Miami code board fines multiple Brickell-on-the-River units for unlawful short-term rentals

The City of Miami Code Enforcement Board on the evening of the meeting heard a long docket of cases related to short‑term and nightly rentals at Brickell on the River (41 Southeast Fifth Street) and issued multiple adjudications, including fines, per‑day penalties and immediate compliance orders.

The board adjudicated dozens of individual unit cases after city inspectors presented online listings, booking screenshots, guest reviews and copies of leases that the city said showed repeated early terminations of purported “30‑day” leases and active nightly listings. Inspector Eric Espinosa told the board he was able to make short stays on multiple listings while assembling cases for the city.

Why this matters: Board members said the pattern of frequent turnover harmed longtime residents’ quality of life and security and that the building’s Certificate of Use allows only residential occupancy—not transient lodging—unless the building secures a different certificate and certificate of occupancy. Neighbors testified the influx of different, short‑term guests produced noise, frequent hallway traffic and security concerns.

The board followed the evidence with formal votes. Several cases resulted in immediate compliance orders, per‑day penalties if the listing or conduct continued, and one or more large one‑time “irreparable harm” fees. Residents and the association repeatedly told the board that they had…