the Authorized Apartment Buildings List to verify if your building is specifically authorized

Step 2: Obtain Required State Licensing

• Florida Vacation Rental Dwelling License: Required from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• Florida Department of Revenue registration: For tax collection purposes

Step 3: Secure City Authorization

• Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Required for operating within Miami Beach
• Resort Tax Certificate: Mandatory for tourist tax collection and remittance

Step 4: Platform Registration

• Upload your City-issued Business Tax Receipt and Resort Tax Certificate numbers to your chosen platform (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements

1. Florida Vacation Rental Dwelling License

• Issuing Authority: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• Application: Available online or by mail
• Required Information:
  • Florida sales tax number (or exemption)
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) [for business/corporate applicants]
  • Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • DBPR HR-7020 Certificate of Balcony Inspection [if listing is within a 3-story building unless exempt]
• Fees: License fee (varies by number of listings) + $50 application processing fee
• Processing Time: Online application recommended for faster processing
• Contact: DBPR Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395

2. Florida Department of Revenue Registration

• Purpose: State tax collection and remittance
• Registration: Required for all transient accommodation rentals

City of Miami Beach Requirements

1. Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

• Application Method: Online through Citizen Access Portal or in-person
• Required Documentation:
  • DBPR state Vacation Rental Dwelling License number
  • Proof of ownership (warranty deed or property tax bill)
  • Letter from condo association/HOA (if applicable) stating short-term rental is allowed, dated within 60 days
  • Notarized affidavit form (obtained from Finance Department)
• Fees:
  • $45 application fee
  • $57.50 fire department inspection fee
  • $69 license fee
• Processing Time: Up to 4 weeks
• Location: Finance Department/Customer Service Center, 1755 Meridian Ave, 1st Floor, Room #100, Miami Beach, FL 33139
• Hours: 8:30am - 6:00pm
• Contact: City Finance Department's Business Tax Receipt Office at 305.673.7420

2. Resort Tax Certificate

• Application: In-person or by mail
• Required Information:
  • Driver's license number
  • Social security number
  • Business Tax Receipt number
  • Sales tax account number [for businesses]
  • Federal ID number [for businesses]
• Fee: $25 registration fee
• Processing Time: Typically a few business days (in-person recommended)
• Location: Finance Department/Customer Service Center, 1755 Meridian Ave, 1st Floor, Room #100, Miami Beach, FL 33139
• Mailing Address: The City of Miami Beach/Resort Tax, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
• Contact: City of Miami Beach Resort Tax staff at 305.673.7447

County Requirements (For Unincorporated Areas)

Certificate of Use (CU)

• Required: Prior to listing and advertising property
• Cost: $36.70 per certificate
• Inspection: Required upon application ($89.97 + $9.50 surcharge = $136.17 total)
• Annual Renewal: Required at same cost
• Display Requirements: Must be conspicuously displayed in rental property with responsible party information and maximum occupancy

Specific Regulations

City of Miami Beach Regulations

Prohibited Areas:

• All single-family homes
• Many multi-family housing buildings in certain zoning districts

Advertising Requirements:

• Must conspicuously display City-issued Business Tax Receipt number in every advertisement
• Must display Resort Tax certificate number in every advertisement
• All advertisements must include both numbers

Zoning Compliance:

• Property must be located in designated short-term rental zone
• Must comply with specific zoning district regulations
• Apartment buildings must be specifically authorized (see approved list)

Miami-Dade County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas)

Maximum Occupancy:

• Maximum of 2 persons per bedroom, plus 2 additional persons per property
• Maximum of 12 persons total (excluding children under 3 years of age)

Responsible Party Requirements:

• Must reside in property for more than six months per calendar year (Estate or Low Density Residential areas only)
• Rental can occur while responsible party is residing there

Safety and Compliance Requirements:

• Swimming pool safety features required for properties with pools (if hosting guests under age 6)
• Compliance with residential requirements for:
  • Solid waste disposal
  • Noise regulations
  • Public nuisance laws
  • Parking restrictions
  • Advertising regulations
  • Pet policies

Sexual Offender/Predator Restrictions:

• Responsible party must obtain confirmation that prospective guests are not registered sexual offenders/predators
• Additional restrictions within 2,500 feet of schools

Operational Requirements:

• Provide written notice to guests of all vacation rental standards and regulations
• Maintain guest register with names and dates of stay
• Provide notice to homeowners/condominium associations
• Ensure violations can be addressed 24/7
• Report violations to appropriate authorities

State of Florida Regulations

Licensing Requirements:

• All vacation rentals must be licensed by the State of Florida
• Balcony inspection requirements for certain buildings
• Compliance with Florida Statutes Chapter 509

Tax Obligations:

• Collection and remittance of Convention and Tourist Development taxes for rentals of 6 months or less
• Monthly reporting requirements

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Miami Beach

Code Compliance Department

• Phone: 305.673.7555
• Customer Service Center: 305.673.7420
• Website: Code Compliance

Finance Department - Business Tax Receipts

• Phone: 305.673.7420
• Location: 1755 Meridian Ave, 1st Floor, Room #100, Miami Beach, FL 33139
• Hours: 8:30am - 6:00pm

Finance Department - Resort Tax

• Phone: 305.673.7447
• Location: 1755 Meridian Ave, 1st Floor, Room #100, Miami Beach, FL 33139
• Mailing Address: 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Planning Department

• Phone: 305.673.7550
• Website: Planning Department

Miami-Dade County

Neighborhood Compliance Division

• Phone: 786-315-2552
• Email: [email protected]
• 311 Contact Center: 311
• Website: Neighborhood Compliance

Regulatory and Economic Resources

• Stephen P. Clark Center: 111 NW 1st Street, 11th Floor, Miami, FL 33128
• Phone: 305-375-2877
• Email: [email protected]

State of Florida

Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

• Customer Contact Center: 850.487.1395
• Website: DBPR Vacation Rental Licensing

Florida Department of Revenue

• Website: Tax Collection Information

Enforcement and Penalties

City of Miami Beach

• Violations handled through Code Compliance Department
• Contact Code Compliance at 305.673.7555 to report illegal short-term rental activity
• Online reporting available through City's reporting portal

Miami-Dade County

• Operating without Certificate of Use:
  • 1st Offense: $100
  • 2nd Offense within 24 months: $1,000
  • 3rd Offense within 24 months: $2,500
• Fines can accrue and liens may be placed on properties
• Violations subject to civil penalties schedule in Chapter 8CC of Miami-Dade County Code

Source Pages and Official Resources

City of Miami Beach

• Vacation Short-Term Rentals Overview
• Short-Term Rental Zoning Map
• Approved Apartment Buildings List
• City Business Tax Receipt Information
• Resort Tax Application

Miami-Dade County

• Short-Term Vacation Rentals Regulations
• County Ordinance Section 33-28
• Certificate of Use Application
• Tourist Tax Account Registration

State of Florida

• DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling License
• Florida Department of Revenue

Platform Resources

• Airbnb Miami Beach Host Guide

This comprehensive guide provides investors with all necessary information to legally operate short-term rentals in Miami Beach, Florida. Always verify current regulations as they may change, and consider consulting with local legal and tax professionals familiar with Miami Beach short-term rental laws.