Short-Term Rental Rules in Miami, FL (2026): Permits, Taxes and Limits
Short-term renting is allowed in Miami with specific requirements and restrictions. Hosts need a Certificate of Use and a Business Tax Receipt, among other documents, to legally operate [1][3].
Do you need a permit or license?
Before renting out your property short-term, you must obtain a Certificate of Use (CU) from the Miami Zoning Department [3][4]. This requires an inspection, and the CU must be renewed annually [3]. You also need a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from the City’s Code Compliance/BTR Office [1]. If your property is in a multifamily building and more than 25% of the units are used as short-term rentals, the entire building must comply with R-1 standards [1].
Taxes
Short-term rentals in Miami are subject to Convention and Tourist Taxes, which include bed tax and various other taxes, collected monthly [2][3]. All businesses must register for a Tourist Tax Account to remit these taxes [2].
Limits and restrictions
Single-family homes and duplexes in the T3 and T4-R zones cannot be used for short-term rentals [1]. The maximum overnight occupancy is two people per bedroom, plus two additional persons, with a cap of 12 people, excluding children under 3 years old [3]. Properties within 2,500 feet of a school cannot host registered sexual offenders [3].
Penalties
Operating without a Certificate of Use incurs fines: $100 for the first offense, $1,000 for a second offense within 24 months, and $2,500 for a third offense within the same period [3]. Additional penalties can include liens against the property [3].
How to apply
To apply for short-term rental eligibility, submit documents like an Operational Management Plan and a CU via the city's iBuild portal [1][3]. After obtaining all necessary permits and inspections, you may start operations [1].
At a glance
| Topic | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Use | Required, annual renewal needed [1][3] |
| Business Tax Receipt | Required to operate legally [1] |
| Taxes | Monthly Convention and Tourist Taxes [2] |
| Occupancy Limits | Max 12 people, children under 3 not counted [3] |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Fines up to $2,500, potential liens [3] |
| Zoning Restrictions | Not allowed in T3 and T4-R zones [1] |
| Sexual Offender Restrictions | Not allowed within 2,500 feet of a school [3] |
FAQ
Can I operate a short-term rental without a Certificate of Use?
No, operating a short-term rental without a Certificate of Use is a violation and can lead to fines [3].
What taxes do I need to pay for a short-term rental?
You need to pay Convention and Tourist Taxes, collected monthly, through a registered Tourist Tax Account [2].
Are there penalties for exceeding occupancy limits?
The published rules do not state this; ask the city.
Running a rental in Miami
Permits, taxes and stays are easier to keep straight in one place. Rentology runs short, mid and long-term rentals in one system.
Sources
- How to Convert to a Short-Term Rental/Lodging - Miami (official)
- Tourist and Restaurant Taxes (official)
- Short-Term Vacation Rentals (official)
- Zoning FAQs - Miami (official)
Last checked: October 12, 2026. This page summarizes rules the city, county or state has published. It is not legal advice, and rules change: confirm with the city before you list a property.