Know your Rules and Regulations For Vacation Rentals
- Short-term rentals are properties rented for fewer than 28 days, with a U.S. 14-day rule allowing rentals under 15 days without reporting income.
- Permits and licensing requirements vary by city, so checking with the local authority is essential before renting.
- HOA properties may have additional restrictions or bans on short-term rentals.
- Tax rules differ by location, and owners must charge and remit the correct local taxes.
- Regulations vary widely, with Broward County requiring inspections, Miami Beach imposing strict fines, and the City of Miami being more lenient.
- City zoning maps and official websites help identify where vacation rentals are allowed.
- Non-compliance can result in heavy fines or shutdowns, making professional property management highly recommended.
What technically defines a short term rental property? A property that is rented out for fewer than 28 days. US specific rules on these include a 14-day rule. If you rent your location out for less than 15 days, you do not have to report your rental income. The permits that you need for short-term rentals can differ depending on location, so be sure to contact the property city department to get property authority.
If the location you’re renting is in an HOA, there may be other special rules and regs to consider. Be sure to check on this before you take the leap.

It’s important to make sure you’re charging the proper necessary taxes as well. Every city is very different in their regulations. Broward county, for example, requires a city inspection with a long checklist the property has to meet with everything from hard wired smoke alarms to noise detection devices landlines. Miami beach has the highest fines, but the City of Miami is actually very lenient. You need to know your territories before you jump in.
Here is the map of Miami Beach’s vacation rental territories. A lot of information can be found on the city sites.
There can be a lot at risk and at play if the rules aren’t followed. This Is why we always advise working with a professional management company. We guide our clients with our legal counsel on the city regulations and what’s allowed BEFORE they buy, and then once they acquire the property we have our legal team process their state and city license to ensure we are in full compliance and operating in a sustainable way for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a short-term vacation rental?
A short-term rental is typically defined as a property rented for fewer than 28 days, though specific definitions and rules vary by city and state.
Do I need a permit or license for a vacation rental?
Yes, most cities require permits or licenses for short-term rentals, and requirements can vary widely depending on local and HOA regulations.
What happens if vacation rental regulations are not followed?
Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, or shutdowns, which is why working with a professional vacation rental management company is often recommended.
- Short-term rentals are properties rented for fewer than 28 days, with a U.S. 14-day rule allowing rentals under 15 days without reporting income.
- Permits and licensing requirements vary by city, so checking with the local authority is essential before renting.
- HOA properties may have additional restrictions or bans on short-term rentals.
- Tax rules differ by location, and owners must charge and remit the correct local taxes.
- Regulations vary widely, with Broward County requiring inspections, Miami Beach imposing strict fines, and the City of Miami being more lenient.
- City zoning maps and official websites help identify where vacation rentals are allowed.
- Non-compliance can result in heavy fines or shutdowns, making professional property management highly recommended.
What technically defines a short term rental property? A property that is rented out for fewer than 28 days. US specific rules on these include a 14-day rule. If you rent your location out for less than 15 days, you do not have to report your rental income. The permits that you need for short-term rentals can differ depending on location, so be sure to contact the property city department to get property authority.
If the location you’re renting is in an HOA, there may be other special rules and regs to consider. Be sure to check on this before you take the leap.

It’s important to make sure you’re charging the proper necessary taxes as well. Every city is very different in their regulations. Broward county, for example, requires a city inspection with a long checklist the property has to meet with everything from hard wired smoke alarms to noise detection devices landlines. Miami beach has the highest fines, but the City of Miami is actually very lenient. You need to know your territories before you jump in.
Here is the map of Miami Beach’s vacation rental territories. A lot of information can be found on the city sites.
There can be a lot at risk and at play if the rules aren’t followed. This Is why we always advise working with a professional management company. We guide our clients with our legal counsel on the city regulations and what’s allowed BEFORE they buy, and then once they acquire the property we have our legal team process their state and city license to ensure we are in full compliance and operating in a sustainable way for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a short-term vacation rental?
A short-term rental is typically defined as a property rented for fewer than 28 days, though specific definitions and rules vary by city and state.
Do I need a permit or license for a vacation rental?
Yes, most cities require permits or licenses for short-term rentals, and requirements can vary widely depending on local and HOA regulations.
What happens if vacation rental regulations are not followed?
Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, or shutdowns, which is why working with a professional vacation rental management company is often recommended.