Miami rental license process

In "Miami," rental compliance splits into jurisdiction + rental type: (1) City of Miami uses CU + BTR process for regulated uses (including STR/lodging workflows), with review, invoicing, and required inspections before operation, and (2) Unincorporated Miami-Dade STR requires an annual CU and inspection before listing/advertising. We handle each step for you.

Jurisdiction Check (City of Miami vs Unincorporated Miami-Dade)

Same day (admin check)

We determine whether the address is inside the City of Miami or another municipality; County licensing requirements differ by location.

Confirm Whether Your Activity Requires a City Certificate of Use

1-3 days (depending on complexity)

City CU is the zoning/use approval step; City recommends confirming zoning/allowable use before proceeding.

Apply for the City CU (Online)

Same day to submit

We submit CU through City systems (MiamiBiz/eStart); incomplete applications can be delayed/rejected.

City Review + Contact

~5 business days (per City statement)

City indicates it will contact you within five business days to discuss your application details.

Invoice → Pay → Schedule Inspections

Varies based on inspection availability and any corrections needed

City emails an invoice and inspection sheet; you must have an approved CU application and paid invoice before requesting inspections.

Complete Inspections and Resolve Issues

1-4+ weeks depending on scheduling and fixes

We coordinate required City inspections; note that some inspections not performed by the City may have additional fees charged by the inspecting agency.

Apply for the City Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

Days to weeks depending on any "outstanding issues" flagged by the City

After CU (or if you didn't need one), we apply for BTR; City provides interim BTR via email once approved.

Ongoing Renewals

Annual

City STR/lodging guidance states CU and BTR must be renewed annually; failure to renew CU can result in revocation of authorization to operate STR/lodging units.

Overall timeline

Best case: 2-6+ weeks (application review, invoicing, inspections, and BTR issuance—depends on scheduling and whether any corrections are required).

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We'll handle the entire Miami rental license process for you.

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