Surfside Apartment Complexes — Pros & Cons From Real Resident Reviews
6 communities reviewed · Updated Jul 2026
Surfside is a one-square-mile oceanfront town wedged between Bal Harbour and Miami Beach, and its rental housing stock is almost entirely individually-owned condominium units within mid-rise and high-rise towers along Collins Avenue rather than traditional, centrally managed apartment complexes. Renters should expect to work with individual unit owners or their listing agents, and to see real variation in finishes and furnishings from one unit to the next even within the same building.
As of mid-2026, average rent for a one-bedroom unit in Surfside runs around $3,500/month, with studios starting closer to $1,700-$2,000 and larger 2-4 bedroom units climbing well into the five-figure range for the most premium oceanfront residences.
Quick comparison
| Complex | Neighborhood | Beds | Advertised rents | Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean 88 | 1-3 BR | $3,000-$8,000 | 1994 | |
| Ocean 91 | 1 BR | $2,100-$2,250 | 1996 | |
| Surfside Palms | 1-3 BR | $2,175-$5,000 | 2000 | |
| The Carlisle On The Ocean | 1-2 BR | $2,590-$4,700 | 1965 | |
| The Manatee | 1-2 BR | $2,725-$5,900 | 1974 | |
| Waverly at Surfside Beach | 2 BR | $3,400-$10,000 | 2003 |
Rents are approximate, from public listings at review time — confirm with the property.
Other
Florida renter essentials
Renters insurance is not optional here. Most Florida leases require it, and standard policies do NOT cover flood damage — that needs a separate flood policy, even in an apartment. Before signing, look up the building's flood zone on FEMA's flood map service and ask which evacuation zone it sits in.
Ask about the real monthly cost. The most common complaint in Florida apartment reviews isn't noise — it's fee stacking: valet trash, common-area electric, mandatory bulk internet, pest control, admin and tech fees. Get the full itemized monthly figure in writing before you apply.
Tour with the AC running and ask about hurricanes. Humidity control is the difference between a fine unit and a moldy one; ask how old the AC is. And ask directly how the building handled the last major storm — communities that performed well say so happily, and reviewers call out the ones that didn't.
Moving to Surfside?
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