I remember the first time I visited Miami, wide-eyed and blissfully unaware of what a proper tip looked like in South Florida. I had just landed from a sleepy Midwest town where tipping was straightforward: 20% if they were nice, 15% if they forgot your water, and 10% if they ghosted you after delivering the appetizer.
Then I got to Miami. The waiter dropped the check with a smile that said, “Don’t even think about leaving less than 20%,” and the valet guy was already eyeing my wallet before I even stepped out of the Uber.
So, whether you’re just visiting, relocating, or working in the hospitality industry here, let me walk you through what I learned the hard way. This is your unofficial but extremely practical guide to tipping in the Magic City.
Why Tipping in Miami Feels Different
Miami is a melting pot of cultures, with strong influences from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond. In many of those cultures, tipping isn’t customary at all, or it looks very different than in the U.S.
So, when people land in Miami, it’s a bit of a wild west situation: some overtip, some undertip, and some leave coins like it’s 1997. The result is a city where hospitality workers are hyper-aware of tipping norms and where locals tend to tip like it’s part of the rent.
This city is buzzing with opportunity if you’ve got hustle and personality. I know several people who came here with nothing but a suitcase and ended up thriving behind a bar or in a fine dining restaurant. Great service is rewarded here.
So, if you’re looking to jump into the mix and find a solid gig in hospitality, you can find server work in Miami. Just keep in mind that this place is expensive. Rent is high. Inflation is doing its thing. And for a lot of folks in the service industry, the tips are the income.
Restaurants and Cafés
Let’s start where most tipping dilemmas happen: restaurants.
Sit-Down Restaurants
Unless something went terribly wrong, 20% is the baseline. And I don’t mean “they didn’t bring me extra ketchup” wrong; I mean “they vanished for 45 minutes, and I had to drink out of the water pitcher” wrong.
Otherwise, 18–22% is the sweet spot. Some locals even go up to 25% for excellent service, especially in tourist-heavy areas like South Beach or Brickell.
Automatic Gratuity Alert
Some restaurants, especially those in tourist zones, sneak in a 15%–20% service charge. Always check the bill. I learned this after tipping 20% on top of a 20% automatic charge. I basically bought the server a bottle of wine with dinner.
Cafés and Casual Spots
If you’re grabbing coffee or a sandwich, you’ll probably get the iPad swivel, where the cashier turns the screen and looks at you expectantly while the screen flashes $1, $2, or “custom tip.”
I usually go with $1–$2 depending on how complex my order was. If you just ordered a drip coffee and gave zero eye contact, you might get away with skipping it. But if they made your oat milk cortado with a heart-shaped foam pattern, you should probably tip something.
Bars and Nightclubs
This is where the tipping game gets serious. Miami nightlife doesn’t mess around.
Bartenders
The rule of thumb is $1–$2 per drink for beer or wine and $2–$3 for cocktails. But this is Miami, so your mojito probably has muddled mint and a touch of extra showmanship. Tip accordingly.
Bottle Service and VIP Tables
If you’re the kind of person who gets bottle service, you’re probably not sweating the tip. But FYI, it’s often automatically included (18–20%). Still, many people tip on top of that, especially if the service was exceptional or the server made your birthday feel like a movie.
Valets and Coat Check
Valet tipping is expected and essential. $3–$5 is standard, and more if they’re running around during a storm to get your car. And yes, even if the hotel charges for valet, the driver still depends on tips.
Hotels
Hotel staff are like the hidden engine of your vacation, and in Miami, tipping them can go a long way.
Bellhops
Tip $1–$2 per bag, or more if your luggage looks like it could bench press you.
Housekeeping
$3–$5 per night is a good range, and it’s best to leave it daily with a short thank-you note. That way, the person actually cleaning your room gets the tip.
Concierge
If they go above and beyond — like booking you an impossible dinner reservation or scoring last-minute tickets — tip $10–$20. A little appreciation goes a long way in getting that yacht rental to actually show up.
Ubers, Lyfts, and Taxis
If your driver got you through Miami traffic without screaming, that’s already worth a tip.
Ride-share apps usually prompt you to tip after the ride — 15–20% is common, and I go higher if they offered water or candy or didn’t subject me to a 40-minute crypto podcast. For traditional taxis, the same applies.
Delivery Drivers
Whether it’s Uber Eats, DoorDash, or a pizza joint, these folks brave traffic, rain, and the Bermuda Triangle that is Miami’s downtown one-way street system. Tip at least $4–$6 for small orders and more if it’s big, late, or requires climbing stairs.
Salons, Spas, and Grooming
Hair stylists, barbers, nail techs, and massage therapists should all be tipped—typically 18–25%. Even if the owner is doing the service, they still appreciate a tip. And don’t assume luxury = “included.” Ask if gratuity is part of the bill; if not, tip the same as you would in a nice restaurant.
Tour Guides and Excursions
From Everglades airboat rides to Art Deco walking tours, guides rely heavily on tips. $10–$20 per person is typical, more if the guide kept things engaging and fun (or helped you survive an alligator sighting without panic-sweating).
Final Tips
Tipping in Miami might seem a bit intense at first, but once you get the rhythm, it starts to make sense. Here are a few final tips to take away:
Cash is still king in many cases, especially for valets, housekeeping, and tour guides. Keep small bills handy.
Check for service charges before tipping extra. You don’t want to double tip unless it’s intentional.
Be culturally aware. If someone’s from a country where tipping isn’t the norm, they may not expect it, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate it.
Tip even when things go wrong. If the problem wasn’t the server’s fault (like kitchen delays), they shouldn’t be penalized.
Finally, just remember — a few dollars and a smile can make someone’s whole day.
