Miami rental compliance requirements

This page is a simple, plain-language explanation of how Miami's rental compliance rules generally work. It does not replace official guidance from the City of Miami or Miami-Dade County and is not legal advice, but it can help you understand what to expect before you start.

Two jurisdictions, different requirements

In "Miami," rental compliance splits into jurisdiction + rental type:

Important: Miami-Dade County contains many municipalities; rules differ by municipality and for unincorporated areas. We help determine which jurisdiction your property falls under.

City of Miami: Certificate of Use (CU)

The Certificate of Use (CU) is the City's approval to operate a use at a location. The City notes the CU application includes the Fire Safety Permit. CU ensures the use is legal/safe and aligned with City requirements.

CU Process

1. Apply online through City systems (MiamiBiz/eStart)
2. City contacts you within five business days to discuss application details
3. City emails an invoice and inspection sheet
4. Pay invoice and schedule inspections
5. Complete required inspections
6. CU is approved after inspections pass

Note: Applications missing required documents can be delayed/rejected. You must have an approved CU application and paid invoice before requesting inspections.

City of Miami: Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

A City BTR is required to operate a business in the City. The City notes you generally need the CU first (unless you qualify for exceptions like no physical location, etc.).

BTR Process

1. After CU is approved (or if you didn't need one), apply for BTR
2. Address any "outstanding issues" flagged by the City
3. Pay invoice
4. Receive interim BTR via email once approved

Unincorporated Miami-Dade: STR Certificate of Use

For short-term rentals in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, you need a County CU prior to listing/advertising. Inspection is scheduled after applying.

County STR CU Fees

• Certificate of Use fee: $36.70 per certificate
• Inspection fee: $89.97 + $9.50 surcharge = $136.17 total
• Total: $172.87 (renewed annually)

Short-term rental/lodging compliance

For STR/lodging operations in the City of Miami, the City's procedures emphasize:

• Maintaining/renewing CU and BTR annually
• Complying with State DBPR licensing for STR operations
• Failure to renew CU can result in revocation of authorization to operate STR/lodging units

Documents you'll need

Typical documentation requested during the process may include:

• Certificate of Use (CU) application submission (City of Miami)
• Business Tax Receipt (BTR) application (City of Miami)
• Inspection scheduling paperwork (City-provided inspection sheet and invoice receipt)
• Short-Term Rental/Lodging compliance documents (DBPR license evidence, required forms)
• Miami-Dade County STR Certificate of Use (if unincorporated)

How we fit into this process

Our role is to make this easier for owners by:

• Determining which jurisdiction your property falls under (City of Miami vs unincorporated Miami-Dade)
• Preparing and submitting CU applications with all required documents
• Coordinating inspection scheduling after invoice payment
• Handling BTR applications and responding to City notices
• Tracking annual renewal deadlines for CU/BTR
• Managing all City communications and follow-ups