Miami Airbnb Bans & Short-Term Rental Regulations
There aren’t many places that can beat Miami’s beautiful weather and vibrant culture. Whether you are going to get away from the cold or just to experience a new place, there are a variety of options to make your stay perfect. Short-term rentals (STRs) are some of the most popular in the area. However, new rules and regulations have made Airbnbs, Vrbos, and other STRs more difficult to rent.
These new regulations have requirements spanning from new tax protocols to new zoning regulations. There’s a lot to keep track of, so in this article, we’ll go over what you need to know.
Is Airbnb Banned in Miami?
Airbnb is not completely banned in Miami, but strict regulations and zoning laws affect where and how short-term rentals can operate. In certain residential areas, short-term rentals like Airbnb are prohibited or highly restricted, especially in zones meant for single-family homes.
However, short-term rentals are permitted in commercial and mixed-use districts, subject to licensing and registration requirements. The City of Miami has taken measures to enforce these rules with fines for violations and hosts must comply with both city and county regulations.
Alternatives for Airbnb and Vrbo
Furnished Finder has become a popular alternative to Airbnb and Vrbo, particularly in cities like Miami in which STR regulations are strict. Furnished Finder caters primarily to longer-term stays (typically 30 days or more), making it an ideal option for travel nurses, business professionals, and those seeking temporary housing for extended periods. Here’s why it could be a great option in Miami:
- No Daily Rental Restrictions - Unlike short-term vacation rentals, which are subject to strict zoning laws and require costly permits, Furnished Finder rentals are generally designed for medium- to long-term stays. This allows property owners in Miami to avoid the complexity and regulatory hurdles associated with short-term rental platforms like Airbnb.
- Targeted Audience for Longer Stays - Furnished Finder specifically attracts tenants who are looking for longer-term housing solutions, such as travel nurses, corporate relocations, or remote workers. Miami, being a hub for medical professionals and business travelers, is well-suited for this platform. It offers property owners a consistent stream of reliable, longer-term tenants without the turnover typically associated with short-term rentals.
- Compliance with Local Regulations - By catering to longer stays, Furnished Finder allows hosts to operate within Miami’s regulations more easily. Properties rented for more than 30 days generally fall outside the short-term rental regulations, avoiding the need for short-term rental permits, occupancy limits, and higher tax burdens. This makes it a low-risk option for homeowners worried about non-compliance.
- Lower Fees for Hosts - Unlike Airbnb and Vrbo, which charge significant service and booking fees, Furnished Finder operates on a flat fee model, allowing hosts to maximize their earnings without having to pay a percentage of every booking. This is especially appealing in Miami, where property taxes, insurance, and maintenance can already add up.
- Stable Renting and Income - Given Miami’s vibrant job market and seasonal influx of professionals, Furnished Finder offers a more stable income for property owners. Rather than dealing with frequent guest turnover, hosts can rely on longer stays and fewer vacancies, which leads to more predictable and consistent revenue streams.
Miami STR Regulations and Other Considerations
Miami has specific regulations governing Airbnb and other short-term rentals that hosts must follow to avoid penalties. Here are some of the key rules:
Zoning Restrictions
Short-term rentals are allowed only in specific zones. They are prohibited in single-family residential areas but permitted in certain commercial and mixed-use zones. Hosts should consult Miami’s zoning maps to ensure compliance. (Official City Of Miami Website)
Certificate of Use (CU)
All short-term rental properties must obtain a Certificate of Use (CU) from the city. This requires an inspection to ensure compliance with safety standards, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and proper sanitation. The CU must be renewed annually, and the cost for the initial inspection is around $136.
Occupancy Limits
The maximum number of guests allowed is typically two per bedroom, with an additional two people permitted per property. The total cannot exceed 12 people, excluding children under the age of three.
Safety Requirements
There are extra safety codes that a host’s property, or properties, must comply with. Hosts must ensure that they include fire extinguishers and clear emergency exit routes on top of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Properties in hurricane-prone zones must also meet additional safety criteria.
New Tax Obligations
Hosts must register their properties with state and local tax authorities, including collecting and remitting tourist taxes on rentals of six months or less. Failure to comply with these tax regulations can result in fines.
Enforcement and Penalties
Miami takes enforcement seriously, and violations such as operating without a CU or exceeding occupancy limits can result in fines of up to $5,000 per day for repeated offenses.
Keeping Up-to-Date
Staying informed on Miami's evolving STR landscape is crucial for anyone involved in the vacation rental market. Here are a few reliable sources to help you keep up to date with changes:
City of Miami’s Planning and Zoning Department
The official city website offers updates on zoning laws and permits necessary for operating STRs. Their “Land Development” section provides detailed information on zoning and compliance, which is essential for hosts and property managers in Miami. Check out the latest updates on their website. (Official City Of Miami Website)
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
This state agency oversees the licensing and regulation of short-term rentals. They often release updates on state-wide STR regulations, including local requirements for Miami and Miami Beach. You can find STR-specific updates on their website.
By regularly checking these resources, you can stay ahead of any regulatory changes and ensure your property remains compliant with Miami's STR laws.