Infamous "Animal House" Brickell condo cited for illegal hotel operations

Miami code inspectors cited The Club at Brickell Bay after alleging the condo tower is operating as an unpermitted hotel, a move that escalates the city’s crackdown on hundreds of illegal short-term rentals tied to the infamous “Animal House” building. The citation, issued Tuesday night to the condo association board and its attorney, requires compliance within 10 days or a possible code enforcement hearing tentatively set for Dec. 9 at Miami City Hall, the Miami Herald reported. Fines could reach $5,000 per day. About 500 of 643 units in the 43-story tower at 1200 Brickell Bay Drive have reportedly been converted since 2020. Residents complained of disruptions and safety and regulatory issues. Rentals under 30 days require certificates, licenses and permits, and buildings using more than 25% for short-term stays must be reclassified as transient lodging.