Miami rental compliance inspections

When inspections start

For City of Miami Certificate of Use (CU), inspections are scheduled after the CU application is approved and the invoice is paid. The City sends an inspection sheet with scheduling instructions.

Important: You must have an approved CU application and paid invoice before requesting inspections.

City of Miami inspection process

1. Submit CU application online (MiamiBiz/eStart)
2. City contacts you within five business days to discuss application details
3. City emails an invoice and inspection sheet
4. Pay the invoice
5. Request inspections using the inspection sheet
6. Complete required inspections
7. Resolve any issues found during inspections
8. CU is approved after inspections pass

Inspection fees

City indicates Fire and Code Enforcement inspection fees are included in the invoice. Other inspections may involve additional agency fees depending on the situation.

Some inspections not performed by the City may have additional fees charged by the inspecting agency.

Unincorporated Miami-Dade STR inspections

For short-term rentals in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, inspection is scheduled after applying for the County CU.

County STR Inspection Fees

• Inspection fee: $89.97
• Surcharge: $9.50
• Total: $136.17 (included in the $172.87 total annual cost)

What inspectors check

While exact inspection criteria vary by use type and property, City inspections typically focus on:

• Fire safety compliance (smoke detectors, fire exits, etc.)
• Code enforcement standards (building codes, zoning compliance)
• Life safety requirements
• Property condition and habitability standards
• Use-specific requirements (e.g., STR/lodging specific items)

The City's CU application includes the Fire Safety Permit, and Fire and Code Enforcement inspections are part of the standard process.

Re-inspection requirements

Re-inspection requirements are not stated as a universal single rule; they depend on failed items, corrections needed, and rescheduling. If an inspection fails, you'll need to:

• Address the issues identified by the inspector
• Schedule a re-inspection (may involve additional fees)
• Complete re-inspection until all items pass

How we help with inspections

As part of our Miami rental compliance service, we can:

• Coordinate inspection scheduling after invoice payment
• Track inspection appointments and follow-ups
• Help prepare your property for inspections by identifying common requirements
• Coordinate re-inspections if issues are found
• Handle all communications with City inspectors and agencies
• Ensure inspections are completed so your CU can be approved

Best practices for passing inspections

To help ensure your property passes inspections on the first try:

• Ensure all smoke detectors are operational and correctly located
• Verify fire exits are clear and accessible
• Check that electrical systems appear safe and functional
• Address any visible code violations or habitability issues
• Ensure the property meets basic health and safety standards
• Have all required documentation ready for the inspector

We help identify potential issues before the inspection so you can address them proactively and avoid delays.