Miami is one of the most vibrant short-term rental markets in the world. Between year-round tourism, major events like Art Basel, and its status as a global gateway, the demand for vacation rentals is relentless. However, the operational reality of running a successful Airbnb in South Florida is complex. You aren’t just dealing with guest communication; you are navigating a humid tropical climate that punishes air conditioning systems, managing strict HOA rules, and adhering to regulations that differ street by street between the City of Miami and Miami Beach.
For busy remote owners, attempting to self-manage from another state often leads to burnout or compliance violations. The right short-term rental property management partner bridges the gap between a stressful side hustle and a passive, profitable investment. This guide focuses on the top management options in Miami, selected specifically for owners who need professional operational support.
How We Selected These Companies
The Miami market is flooded with property managers, but many lack the infrastructure for hospitality. This list focuses on companies that meet the following criteria:
- Short-Term Specialization: Active management of stays under 6 months.
- Remote-Ready Models: “Hands-off” services suitable for out-of-state owners.
- Operational Depth: Robust systems for pricing, maintenance, and guest screening.
In-Depth Company Profiles
1. One Fine Bnb
Best for: Remote owners wanting a strategic, fully hands-off experience.
One Fine Bnb distinguishes itself by focusing on the business strategy of hosting. While many managers just “keep the lights on,” One Fine Bnb emphasizes listing optimization, professional photography coordination, and sophisticated dynamic pricing to maximize revenue. Their system handles 24/7 guest communication, ensuring inquiries are answered instantly—a key factor in Airbnb’s search algorithms.
For remote owners who already have a trusted cleaner or handyman but dislike the digital grind, One Fine Bnb offers a unique off-site management model. This structure allows you to maintain existing local vendor relationships while they handle marketing, pricing, and guest support. This is often more scalable and transparent for investors. You can explore this flexible structure on their off-site vacation rental management page.
2. Stayplus
Best for: Turnkey local support and physical setup.
Stayplus provides a strong “boots on the ground” presence in Miami. If you have an empty condo that needs to be furnished, staged, and launched, their team can handle the entire physical setup. Once active, they manage the lifecycle of the guest stay. This model is ideal for owners who are completely absent and need a physical team to handle inspections, accept deliveries, and manage urgent repairs personally without ever visiting the property.
3. Smart Host US
Best for: Multi-unit investors in Brickell and Wynwood.
Specializing in high-density areas like Brickell, Downtown, and Wynwood, Smart Host US is built for investors with portfolios. They understand the nuances of condo-hotel rules and urban hosting in high-rises. Their standardized processes across units simplify reporting and vendor management, making them an efficient choice for scaling operations across multiple apartments where consistency is key.
4. MasterHost
Best for: Budget-conscious hosts.
MasterHost offers a competitive fee structure by allowing owners to retain control of their Airbnb accounts. They handle the operational grind—messaging, scheduling cleaning, resolving disputes—while you keep the listing data and reviews. This reduces the risk of being “locked in” to a manager and generally keeps costs lower than full-service providers, though you may need to be slightly more involved in high-level decisions.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Miami vs. Miami Beach
One of the most critical roles of a property manager in South Florida is guiding you through the regulatory maze. The City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach are distinct jurisdictions with vastly different rules.
- Miami Beach: This area has some of the strictest short-term rental laws in the country. In many residential single-family zones, rentals under six months and one day are prohibited. Short-term rentals are generally allowed only in specific zoning districts (mostly condo-hotels). Fines for non-compliance are severe.
- City of Miami: Rules here are also strict. Hosts typically need a Certificate of Use, a Business Tax Receipt, and registration with the state. Issues often arise in condo buildings where HOA bylaws prohibit short-term rentals, even if city zoning allows it.
A competent manager will identify if your property is in a compliant zone and help manage the practical side, such as ensuring resort taxes are collected.
Operational Challenges Specific to Miami
Managing a rental here involves specific environmental challenges:
- Climate Control: Miami’s tropical humidity is unforgiving. If an AC unit fails in July, the property becomes uninhabitable immediately. A proactive manager must have HVAC specialists on speed dial and schedule preventative maintenance to prevent mold.
- Party Prevention: Miami attracts a nightlife crowd. Remote owners face risks of unauthorized events. Professional managers use noise monitoring technology and strict guest screening to prevent party bookings before they happen.
- Hurricane Preparedness: During hurricane season (June–November), a manager acts as your first line of defense, securing outdoor furniture and communicating with guests about evacuation orders.
Fees and Contracts: What to Expect
Understanding the cost structure is essential for calculating your ROI.
- Management Fees: Full-service fees typically range from 20% to 30% of gross booking revenue. This covers the manager’s time, technology, and staff.
- Cleaning Fees: These are paid by the guest but flow through to the cleaning crew. Ensure your manager isn’t taking a hidden “skim” off the cleaning fee.
- Setup Fees: Expect to pay an initial fee ($300–$500) for professional photography, lock installation, and initial inventory setup.
How to Choose the Right Manager
When interviewing potential partners, ask these specific vetting questions:
- “What is your specific experience in my neighborhood?” (Brickell operations differ vastly from South Beach).
- “How do you handle party prevention?” (Look for mention of noise sensors).
- “Do you markup maintenance bills?” (Some managers add 10-20% to the cost of repairs; you need to know this upfront).
- “What is your hurricane protocol?” (They should have a ready answer).
Alternatives to Full-Service Management
If full-service fees cut too deeply into your profits, consider:
- Co-hosting: You hire a local expert just to handle guest messaging and pricing, while you manage the cleaning crew and maintenance.
- Hybrid Management: Services like One Fine Bnb’s off-site model allow you to outsource the digital headaches (24/7 messages, reviews, pricing) while keeping your own trusted cleaning team.
- Self-Management: Using tools like PriceLabs (pricing) and Hospitable (automated messaging) can help you self-manage, but it requires a significant time investment.
FAQs
Do I need a license for a short-term rental in Miami?
Yes. In almost all cases, you need a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), a Certificate of Registration for Resort Tax, and a local Business Tax Receipt. The specific combination depends on your jurisdiction.
Can I rent out my condo on Airbnb?
Only if your condo association rules (CC&Rs) explicitly allow it. Many residential towers in Miami prohibit rentals shorter than 30 days. “Condo-hotels” are buildings specifically designed to allow short-term rentals.
What happens if a guest damages my property?
Professional managers handle the claims process. They document the damage with photos, submit claims through Airbnb’s AirCover or independent insurance policies, and coordinate repairs. This is a major value-add of having a manager.
Guest writer
