Miami-Dade County
Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach is a high-rise condominium city on a narrow barrier island, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. Collins Avenue (State Road A1A) is the main road through the city, and State Roads 826 and 856 lead west toward the mainland.
The area began as a resort development in the 1920s, filled with motels along Collins Avenue in the 1950s and 1960s, and incorporated as the city of Sunny Isles Beach in 1997. Haulover Park, a Miami-Dade County beach park, borders the city to the south and Golden Beach lies to the north.
Most housing today is condominium towers, from older mid-rise buildings to newer branded and resort-style high-rises. The questions that matter before buying here are about association approvals, Florida’s condo safety laws, flood zones and rental rules.
Quick facts
- Location
- Barrier island in northeast Miami-Dade County, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway
- Known for
- Oceanfront condominium towers, branded residences and the Collins Avenue corridor
- Housing
- Mostly condominiums, from older mid-rise buildings to newer high-rises with resort-style amenities
- Getting around
- Collins Avenue (A1A), with State Roads 826 and 856 leading west; Haulover Park sits just south
- Beach and water access
- Oceanfront parks and the Newport Fishing Pier, plus Intracoastal parks along the western edge
Updated October 6, 2026
What the homes are like.
Condominiums, from mid-rise to high-rise
Condominiums are the main property type in Sunny Isles Beach, with older mid-rise buildings standing beside newer towers with resort-style amenities. Ocean versus Intracoastal exposure, floor height, view and renovation level all shape how one unit compares with another. Developer Michael Dezer has led a number of the newer projects, including Jade Signature, Jade Beach, Jade Ocean, Muse and Ocean 4.
Notable buildings and branded residences
Porsche Design Tower, completed in 2017, is known for car elevators that carry vehicles to private garages beside each residence. Acqualina Resort & Residences on Collins Avenue ties several residential towers, including Acqualina Ocean Residences, The Mansions at Acqualina and The Estates at Acqualina, to a resort with a spa and restaurants. The Residences by Armani/Casa is an oceanfront branded tower, and Parque Towers sits on Sunny Isles Boulevard on the Intracoastal side. Jessica Sonino and The Bograd Team have marketed Parque Towers residence 4-502, Armani/Casa residence 3105 and 100 Bayview Dr #1908; availability and pricing change, so ask for current details.
How price tiers tend to work
Price tiers follow the building more than the city. Older mid-rise condominiums tend to sit at the more approachable end, newer amenity towers in the middle to upper range, and branded oceanfront residences with private garages or large terraces at the top. Association fees and assessments can change the real cost of two similar units, so compare recent sales and the full monthly cost in the specific building.
Where I’ve worked here.
Properties are marketed by The Bograd Team. Availability and prices change.
All propertiesWhat daily life looks like.
Beach, parks and the Intracoastal
The city runs a park system that includes Samson Oceanfront Park, Heritage Park with playgrounds, a splash pad and a dog park, and Gateway Park with a performing arts stage and butterfly garden. It also includes the Newport Fishing Pier and Intracoastal parks such as Bella Vista Bay Park and the Intracoastal Sports Park with tennis and basketball courts. Haulover Park, run by Miami-Dade County, lies just south of the city line.
Dining, wellness and culture
Residents of the Acqualina towers have access to the resort’s spa and restaurants, and Gateway Park’s stage hosts public performances. Larger shopping and dining districts in Aventura, Bal Harbour and Miami Beach are a short drive away.
Getting around
Collins Avenue runs the length of the city, and State Roads 826 and 856 connect to the mainland. Most residents drive, so ask each building about parking, valet and guest access. Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are both within driving range.
Before you commit.
These are notes for buyers, renters and sellers. Rules and costs change, so I’d always confirm the current details for any specific property.
Association approvals, rules and short-term rentals
Most Sunny Isles Beach homes are condominium units, so the building’s declaration and rules shape what you can do. Many associations review buyers or tenants, set minimum lease terms, limit rentals and regulate renovations and pets. Ask for the declaration, rules, budget, recent minutes and an estoppel certificate before you commit. On short-term rentals, the City of Sunny Isles Beach defines them as rentals of six months or less in a condominium, apartment or cooperative. It requires a license for each unit and asks applicants for a consent letter from the condominium association or a copy of the bylaws. Rules change, so confirm with the city and the association before counting on rental income.
