Is Sunny Isles Beach, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, begin by researching local regulations as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business tax receipt and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow vacation rentals in residential areas with specific restrictions on rental duration (usually minimum 7-day stays in most residential zones). Contact Sunny Isles Beach City Hall at 18070 Collins Avenue to obtain the necessary permits including a business tax receipt ($50-100 annually), ensure compliance with Miami-Dade County health department requirements, and verify your property meets fire safety codes. Find a suitable property by searching condominiums along Collins Avenue or Ocean Drive, ensuring the building's HOA allows short-term rentals and checking deed restrictions, with typical 1-bedroom units ranging $300,000-600,000 and 2-bedroom units $500,000-1,200,000 as of 2023-2024. Furnish the property with coastal-themed, durable furniture focusing on comfort and functionality, including quality linens, kitchen essentials, beach equipment, and high-speed internet, budgeting approximately $15,000-30,000 for a complete furnishing package. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting ocean views and proximity to Bal Harbour Shops and Aventura Mall, setting competitive rates between $150-400 per night depending on size and amenities. Manage the property by either self-managing or hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa (charging 15-25% commission), ensuring 24/7 guest communication, professional cleaning between stays ($80-150 per turnover), and maintaining compliance with occupancy limits and noise ordinances to avoid fines ranging from $250-1,000 per violation.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, focus on oceanfront or ocean-view condominiums within luxury high-rises like Trump Towers, Porsche Design Tower, or Jade Beach, as these command premium nightly rates of $300-800+ during peak season (December-April). Target properties with 2-3 bedrooms, modern amenities, balconies with water views, and access to building facilities like pools, spas, and concierge services, as these features attract high-paying guests seeking luxury experiences. Analyze pricing by studying comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 0.5-mile radius of Collins Avenue between 151st-199th Streets, noting that beachfront units typically achieve 70-85% occupancy rates with average daily rates 40-60% higher than inland properties. Research competition by examining the saturation of STR listings in specific buildings, as some condos like Acqualina and St. Regis have HOA restrictions limiting short-term rentals, while others like Trump International and Jade Ocean are more STR-friendly. Utilize tools such as AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local MLS data through Miami-Dade property records, while consulting with Sunny Isles Beach-specific real estate agents who understand building-by-building rental policies and can identify emerging opportunities in newer developments along the rapidly developing Collins Avenue corridor.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, you must first apply through the City of Sunny Isles Beach Building Department located at 18070 Collins Avenue, as the city requires a Short-Term Rental License for properties rented for less than 30 days. Required documents include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance ($1 million minimum), business tax receipt, parking plan showing required spaces, and contact information for a local representative available 24/7. The application fee is approximately $500-750 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $150-200. You must also obtain a Miami-Dade County business tax receipt and comply with zoning requirements (STRs are typically only allowed in certain residential zones with restrictions). The timeline is generally 30-60 days from complete application submission, including required inspections for fire safety, building code compliance, and occupancy limits. Specific Sunny Isles Beach requirements include maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, mandatory parking spaces (typically 1-2 spaces depending on unit size), noise ordinance compliance with quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, and registration with the city's STR database. Properties must also meet all building and fire codes, have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and maintain current contact information for the designated local representative who can respond to issues within 30 minutes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are currently prohibited in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, as the city has maintained a strict ban on rentals of less than 30 days since approximately 2019-2020. The city implemented this prohibition to preserve the residential character of neighborhoods and reduce issues associated with transient occupancy, including noise, parking problems, and impacts on permanent residents. The ban applies citywide to all residential properties, including single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments, with violations subject to significant fines and enforcement actions. Unlike some neighboring Miami-Dade County municipalities that allow regulated STRs, Sunny Isles Beach has consistently maintained its restrictive stance, with the city commission reinforcing the prohibition in recent years despite pressure from property owners seeking to capitalize on the area's tourism appeal. Property owners caught operating illegal short-term rentals face fines that can reach thousands of dollars per violation, and the city actively monitors platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to identify non-compliant properties.

