Airbnb/Short Term Rental Rules in Miami

[Jeffrey Davis]

Hi BP, searching for some input from those experienced with Airbnb/Vacation/Short term rental rules and regulations (with bonus points for South Florida/Miami).

My plan is to move from a condo on the beach into a nice big home in South Miami (3500 SF), and convert half of it into an Airbnb separate private guest suite. This home is too much space and too much price tag for my wife and I. Fortunately, my family is playing the banker here, so there is flexibility on time and payment. BUT, I want to get it right the first time and it has been tough to find accurate and reliable info BEFORE taking action on my plans.

Questions: 

• If a home is sectioned off to become a private guest space, and an exterior door is added for separate access to the suite, does this trigger an issue with city rules and regulations? All the work will be permitted, but my concern is that the city will require a kitchen (or some other requirement) if I wall-off this guest suite.
• Is creating a private guest suite in a SFH, making it a multi-family house? I am concerned the city would shut this down since MFH are not permitted in this neighborhood.
• Does Airbnb conduct inspections?
• Any input would be awesome.
• Thanks BP, Jeff

[Barbara Chaney]

Hi, I think you need to talk to the city about the extra space. I've seen houses with in-law quarters and they aren't considered MFH. Also, Airbnb doesn't do inspections as far as I know. The city might though. You'll have to check with them. Here are rules if you're in unincorporated Dade. https://www.miamidade.gov/buil...