Short-Term Rental/Lodging Conversion FAQs
1. What qualifies as a Short-Term Rental/Lodging unit?
Short-Term Rental/Lodging units are properties intended for transient occupancy, such as day-to-day, week-to-week, or month-to-month stays. These units are not considered permanent dwellings.
2. Can I convert a Single-Family or Duplex home into a Short-Term Rental?
In most cases, no. Single-Family and Duplex structures located in T3 and T4R transect zones are generally ineligible for Short-Term Rental/Lodging use, as established in City of Miami v. Airbnb.
3. What is the first step in the conversion process?
First, existing buildings need to complete a Condo Association/HOA Approval Form and confirm with the Zoning Department that your property is in the appropriate Transect Zone. A Zoning Verification letter is recommended but not required. New construction does not need the Condo Association/HOA Approval Form.
4. How do I confirm if my property is eligible for Short-Term Rental/Lodging?
Use the City of Miami’s GIS Zoning Map tool or contact the Zoning Department to verify your property’s zoning designation and ensure it’s not in a restricted overlay zone or Special Area Project (SAP). A Zoning Verification letter is recommended but not required.
5. What documents are required for the application?
You will need to submit:
- Data Sheet
- Operational Management Plan (OMP)
- Short Term Rental Evaluation Form
- Current/Active Certificate of Use (CU) (for existing buildings)
- Current/Active Certificate of Occupancy (CO) (for existing buildings)
- Condo Association/HOA Approval Letter (for existing buildings)
6. What should be included in the Operational Management Plan (OMP)?
Your OMP must outline:
- The name and contact of your Centralized management/operator. All units must be operated by one centralized operator.
- A dedicated staff member(s) available 24/7, this individual must be able to respond in person to guest needs or other operational issues.
- The building must include a lobby and registration desk setup.
- Guest registration procedures: all transient guests or occupants are required to register at the registration desk; access to units is restricted until registration is completed.
7. What is the Unit Tracking Form and why is it important?
The Unit Tracking Form helps determine if your building is considered “transient” (i.e., more than 25% of the units are being used as short-term rentals). When your building passes the 25% threshold, this triggers a Building Occupancy Classification change under the Florida Building Code, which requires you to fulfill additional building code requirements.
8. How do I apply for a Building Permit?
Visit the iBuild portal, select:
- “Remodeling/Repairs” under Job Category
- “Commercial” as Property Type
- Appropriate lodging category (e.g., Apartment Hotel, Condo Hotel) Upload all required documents to ProjectDox and pay applicable fees.
9. What happens during the plan review process?
Your application will be reviewed by multiple City departments. Comments and additional document requests will be communicated via ProjectDox.
10. When can I schedule inspections?
Once your Building Permit is issued, you can schedule inspections through the City’s Inspections page.
11. What is a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and how do I get one?
A CO confirms that your building meets all safety and code requirements. You can apply for it after passing all required inspections.
12. Do I need a license from the State of Florida?
Yes. You must apply for a Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) Lodging License. This license is required to finalize your Certificate of Use (CU).
13. What is a Certificate of Use (CU)?
A CU authorizes you to operate Short-Term Rental/Lodging units. Apply through the City’s Zoning Department once you have obtained your Certificate of Occupancy through the Building Department. You will also need your State issued DBPR license in order to finalize your CU.
14. Do I need a Business Tax Receipt (BTR)?
Yes. Visit the City’s BTR page to apply. This is required to legally operate your business within city limits.
15. When can I begin operating my Short-Term Rental/Lodging units?
You may begin operations once you have successfully obtained the following:
- Certificate of Occupancy (CO) - Building Department
- DBPR Lodging License – State of Florida Dept. Of Business and Professional Regulation
- Certificate of Use (CU) - Zoning Department
- Business Tax Receipt (BTR) - Code Compliance/BTR Office
- Any applicable Miami-Dade County approvals - Department of Environmental Resources (DERM)
16. Are there ongoing compliance requirements?
Yes. You must:
- Renew your Certificate of Use annually
- Maintain updated OMP and contact information
- Be prepared for audits or unannounced inspections by Code Enforcement or Fire Prevention