The short answer is a resounding yes, but with a crucial caveat. While Okan Tower is poised to become one of the most iconic Miami short-term rental buildings, not every unit in this 70-story masterpiece allows for daily stays.
As Miami’s skyline evolves, savvy investors are looking for properties that offer both luxury living and high-yield potential. If you are asking, “Is Okan Tower Airbnb-friendly?” you are asking the right question.
The Quick Answer: Is Okan Tower Airbnb-Friendly?
Yes—Okan Tower is Airbnb-friendly, but ONLY for its condo-hotel units on floors 36–50. These units are specifically designed, permitted, and marketed for daily rentals, including on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com.
Okan Tower features three distinct types of units:
| Unit Type | Floors | Airbnb Allowed? | Notes |
| Hilton Condo-Hotel Residences | 36–50 | YES — Daily Rentals Allowed | Can self-manage or use the Hilton program. |
| Hilton Hotel Rooms | 14–30 | NO | Hotel inventory only. |
| Sky Residences (Private Condos) | 51–70 | NO | Residential only; STR is prohibited. |
If your goal is to invest in a property for Airbnb or other short-term rental (STR) purposes, you must purchase a condo-hotel unit, not one of the residential Sky Residences.
Why Okan Tower Is a Prime STR Investment
Okan Tower has several key advantages that establish it as one of Miami’s strongest STR investment opportunities:
- Purpose-Built for Rentals: The developer, in partnership with Hilton, has openly marketed these units as turnkey, furnished “Short-Term Rental Residences”—a rare feature in the Miami market. This means they come with daily rental rights and access to hotel-quality services.
- Optional Hilton Rental Program: Owners have the flexibility to either self-manage their property on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO or join Hilton’s rental program. The Hilton program handles all marketing, bookings, cleaning, and guest services, making it a great option for passive income.
- Zoned and Approved for Transient Use: Okan Tower’s condo-hotel units are legally approved for transient (hotel-style) occupancy. This is a critical distinction, as many other Miami condos were never designed or zoned for hospitality use, making STR operations illegal.
Image from Okan Tower website.
What You MUST Do to Legally Airbnb Your Okan Tower Unit
Even in an Airbnb-friendly building, you must comply with Miami’s strict short-term rental laws. To operate legally, owners are required to obtain several licenses:
- Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License: A state-level license required for any rental lasting less than 30 days.
- Miami-Dade County Certificate of Use (CU): This includes a safety inspection and requires a designated local party to handle any issues.
- City of Miami Certificate of Use & Business Tax Receipt (BTR): These are the required city-level approvals.
- Tax Registration: Operators must collect and remit a 6% Florida sales tax and a 6% Miami-Dade tourist development tax. While platforms like Airbnb may handle some of this, the ultimate responsibility lies with the owner.
How Okan Tower Stacks Up Against Other Miami Airbnb-Friendly Buildings
Miami has very few buildings that legally permit daily rentals. Okan Tower joins an exclusive list that includes:
- The Elser Hotel & Residences
- Natiivo Miami
- District 225
- YotelPad Miami
What sets Okan Tower apart is its partnership with Hilton, a globally recognized brand that can lead to higher occupancy rates and greater trust among travelers. For investors, this branding adds a layer of prestige and reliability.
Your Next Move
Okan Tower is ideal for Airbnb investors, out-of-state owners, and anyone seeking a flexible property that combines personal use with strong income potential. With its purpose-built design and Hilton branding, it offers a powerful and legal path to generating high returns in Downtown Miami’s thriving rental market.
Thinking About Buying an Airbnb Unit at Okan Tower?
This is exactly what I specialize in. I help clients:
- Identify STR-approved buildings
- Compare rental income projections
- Avoid properties with hidden restrictions
- Navigate Miami’s complex licensing process
- Choose the best units for investment
If you want expert help purchasing an Airbnb-friendly condo in Miami, especially at Okan Tower, schedule a call and let’s talk about your goals.
