Miami tower faces crackdown over 300 short-term rentals

Key Takeaways

Miami officials say more than 300 short-term rentals were operating at a Brickell condo tower approved for only 30
The city issued a cease-and-desist order Aug. 11 and says inspectors were denied access to the building
The condo association disputes the city’s allegations and has asked for 90 days to review records and respond

A Miami condo tower is at the center of a growing short-term rental dispute after city officials said they found more than 300 units being used for vacation rentals in a building approved for only 30.

The dispute involves The Club at Brickell Bay, a high-rise in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.

City officials say the number of short-term rentals operating inside the building far exceeds what the property is authorized to allow.

Miami issued a cease-and-desist order to the condominium association on Aug. 11 directing it to stop rentals of fewer than 30 days, according to CBS News.

City officials also allege inspectors were denied access while trying to investigate the property.

The condo association is pushing back on parts of the city’s case and has hired attorneys who specialize in land use and zoning.

“The Association denies operating a lodging or hotel establishment,” the association said in a response letter, adding that it “acknowledges the City’s concerns.”

Coastline in Miami, Florida (Photo credit: Shawn Henley via Unsplash)

Maria Sindia Borras, the newly elected board chair, said the association wants to work with the city while protecting residents and property owners.

“The newly elected Board intends to work cooperatively with the City to resolve any misunderstandings while protecting the interests of our property owners and full-time families,” Borras said.

The association has asked Miami for a 90-day grace period while it reviews city records and determines how the disputed rentals are being operated inside the building.

The case highlights one of the more complicated parts of short-term rental enforcement in large condominium buildings.

Individual owners may rent their units separately, while city rules and building restrictions can apply across the property as a whole.

Condo association asks Miami for more time

The association’s request for additional time comes as some owners question how the dispute will be resolved and what the legal fight could mean for residents who are not involved in short-term rentals.

One unit owner said she felt “used” and “played” by the situation unfolding at the building.

The dispute also comes as Florida cities continue looking at different ways to track and enforce short-term rental rules. St. Pete Beach recently discussed creating its own registry, while other cities are turning to technology and platform data to identify properties that may not be following local requirements.

Miami has not said whether it will grant the requested 90-day grace period. Until then, the association and city remain at odds over how many short-term rentals are legally allowed to operate inside the tower and what happens next for the owners involved.