Miami is one of the most lucrative — and most regulated — short-term rental markets in the US. Before listing your property on Airbnb or VRBO, you’ll need to navigate a multi-license system covering state, county, and city requirements. This 2026 guide covers every permit, fee, and rule Miami hosts need to know.
📋 Miami STR Permit — 2026 At a Glance
| Permit Name | FL DBPR License + Certificate of Use + Business Tax Receipt + Resort Tax Certificate |
| Application Fee | $136.17 (Certificate of Use + inspection) |
| Annual Renewal | $136.17/year |
| Processing Time | 4–8 weeks |
| Primary Residence Only? | No |
| Licensing Difficulty | Hard |
Do You Need a License to Short-Term Rent in Miami?
Yes — operating an STR in Miami requires multiple licenses: a Florida DBPR vacation rental license, a Miami-Dade Certificate of Use, a Business Tax Receipt (BTR), and a Resort Tax Registration Certificate. Miami Beach additionally prohibits STRs in single-family residential neighborhoods. Properties in non-compliant areas face fines starting at $20,000.
How to Get a Miami Short-Term Rental Permit: Step by Step
- Obtain a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License at myfloridalicense.com
- Apply for a Miami-Dade Certificate of Use ($36.70 fee + $99.47 inspection = $136.17 total)
- Get a Miami or Miami Beach Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from the local Finance Department
- Register for a Resort Tax Certificate to collect and remit resort taxes
- Confirm zoning — Miami Beach prohibits STRs in single-family residential zones
Miami Short-Term Rental Fees (2026)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FL DBPR License | Varies | Annual; required statewide |
| Certificate of Use | $36.70 | Annual renewal |
| CU Inspection | $99.47 | Required at issuance |
| Business Tax Receipt | Varies | Annual city/county fee |
| Resort Tax Certificate | No fee | Required to remit resort tax |
Miami hosts should budget $136+ in county permit fees annually, plus the state DBPR license. The bigger exposure is in penalties — $20,000 for a first offense in Miami Beach.
Key Rules & Restrictions for Miami Hosts
- STRs prohibited in single-family residential zones in Miami Beach
- All four licenses must be active before accepting any bookings
- Properties must comply with the International Property Maintenance Code
- CU must be renewed annually — expired CU means illegal operation
- All license numbers must be posted on listings per platform requirements
Taxes Short-Term Rental Hosts Owe in Miami
Miami hosts must collect Florida state sales tax (6%), Miami-Dade Tourist Development Tax (6%), and City of Miami Beach Resort Tax (up to 4%), totaling approximately 13–16%.
Penalties for Operating Without a Permit in Miami
Operating without a Miami Beach STR license carries fines from $20,000 (first offense) to $100,000 (repeat violations). The city actively enforces through platform audits.
How HostStarter Handles Miami STR Compliance
Keeping pace with Miami’s permit requirements — renewals, inspections, tax remittance, and ordinance updates — is a significant ongoing commitment. HostStarter’s full-service property management includes complete compliance handling: we track deadlines, coordinate inspections, ensure your listing always displays a valid permit number, and alert you to regulatory changes before they impact your revenue.
Get a free Miami revenue estimate from HostStarter →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Miami?
Yes. Miami requires a Florida DBPR license, Miami-Dade Certificate of Use, a Business Tax Receipt, and a Resort Tax Certificate before legally listing.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Miami?
The Certificate of Use costs $136.17. Adding the DBPR license and BTR, total annual compliance typically runs $200–$400.
How long does it take to get an STR license in Miami?
Allow 4–8 weeks: DBPR processes in 1–2 weeks; CU inspections and approvals can take 3–6 weeks.
What taxes do Airbnb hosts owe in Miami?
Approximately 13–16% total: 6% FL state sales tax, 6% Miami-Dade Tourist Development Tax, up to 4% Miami Beach Resort Tax.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed Airbnb in Miami?
Fines start at $20,000 and scale to $100,000 for repeat violations. Miami Beach actively monitors compliance.