Operating a short-term rental in Sunny Isles Beach requires more than just a beautiful property and great photos. This beachfront city has specific regulations that every Airbnb host must follow to stay compliant and avoid hefty fines.
Whether you’re new to hosting or looking to ensure your current setup meets all requirements, this comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to know about permits, certificates, and compliance in Sunny Isles Beach.
From city licenses to state registrations, we’ll walk you through each step to help you operate legally and successfully.
Understanding Sunny Isles Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations
Sunny Isles Beach defines short-term vacation rentals as any unit leased for six months or less. This includes condos, apartments, and cooperatives advertised on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. The city takes these regulations seriously, with enforcement beginning October 1st each year and penalties ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per violation.
Key requirement: You need a separate Short-Term Vacation Rental License for each unit you plan to rent, and licenses must be renewed annually by September 30th.
Required Permits and Licenses
1. Short-Term Vacation Rental License (City Level)
Your first priority is obtaining a Short-Term Vacation Rental License from the Sunny Isles Beach Planning and Zoning Department. This license is mandatory before you can advertise, lease, or rent any unit for periods of six months or less.
Application requirements include:
- Completed, notarized application signed by the property owner or responsible party
- Proof of payment for all fees
- DBPR Transient Public Lodging Establishment License
- Active certificates of registration with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector
Important deadlines:
- New applications: Must be submitted with all required documents within 60 days
- Renewals: Due by September 30th annually to avoid late fees
- License fee: $300 plus $100 for Local Business Tax Receipt
2. DBPR Short-Term Rental License (State Level)
Florida requires a separate license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) if you rent out an entire unit more than three times per year for less than 30 days per stay.
This state license is a prerequisite for your city license—Sunny Isles Beach won’t approve your application without it. The DBPR license also ensures compliance with Florida’s lodging safety standards and background check requirements under Miya’s Law.
3. Local Business Tax Receipt
You’ll need both city and county business tax receipts to operate legally. The city requires a Certificate of Use as part of this process, confirming your property is in a zone where short-term rentals are permitted.
Fees:
- Local Business Tax Receipt: $100
- Must be renewed annually by September 30th
- Late fee: $50 if submitted after deadline
Tax Registration Requirements
Operating a short-term rental in Sunny Isles Beach means collecting and remitting multiple taxes totaling 13% of your rental charges.
Florida Department of Revenue Registration
Register to collect:
- Florida Transient Rental Tax: 6%
- Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1%
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Registration
Register for county taxes, including:
- Convention Development Tax: 3%
- Tourist Development Tax: 2%
- Professional Sports Facilities Franchise Tax: 1%
Safety and Property Standards
Essential Safety Equipment
Every rental unit must have:
- Smoke detectors are in working condition
- Carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed
- Fire extinguishers are accessible to guests
- Clear emergency evacuation maps are posted near the main entrance
Occupancy Limits
Sunny Isles Beach strictly enforces occupancy limits of two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons per property, with a maximum of 12 people (children under three excluded).
Exceeding these limits can result in immediate fines and complaints from neighbors, so communicate these restrictions clearly in your listings.
Property Maintenance Standards
Your property must remain:
- Free of code violations at all times
- Clean and well-maintained between guests
- Equipped with adequate waste disposal following city schedules
- In compliance with building and fire safety codes
Responsible Party Requirements
Every short-term rental must designate a responsible party who:
- Remains available 24/7 by phone to address rental issues
- Can respond in person within one hour when needed
- Maintains a guest list available for city inspection
- Conducts property inspections after each rental period
- Keeps the property free of garbage and litter
If you live far from your property or travel frequently, consider hiring a local property management company like FunStay Miami to fulfill these responsibilities.
Condominium Association Compliance
Many Sunny Isles Beach properties are condominiums with additional restrictions beyond city requirements. Your application must include either:
- A consent letter from your condominium association, or
- A copy of the bylaws explicitly allowing short-term rentals
Important note: Even with city approval, your license becomes void if your association later prohibits short-term rentals. Always check your building’s most current rules before investing in furnishings or marketing.
Application Process and Timeline
For First-Time Applicants
- Review requirements thoroughly before starting your application
- Gather all documents, including insurance, rental agreements, and safety equipment proof
- Submit a complete application online through the city’s portal
- Wait for review – incomplete applications will be denied and returned
For Renewals
Renewal applications open August 1st each year. Submit your renewal by September 30th to avoid late fees and ensure continuous operation.
Renewal fee: $400 total
Penalties and Enforcement
Sunny Isles Beach actively monitors vacation rental platforms and responds quickly to violations. The penalty structure escalates significantly:
- First offense: $1,000 fine
- Second offense: $2,500 fine
- Third offense: $2,500 fine plus one-year license suspension
The city may also refuse to issue or renew licenses if you provide false information or fail to maintain compliance with safety standards.
Common Compliance Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete Documentation
Missing even one required document will result in application denial. Double-check your paperwork before submission and ensure all items are properly notarized.
Missing Renewal Deadlines
Late renewals incur additional fees and potential gaps in legal operation. Mark September 30th on your calendar and start the renewal process early.
Ignoring Association Rules
City approval doesn’t override stricter condominium association regulations. Some buildings prohibit short-term rentals entirely or require minimum stay periods longer than city requirements.
Exceeding Occupancy Limits
Guest complaints about overcrowding can trigger immediate city investigations and fines. Use clear occupancy limits in your listings and booking confirmations.
Working with Professional Management
Managing compliance while maximizing your rental income can be overwhelming. Professional Airbnb management companies handle licensing, tax registration, guest communication, and property maintenance while ensuring you meet all local requirements.
FunStay Miami’s property management services include full compliance support, from initial licensing through ongoing renewals and safety inspections. Their local team understands Sunny Isles Beach regulations and can help you avoid common pitfalls while maximizing your rental income.
Optimizing Your Rental for Success
Beyond compliance, successful Sunny Isles Beach hosts focus on guest experience and listing optimization. Consider investing in:
- Professional photography showcasing your property’s best features
- SEO-optimized listing descriptions that help guests find your property
- Guest amenities that encourage five-star reviews
- Dynamic pricing strategies that maximize revenue during peak seasons
Properties managed by experienced teams often achieve higher occupancy rates and better guest satisfaction scores, as shown in FunStay’s performance reviews.
Your Path to Compliant, Profitable Hosting
Operating a short-term rental in Sunny Isles Beach requires careful attention to licensing, safety standards, and ongoing compliance. While the requirements may seem complex, following this checklist ensures you’ll operate legally while protecting your investment.
Start by gathering all required documents for your Short-Term Vacation Rental License application. Register with the appropriate tax authorities and ensure your property meets all safety standards.
If managing these requirements feels overwhelming, consider partnering with a local property management company that specializes in short-term rental compliance.
Take the time to understand these regulations, and you’ll be well-positioned to succeed in one of Florida’s most desirable vacation rental markets.
Call Mike Chen today for expert Airbnb compliance support and stress-free hosting in Sunny Isles.
