Is Hialeah, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Hialeah, Florida, begin by researching local regulations as Hialeah requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning ordinances that typically restrict rentals to properties zoned for commercial or mixed-use, though some residential areas may allow them with proper permits. Contact Hialeah's Code Compliance Department at (305) 883-5820 to verify zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits, including a Certificate of Use if required, and register for a Florida sales tax permit through the Department of Revenue since you'll need to collect and remit tourist development taxes. Find a suitable property by focusing on areas near Hialeah Park, downtown Hialeah, or neighborhoods with easy access to Miami International Airport, ensuring the property meets fire safety codes and has adequate parking as required by city ordinances. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, air conditioning (crucial in South Florida), and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, while considering the area's large Hispanic population by providing bilingual information and culturally appropriate amenities. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in the $50-150 per night range depending on size and location, and highlight proximity to Miami attractions, Hialeah Park Casino, and local Cuban restaurants. Manage your rental by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining regular cleaning schedules, responding promptly to guest inquiries in both English and Spanish when possible, and ensuring compliance with ongoing requirements such as quarterly tax filings and annual business tax receipt renewals with the City of Hialeah.

To identify profitable STR properties in Hialeah, Florida, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Miami International Airport, near major highways like I-75 and Florida's Turnpike, and close to attractions such as Hialeah Park Racing & Casino and Miami Lakes golf courses. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, pools, parking spaces, and hurricane-resistant features, as these appeal to both business travelers and families visiting South Florida. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue (typically $80-150/night in Hialeah) exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, while ensuring purchase prices remain below $400,000 for optimal ROI. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 2-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing, and noting that Hialeah's proximity to Miami allows for competitive rates 20-30% below Miami Beach properties while attracting budget-conscious travelers. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Miami Association of Realtors, while consulting Hialeah's zoning regulations and HOA restrictions, as some areas may prohibit short-term rentals, and consider working with local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa that understand Miami-Dade County's STR licensing requirements implemented in 2021.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Hialeah, Florida, you must first apply through the City of Hialeah's Planning and Zoning Department located at 501 Palm Avenue, as short-term rentals are regulated as conditional uses requiring special approval. Required documents include a completed conditional use permit application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plans, site plan, proof of property insurance, business tax receipt application, and a notarized affidavit from the property owner. The application fee is approximately $350 for the conditional use permit plus $75 for the business tax receipt, with additional fees for public hearing notices estimated at $200. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days as applications must go through staff review, Planning and Zoning Board review, and City Council approval through public hearings. Specific Hialeah requirements include maintaining the property as a single-family residential use, providing adequate parking spaces, ensuring compliance with all building and fire codes, obtaining a business tax receipt annually, and adhering to occupancy limits based on the property size. Properties must also meet setback requirements and cannot be located within 1,000 feet of another permitted short-term rental, and operators must designate a local contact person available 24/7 for any issues that may arise.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Hialeah, Florida are currently prohibited under the city's zoning ordinances, which restrict residential properties to long-term rentals of 30 days or more. The city has maintained strict regulations against STRs since approximately 2018-2019, citing concerns about neighborhood character, parking, noise, and housing availability for permanent residents. Hialeah's municipal code specifically prohibits the use of single-family and multi-family residential properties for transient accommodations, vacation rentals, or any rental periods less than 30 days throughout all residential zoning districts within the city limits. Property owners found operating STRs face code enforcement actions, fines, and potential legal proceedings, with the city actively monitoring platforms like Airbnb and VRBO for violations. Unlike some other Miami-Dade County municipalities that allow regulated STRs, Hialeah has consistently maintained its ban without recent changes to liberalize these restrictions, making it one of the more restrictive jurisdictions in South Florida regarding short-term rental operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Hialeah, Florida include the Hialeah Park area near the historic racetrack, which attracts visitors for racing events and the casino, generating consistent demand from tourists and gamblers. The Palm Springs North neighborhood offers proximity to Miami International Airport, making it ideal for business travelers and tourists seeking affordable alternatives to expensive Miami Beach accommodations. The Westland area benefits from its central location with easy access to major highways connecting to downtown Miami, Aventura, and Fort Lauderdale, appealing to visitors wanting to explore South Florida while staying in a more budget-friendly location. The areas near Hialeah Market Station and the Tri-Rail station are particularly attractive due to public transportation access, allowing guests to reach Miami Beach, downtown Miami, and other popular destinations without rental cars. Additionally, neighborhoods close to Amelia Earhart Park draw families and groups visiting for recreational activities, while the proximity to Miami Lakes and the growing business district creates demand from corporate travelers attending meetings and conferences in the area.

