Bal Harbour Village, Florida, has developed a Code of Ordinances to monitor and regulate short term vacation rentals. The following is a complete guideline for Bal Harbour’s short term rental regulations so that anyone can be a responsible host when using platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and other similar services. This rundown should give you a good start in understanding your local laws.
Vacation Rental Uses
All short term or vacation rentals must comply with the Vacation Rental Code of Ordinances. Property owners must obtain a Business Tax Receipt from the Village before renting all or any portion of a dwelling unit as a vacation rental.
Suppose the residential unit violates any zoning, building, housing, safety, or other short term rental regulations. In that case, no person shall allow occupancy or possession of all or any portion as a vacation rental. Additionally, no person shall allow occupancy of a residence for fewer than six calendar months in a row.
Vacation Rental Certificate
Property owners who wish to operate their dwelling unit as a vacation rental must first apply for a Vacation Rental Certificate. For each rental period for which property owners rent out a Vacation Rental, they must acquire a new Vacation Rental Certificate. Within a 12 month period, the Village may issue no more than two Vacation Rental Certificates.
Application for a Vacation Rental Certificate
Each property owner seeking a Vacation Rental Certificate must fill out and submit this Application Form, along with an application fee, no later than 15 days prior to the scheduled date of the desired rental period.
The application must include the following:
- The name, address, phone number, and email of the owner(s) of the dwelling unit.
- The address of the Vacation Rental unit.
- The name, address, phone number, and email of the designated Vacation Rental agent.
- The owner’s sworn affirmation that they have received a copy of this section have read it and accept its requirements.
- Where applicable; proof of compliance with Florida Statutes Chapters 212 (Florida Tax and Revenue Act) and 509 (Public Lodging Establishments), as well as Florida Administrative Code Rules 69A-43 (Uniform Fire Safety Standards for Transient Public Lodging Establishments) and 69A-60 (the Florida Fire Prevention Code).
- A copy of the legal annual Vacation Rental Inspection Report.
- A detailed floor and site plan of the property. This site plan must include the sq. ft., number of bedrooms, kitchen, pool, and parking areas.
- The number and location of allocated parking spaces legally available for Vacation Rental occupants.
- An indication of whether or not pets will be allowed in the Vacation Rental.
- The owner’s pledge to ensure that the Vacation Rental use of the dwelling unit does not disrupt the community or its peace.
- Any other information that the owner is required to send to the Village as part of the Vacation Rental Certificate application.
Inspections/Re-Inspections of Vacation Rentals
A Village Code Inspector must inspect the residence for conformity with regulations prior to the approval of a Vacation Rental Certificate.
If inspectors find any violations, owners must rectify them. Then the housing unit must be re-inspected before a Vacation Rental Certificate is issued. Vacation rental dwelling units must be well-maintained and inspected at least once a year.
Occupants of Vacation Rentals
Property owners or agents should provide each vacation rental dwelling unit’s occupants with a written copy of this section. They should also provide guests with the Village’s pet, noise, and garbage laws.
Occupants can only park in the areas designated on the Vacation Rental Certificate’s plan.
All occupants must evacuate from the Vacation Rental when the Village posts a nonresident evacuation order.
Other Regulations
As a responsible host, you must comprehend and abide by other contracts or regulations that bind you. These include leases, community rules, HOA rules, or other guidelines set up by tenant associations. Feel free to reach out to your landlord, housing authority, or community council to find out more. To get more information about other short term rental regulations, you can also visit Bal Harbour’s official website or contact us.