Miami Gardens Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Miami Gardens, Florida?

Miami Gardens does not have specific short term rental ordinances. However the city requires landlord permits to rent out residential properties on Airbnb and VRBO. You need this permit before listing a property.

Miami Gardens also enforces regulations like maximum occupancy limits of 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional people. The city has a 7% sales tax on short term rental revenue that hosts must collect and remit. The state of Florida charges an additional 6% sales tax.

In terms of enforcement, Miami Gardens takes an Airbnb friendly approach if you follow the basic rules on taxes, permits, and occupancy.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Miami Gardens

Launching a compliant and profitable short-term rental in Miami Gardens is straightforward.

First, obtain a landlord permit from the city's Building & Zoning Department. This allows you to legally rent out residential properties.

Next, research zoning laws to confirm short-term rentals are permitted. Most areas allow vacation rentals, but some have restrictions.

List your property on sites like Airbnb and VRBO once properly permitted.

Importantly, you must collect and remit all applicable city and state sales taxes on rental revenue. Miami Gardens charges 7% and Florida charges 6% sales tax.

Finally, comply with occupancy limits, currently 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional people.

Following these basic permitting, tax, and occupancy rules lets you successfully start a Miami Gardens short-term rental business.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Miami Gardens

Unlike other popular Florida vacation rental markets, Miami Gardens does not require special licensing for short term rental hosts. You can save time and money by avoiding complex permit processes.

However, basic business licensing is still needed. All landlords renting out residential properties in Miami Gardens must obtain a landlord permit. The permit costs $158 and is renewable every two years. It covers things like safety inspections and background checks.

The landlord permit allows you to list on Airbnb and VRBO fast. Once your Miami Gardens rental meets occupancy limits and other Florida statutes, you are ready to take bookings. As a landlord permit holder, you can operate worry-free knowing the city supports short term rental entrepreneurs.

Required Documents for Miami Gardens Short Term Rentals

The key documents required to operate compliant short term rentals in Miami Gardens include:

• Landlord Permit - All landlords renting out residential properties in Miami Gardens must obtain this permit from the city's Building & Zoning Department before listing on Airbnb or VRBO. The permit costs $94 per unit.
• Vacation Rental License - You need a state license to legally rent out properties for under 6 months in Florida. There is a $50 application fee.
• Tax Registration - Register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit state sales tax and Miami-Dade County tourist taxes on bookings.
• Certificate of Use - For condo or multifamily rentals, obtain a Certificate of Use from the city allowing transient rentals. This requires condo board approval.
• Business Tax Receipt - Those earning rental income may need a Miami Gardens business license, which costs approximately $55 yearly.

Keeping these documents current and valid is crucial for operating short term rentals legally in the city. The permitting office and condo boards also conduct periodic inspections.

Miami Gardens Short Term Rental Taxes

As an Airbnb or VRBO host in Miami Gardens, you must collect and remit all applicable taxes on rental revenue. The city has a 7% sales and use tax on short term rentals. Florida also imposes a statewide 6% sales tax. So your total tax obligation on Miami Gardens rental income is 13%.

You need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and report this 13% tax. Florida issues a Certificate of Registration and Annual Resale Certificate for display in your vacation rental property. It is illegal to operate a Miami Gardens short term rental and collect payments without first obtaining this certificate. Both state and city auditors do crack down on non-payment of owed taxes. So compliance is crucial from day one to avoid interest, penalties, or legal issues.

Florida wide Short Term Rental Rules

The state of Florida has established baseline regulations that apply to short term rentals across the state. One key rule is that any property rented more than three times per year for less than 30 days requires a vacation rental license from Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Additionally, Florida mandates maximum occupancy limits based on number of bedrooms. The legal maximum is two persons per bedroom, plus two additional occupants. For example, a three-bedroom property could legally accommodate up to eight guests. Exceeding these occupancy limits can result in fines or other penalties.

Florida also prohibits certain convicted sex offenders from operating or residing in short term rentals within 2,500 feet of any school, daycare center, park, or playground. Hosts are required to screen prospective guests against the state's registered sex offender database. Violations can lead to legal consequences for hosts.

Does Miami Gardens strictly enforce STR rules?

Miami Gardens does not strictly enforce short term rental regulations. The city takes an open approach welcoming hosts to operate Airbnbs and VRBOs with just a few easy requirements.

As long as you obtain the landlord permit, pay taxes, follow occupancy limits and conduct screening, Miami Gardens supports short term rental entrepreneurs. The permit process is simple with low fees.

Compared to cities like Miami Beach with extensive red tape, applications, hearings and restrictions, Miami Gardens aims to enable small business owners in the sharing economy. As of 2024, there are no plans to ban or limit Airbnbs based on current policy and discussions.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Miami Gardens

Launching a short term rental in Miami Gardens demands 5 simple steps:

Step 1: Obtain a landlord permit. This can be easily secured from the Miami Gardens Building & Zoning Department for a small fee.

Step 2: Confirm the property's zoning allows for short term rentals.

Step 3: List your Miami Gardens property on Airbnb and VRBO. Write an appealing listing with professional photos to attract guests.

Step 4: Collect and submit taxes every month. Miami Gardens levies a 7% tax on all short term rental revenue. The state of Florida adds an additional 6% tax.

Step 5: Adhere to all regulations. This includes observing maximum occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms. Also screen guests to prevent renting to registered sex offenders if the property is within 2,500 feet of a school.

By following these basic steps, your Miami Gardens short term rental business will be fully compliant, profitable, and poised for success.

Who to contact in Miami Gardens about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

Contact the Miami Gardens Building & Zoning Department at 305-622-8000 for questions related to zoning and short term rental ordinances.You can also email buildingzoning@miamigardens-fl.gov.

What do Airbnb hosts in Miami Gardens on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

There is limited discussion on Reddit or BiggerPockets about Miami Gardens specifically. However, hosts seem to agree Miami Gardens takes a relaxed approach if you follow the basic rules. Taxes, permits, occupancy limits are reasonable compared to large cities like Miami Beach.

Overall Miami Gardens is an Airbnb friendly city if you do research and comply with regulations. The city aims to support small business owners getting started with short term rentals.