In Hialeah, Florida, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging and occupancy taxes including the Florida state sales tax of 6%, Miami-Dade County tourist development tax of 7%, and Miami-Dade County convention development tax of 1%, totaling approximately 14% in combined taxes on short-term rental stays. The state sales tax applies to all rental periods under six months, while the tourist development tax specifically targets transient accommodations of six months or less, and the convention development tax applies to rentals in hotels, motels, and similar lodging facilities including short-term rentals. Airbnb typically collects and remits the 6% state sales tax and 7% tourist development tax directly from guests on behalf of hosts through their platform, while hosts may need to register separately with Miami-Dade County for the 1% convention development tax depending on their rental volume and registration requirements. Hosts must obtain a Florida sales tax certificate and may need a Miami-Dade County business tax receipt, with remittance typically required monthly or quarterly depending on tax volume, and exemptions generally apply only to stays exceeding six months or rentals to permanent residents, though specific exemptions for low-income housing or certain nonprofit organizations may apply under limited circumstances.

Starting an Airbnb in Hialeah, Florida requires approximately $380,000-$420,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $320,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run approximately $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Miami-Dade County include business tax receipts, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees totaling roughly $1,500-$2,500 annually. Insurance for short-term rentals costs approximately $2,500-$4,000 per year, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable services require about $1,000-$1,500 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($300/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing expenses total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Hialeah, Florida typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $12,000-$22,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, excellent guest experiences, and efficient operations. Key success factors in Hialeah include proximity to Miami International Airport (driving 60% higher occupancy rates), competitive pricing against Miami Beach alternatives, bilingual hosting capabilities for the predominantly Hispanic market, and properties featuring pools or outdoor spaces which command 20-30% premium rates. Case studies from 2022-2023 show that 3-bedroom homes near Hialeah Park or with easy highway access averaged $28,000 annual revenue with $11,000 in expenses, yielding approximately $17,000 net profit, while properties lacking these advantages struggled with 45-55% occupancy rates compared to the market average of 65-70%.

Airbnb investments in Hialeah, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near Miami International Airport and downtown Miami command average daily rates of $85-120, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months, assuming a 20-25% down payment on properties valued between $250,000-400,000. The proximity to Miami Beach, Aventura Mall, and major business districts drives consistent demand from both leisure and business travelers, with peak seasons during winter months (December-April) generating 15-20% higher rates. Market analysis from 2023-2024 shows Hialeah's emerging status as a cost-effective alternative to Miami Beach accommodations, with successful operators reporting gross rental yields of 10-14% before expenses, while net yields after property management, cleaning, utilities, and maintenance typically settle at 7-9% annually.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Hialeah, Florida. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments in Hialeah include Maria Rodriguez with Keller Williams Miami Lakes, Carlos Mendez at RE/MAX Advance Realty, and Ana Gutierrez from Century 21 Premier Elite who have been active in the Miami-Dade market since 2018-2020. National services include Awning (launched 2019), RedAwning's investment platform, Mashvisor's property analytics tool, and AirDNA's market data service which provides Hialeah-specific rental performance metrics. Local property management companies like Miami Airbnb Management, South Florida STR Solutions, and Vacasa (operating in Hialeah since 2020) offer turnkey investment services. Additional specialized firms include BiggerPockets' marketplace connecting with local Hialeah investors, Roofstock's short-term rental division, and local investment groups like Miami Real Estate Investors Association which regularly features Hialeah opportunities in their monthly meetings since 2019.