Condo safety laws, milestone inspections and reserves
Florida’s condominium safety laws were passed in response to the 2021 Surfside collapse: SB 4-D in 2022, SB 154 in 2023 and HB 913 in 2025, according to the state’s condominium division. SB 4-D set up regular inspections for buildings of three stories or more and required associations to plan reserves for structural items. Ask the association for its latest milestone inspection summary and structural integrity reserve study. Florida’s disclosure statute, section 718.503, lists those documents among the items delivered to resale buyers, and contracts signed after December 31, 2024 carry related language. Review the answers with your attorney.
Flood zones and insurance
Sunny Isles Beach is a barrier island, so ask for the FEMA flood zone of any address. Miami-Dade County explains that zones such as AE and VE are Special Flood Hazard Areas where flood insurance is mandatory for federally backed mortgages, and it offers an online flood zone map and a phone line for lookups. Zones can differ between the oceanfront and the Intracoastal side. A condominium’s master policy may or may not cover flood for your unit, so ask the association for the policy summary and get insurance quotes before closing.
New and pre-construction towers
New towers continue to be announced and built along Collins Avenue. Buying from a developer works differently from a resale: section 718.503 requires developer contracts to carry a notice that the buyer may cancel within 15 days after signing and receiving the required documents. Have an attorney review the offering documents and purchase contract, ask how deposits are held and what the delivery schedule allows, and remember that completion dates can move. Also ask what the budget and reserves are expected to look like once the developer turns the association over to owners.
Common questions.
Is Sunny Isles Beach on a barrier island?
Yes. Sunny Isles Beach is on a barrier island in northeast Miami-Dade County, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west. Haulover Park lies to the south.
What kind of homes are in Sunny Isles Beach?
Condominiums are the main property type, ranging from older mid-rise buildings to newer high-rise towers, including branded and resort-style residences. Confirm the property type and association structure for any address you are considering.
Can you rent a Sunny Isles Beach condo short term?
It depends on the city and the building. The city defines a short-term vacation rental as six months or less, requires a license for each unit and asks for a consent letter from the condominium association or a copy of the bylaws. Many associations set stricter limits, so verify both before you buy for rental use.
Do you need association approval to buy a condo in Sunny Isles Beach?
Many buildings review buyers, but the requirement and the process are set by each association’s declaration, so they vary. Ask early about approval steps, timelines and any application or transfer fees.
Are Sunny Isles Beach condos in a flood zone?
It depends on the address. Miami-Dade County uses FEMA flood maps and offers an online lookup, so check the zone, ask what the building’s master policy covers and compare flood insurance quotes before closing.
What do Florida’s milestone inspection and reserve study laws mean for buyers?
Florida now expects condominium buildings of three stories or more to follow inspection and reserve study rules. Ask for the latest milestone inspection summary and structural integrity reserve study, and have your attorney confirm what the association must provide.
What parks and beaches are in Sunny Isles Beach?
City parks include Samson Oceanfront Park, Heritage Park, Gateway Park, the Newport Fishing Pier and several Intracoastal parks. Haulover Park, run by Miami-Dade County, is just south of the city.
Keep exploring.
- AventuraIntracoastal condo communities, a golf course and a major mall in northeast Miami-Dade.Read the guide
- Hallandale BeachOceanfront condos, the Intracoastal and Gulfstream Park, right at the Broward and Miami-Dade line.Read the guide
- Bal HarbourA small oceanfront village at the northern tip of the Miami Beach barrier island.Read the guide
Let’s look at Sunny Isles Beach together.
Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll follow up personally. I’m Jessica Sonino, a Realtor® with The Bograd Team.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
- City of Sunny Isles Beach: Parks facilities
- City of Sunny Isles Beach: Short-term rentals
- Wikipedia: Porsche Design Tower (Sunny Isles Beach)
- Acqualina Resort & Residences: Residences
- Florida DBPR: Condominium safety law timeline
- Florida Statutes 718.503: Condominium disclosures
- Miami-Dade County: Flood zone maps
The information here is general and was researched on October 6, 2026, so please verify the details with the city, the association and your attorney.
