Confused about zoning restrictions provided by Redfin

Confused about zoning restrictions provided by Redfin

Rental Property Investor · Orange, CA · Member since 2015 · 4 posts · 0 votes

I'm searching for some multi family properties to invest in the Ft Lauderdale, FL area. My plan was initially to use the properties as an STR to be able to execute the STR loophole strategy. However, looking at all the multi family listings and the zoning information on Redfin shows that these explicitly do not allow Short term rentals. However, I'm confused because I've seen multiple examples (5?) where I found the exact unit listed on AirBnB. How can the zoning state that STR is not allowed, yet these small multi family units are all on AirBnB? Am I missing something or not understanding something here? I want to make sure that I don't buy a property that I cannot legally operate as an STR.

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Russell BrazilBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
3y

Just because its illegal doesnt mean everyone obeys the law

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  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    3y

    Just because its illegal doesnt mean everyone obeys the law

  • Rental Property Investor · Orange, CA · Member since 2015 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    3y

    @Russell Brazil if it's just one or two properties, I'd agree with that statement. But this is much more widespread. Meaning either EVERYONE is breaking the law, or more likely, the zoning displayed on Redfin is inaccurate or refers to something else semantically, like "No STR" means no hotel / motel buildings allowed to build on this land but a 4plex that can be used as an STR is permitted? Any agents in the area knowledgeable about this?

  • Joshua MessingerBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Poconos, PA · Member since 2020 · 443 posts · 264 votes
    3y

    Hey @David Lou! I would highly recommend that you get into contact with the specific township/county you are in. Redfin generally won't have this type of information that you are looking for or it is inaccurate. 

    But, @Russell Brazil is also very correct as not everyone does obey the law! 

  • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    3y

    @David Lou

    I also would not trust the accuracy of Redfin and you should look it up yourself or speak to the county

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  • Real Estate Broker · IN · Member since 2017 · 65 posts · 12 votes
    3y

    Relying on Redfin or Zillow only for data is like asking ChatGPT or AI for all the accurate answers!

  • Kenneth GarrettPro Member
    Investor · Florida Panhandle/Illinois · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3y

    @David Lou

    Always verify with the city/county depending on what jurisdiction you are in. One reason for STR's still operating is they could be legal non-conforming where the old ones are grandfathered in and new ones are illegal. Or they are just plain operating illegally. Redfin doesn't talk about STR's. I'm guessing it was part of the listing and not Redfin stating that.

    Again check with the city or county.

  • Rental Property Investor · Boston, Massachusetts (MA) · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    Many ordinances stop short of banning owner occ STRs, those that own a certain number of units, operate less than so many days a year, etc. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Miami, FL · Member since 2017 · 506 posts · 205 votes
    3y

    Most of FTL allows STR unless you are in an HoA that explicitly bans the same. Your best bet is to work with a local realtor, who knows those rules.

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