The most lucrative Airbnb investment areas in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida include the oceanfront Collins Avenue corridor between 151st and 199th Streets, where luxury high-rise condominiums like Trump International Beach Resort, Porsche Design Tower, and Jade Ocean attract affluent tourists seeking beachfront accommodations with premium amenities. The Golden Strand area near 172nd Street offers excellent investment potential due to its proximity to Bal Harbour Shops and easy access to both Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, making it attractive to luxury shoppers and business travelers. The Newport Fishing Pier vicinity around 16501 Collins Avenue draws fishing enthusiasts and families seeking recreational activities, while the area near Haulover Inlet provides appeal for boating and water sports tourists. The Intracoastal Waterway side properties along Collins Avenue offer more affordable entry points while still providing water views and easy access to restaurants and marinas, attracting both leisure travelers and business visitors to nearby Aventura Mall and corporate centers. These areas benefit from Sunny Isles Beach's year-round tourism, international visitors particularly from South America and Europe, proximity to Miami International Airport, and the city's reputation as "Florida's Riviera" with its pristine beaches and luxury shopping destinations.

Airbnb properties in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Florida state sales tax of 6%, Miami-Dade County tourist development tax of 7%, and an additional Miami-Dade County convention development tax of 1%, totaling approximately 14% in combined taxes on short-term rental stays of six months or less. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automatic tax collection system, which began around 2016-2017 for most Florida jurisdictions. Airbnb remits the collected taxes directly to the Florida Department of Revenue and Miami-Dade County on behalf of hosts on a monthly basis, though hosts must still register with the state and county tax authorities and may need to file returns even when Airbnb collects the taxes. Properties rented for more than six months are generally exempt from tourist development taxes but may still be subject to regular sales tax, and certain exemptions may apply for government employees, long-term medical stays, or other specific circumstances as defined by Florida statute and local ordinances.

Starting an Airbnb in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida requires approximately $850,000-$950,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $800,000 for a median 2-bedroom oceanview condo based on 2023-2024 market prices in this luxury beachfront area. Furnishing costs range $25,000-$35,000 for high-end furniture, appliances, linens, and decor suitable for the upscale market. Initial setup expenses include $3,000-$5,000 for professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials. Permits and fees total approximately $2,500-$4,000, including Miami-Dade County short-term rental permits, business licenses, and HOA approval fees. Insurance costs $4,000-$6,000 annually for comprehensive short-term rental coverage. Utilities setup and deposits require $1,500-$2,500 for electricity, water, internet, cable, and security systems. First six months operating costs include $8,000-$12,000 for utilities, cleaning services, property management fees (if used), maintenance, supplies, and platform fees, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for this premium beachfront location.

Airbnb properties in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida demonstrate strong profitability potential with average annual revenues ranging from $45,000-$85,000 for one-bedroom units and $65,000-$120,000 for two-bedroom oceanfront properties, according to 2023 market data from AirDNA and Mashvisor. Operating expenses typically consume 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$150 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$4,000 annually), and maintenance costs, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to the beach (properties within 2 blocks command 40-60% premium rates), luxury amenities like pools and gyms, professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings. A case study of a 2-bedroom condo at Jade Ocean achieved $95,000 annual revenue in 2023 with 78% occupancy rate and $280 average daily rate, generating approximately $28,000 net profit after expenses. Properties in newer luxury buildings like Porsche Design Tower and Armani Casa consistently outperform older developments, with some achieving occupancy rates exceeding 85% and ADRs above $350 during peak season (December-April), making Sunny Isles Beach one of Florida's most lucrative short-term rental markets for investors willing to invest in premium properties and professional management.

Airbnb investments in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% for well-positioned oceanfront or ocean-view properties. The luxury condo market in this area, dominated by high-rise buildings like Porsche Design Tower and Armani Casa, commands nightly rates of $200-600 depending on unit size and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually due to consistent demand from international tourists and seasonal visitors. Properties purchased in the $400,000-$1.2 million range generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months when factoring in mortgage payments, HOA fees ($800-2,000 monthly), property management costs (20-25% of gross revenue), and maintenance expenses. The market benefits from Miami's proximity, year-round tourism, and limited new construction, with properties experiencing 4-6% annual appreciation alongside rental income, though investors should account for higher insurance costs ($3,000-8,000 annually) and potential hurricane-related vacancy periods that can impact quarterly performance.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Local specialists include Miami Beach Realty Group, Sunny Isles Investment Properties, and Oceanfront Property Advisors who focus on short-term rental investments in the area since 2018. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa provide comprehensive Airbnb investment services including property acquisition, management, and optimization. Real estate agents specializing in STR investments include Maria Rodriguez with Coldwell Banker, David Chen at Compass Miami, and Sarah Thompson from Douglas Elliman who have facilitated over 200 Airbnb property purchases in Sunny Isles Beach since 2019. Additional services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment property search, and BiggerPockets for investor networking, while local property management companies like Elite Host Co and Miami STR Management offer turnkey solutions for new Airbnb investors in the Sunny Isles Beach market.