Mississippi Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Regulations (2026 Guide)

Mississippi's Gulf Coast, the Mississippi River corridor, and historic cities like Natchez attract a growing number of vacation rental guests seeking Southern culture and natural scenery. Whether you already own a vacation rental in Mississippi or are evaluating your first investment, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential. STR laws in Mississippi vary significantly by city and county — and getting compliance wrong can mean fines, forced delistings, or lost income.

This guide covers Mississippi's approach to short-term rental regulation at the state level, then breaks down the rules in key markets investors and hosts need to know. Regulations as of 2026 — always verify current rules directly with your local municipality before listing.

If you'd like help navigating STR compliance in Mississippi, Awning's property management team operates in Biloxi, Gulf Shores access points, and Natchez and helps hosts stay compliant while maximizing revenue.

How Mississippi Defines a Short-Term Rental

For regulatory and tax purposes, a short-term rental in Mississippi is generally defined as a residential property rented for 30 consecutive days or fewer. Any rental longer than this threshold is typically treated as a long-term rental and subject to different rules.

Does Mississippi Require a Statewide STR License?

Mississippi does not impose statewide STR licensing requirements. Individual cities and counties govern STR operations independently.

Mississippi Short-Term Rental Taxes

Mississippi charges a 7% state sales tax on STR income. Gulf Coast properties are also subject to county lodging taxes that vary by jurisdiction. Airbnb collects and remits Mississippi state sales tax automatically.

Regardless of which booking platform you use, it is your responsibility as a host to ensure all applicable taxes are collected and remitted correctly. Failure to comply can result in penalties, back taxes, and potential loss of your ability to operate.

STR Regulations by City in Mississippi

Below are the key STR markets in Mississippi and their current regulatory requirements. City regulations change frequently — check with your local planning or licensing department for the most current rules before investing.

Biloxi

Biloxi requires STR operators to obtain a city business license and comply with local zoning regulations. Properties along the beachfront must meet additional safety and occupancy standards enforced by the city.

Natchez

Natchez, a historic tourism destination, has implemented STR registration requirements to manage the growing number of vacation rentals in its historic district. Hosts must comply with preservation guidelines alongside standard licensing.

Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs requires STR registration and compliance with local zoning. The city has grown in popularity with remote workers and arts travelers, increasing STR demand and prompting tighter local oversight.

Key Questions to Ask Before Listing an STR in Mississippi

• Does your city or county require an STR permit or license?
• Are there caps on the number of STR permits in your neighborhood or zone?
• Is your property owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied — and does that distinction affect your eligibility?
• What occupancy, noise, and parking rules apply to your specific property?
• Which taxes are you responsible for collecting and remitting vs. what the platform handles?
• Does your HOA or condo association allow short-term rentals?

The Bottom Line

Mississippi's STR regulatory environment ranges from investor-friendly rural counties to tightly regulated resort towns and urban cores. Understanding the specific rules in your target market — not just at the state level — is what determines whether your rental operates smoothly or faces costly disruptions.

Staying on top of changing regulations is one of the most valuable things a professional property manager brings to your operation. Awning manages short-term rentals in Biloxi, Gulf Shores access points, and Natchez and monitors local regulatory changes so you don't have to. Reach out to learn how we can help you operate compliantly and profitably in Mississippi.