Temporary Housing

Persons being assigned to U.S. Southern Command have to make their own hotel, travel and vehicle reservations unless the reservations are made by the losing installation travel office or the sponsor. Sponsors can provide listings of hotels, car rental agencies and airport information to help make the transition to Miami and USSOUTHCOM a success.

Miami-area hotels with airport shuttle service require that you call from the baggage claim area on the local transportation phones located throughout the airports. The hotel shuttles usually arrive within 15 to 30 minutes of your call, depending on the time and date. Most major car rental agencies are located at or have pickup points at the airports.

There are two major airports that most people coming to Miami use. The Miami International Airport is located approximately 10 miles from USSOUTHCOM headquarters. The Fort Lauderdale International Airport is located approximately 30 miles from USSOUTHCOM headquarters. There are advantages and disadvantages to using either one. When making your choice, consider the cost of the ticket, the airlines that service the airport and where you have made your hotel reservations.

Most hotels require check-in prior to 4:30 p.m. A credit card number is required if you want to check in later than 4:30 p.m. Many area hotels have non-smoking and smoking rooms available. Remember to make your preference known when making your reservations or you will get what is available at the time of check-in.

The government per diem rate for Miami varies according season of year. Anyone traveling on official government business in Florida is exempt from the 12.5% state and local tax if proper documentation is provided to the hotel at the time of check-in. Ask your sponsor to pick up a copy of the tax-exempt form from the United States Army Garrison-Miami Housing Office and email it to you. Some hotels will allow you to present the form after check-in provided you tell them that you are military and plan to provide the form at the earliest date possible. Be sure to advise the reservation clerk that you want the military or USSOUTHCOM rate. If you are reporting in during the high tourist season, this rate may not be available.

Temporary Lodging Expense

TLE allowance is intended to partially offset the cost of lodging and meals when members need to occupy temporary lodgings in the continental United States in conjunction with a permanent change of station move. TLE allowance is payable after arrival in the area of the permanent duty station or designated place within CONUS when per diem is not otherwise payable.

Temporary lodgings for which TLE is authorized must be a temporary place of residence, such as a hotel or motel. When both spouses are active duty, each is entitled to TLE. This entitlement exists whether or not temporary lodgings are used jointly or separately. Each member may be paid or reimbursed up to a maximum of $180 per day. A service member cannot be considered a family member for TLE payment.

Only one member can claim the same family members for TLE purposes. TLE is authorized for a maximum of 10 days with a PCS move in CONUS. Members may choose to split the days between the old duty station and Miami because of the high cost of living here in Miami. It is recommended that you use the majority of the entitlement here.

Personnel cannot be reimbursed more than $180 per day for TLE. This applies if the member and family members occupy temporary lodgings on the same or different days. Receipts for lodging are required to support lodging costs. When a service member and/or family member stays with a friend or relative, lodging cost for that day is zero. TLE is authorized for meals only.

The U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Army Garrison-Miami do not have temporary lodging facilities.

Transient military housing is not available upon relocation to USSOUTHCOM. For assistance with information on local hotels or extended stay lodging services, please contact the Housing Office at 305-437-2664/2670/2636.

Service members are required to report to the Housing Services Office at their existing and new duty stations before making arrangements to rent, lease or purchase off-post housing. Service members are further advised not to send monetary deposits for housing prior to contacting the Housing Office at 305-437-2664/2670/2636.