Advice Needed - How to be able to list on Airbnb in Miami Beach, FL

[Twee Phamm]

I am about to purchase a property in Miami Beach to do STR, and I'm so excited to start my Airbnb business venture. However, it seems like there are so many rules and regulations with the State/City and when it comes to getting approved to list on Airbnb. Is there anyway to bypass any of the requirements? One of the requirement that is the most challenging to obtain is a letter from the HOA saying that STR (less than 180 days) is allowed. Can we provide other documents in its place if the HOA doesn't provide?

I took a look at the Miami STR zoning map from the Airbnb website and saw that the property that I'm about to purchase is in a zone that as "Short Term Rentals Allowed in accordance with all applicable State, County, and Local regulations." With this said, I'm taking it as it's not prohibited at least. There is a lot of paperwork and certificates to obtain, but they require the letter from the HOA.

I was browsing Miami on Airbnb, and it just seems like so many people are able to do Airbnb in Miami. Some places look like they are in really nice high-rise buildings with probably really strict rental/leasing terms from the HOA. So I'm wondering how are these people able to get on the Airbnb platforms to list their properties with the strict paperwork requirement. What is the loophole here?

I'm close to closing on the property, but now I am wondering if this is a good idea to move forward if I can't even get to list on Airbnb so really do need some help to make a decision.

Thank you so much!

[Kevin Marshburn]

As long as it's zoned properly and your HOA allows nightly (or weekly rentals), you should be perfectly fine. What I see as an operator and investor down here is many people ignoring HOA rules and trying to slide by and do shorter term rentals even when buildings don't allow it. They usually get caught and fined but it happens really frequently. I own a unit at a high rise condo in Brickell with 30 day minimum as the rental restriction and at least a handful of times a year, someone is caught renting their unit on these platforms and gets shut down by the HOA.

The HOA should provide a letter or you could always just use the HOA bilaws to show Airbnb it's allowed. You should be able to get those pre-closing. But make sure it is indeed allowed as most properties underwritten as a STR won't cash flow with longer rentals so be diligent there.

I know a good property manager for STR down here, if you want me to connect you with them, shoot me a DM.

And talk to your realtor! They should be able to advise. If not, you may need a more investor savvy agent :)