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

Missouri's Ozarks, Lake of the Ozarks resort corridor, and cities like Kansas City and St. Louis create a diverse and profitable STR landscape for investors. Whether you already own a vacation rental in Missouri or are evaluating your first investment, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential. STR laws in Missouri vary significantly by city and county — and getting compliance wrong can mean fines, forced delistings, or lost income.

This guide covers Missouri'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 Missouri, Awning's property management team operates in Lake of the Ozarks, Branson, and Table Rock Lake and helps hosts stay compliant while maximizing revenue.

How Missouri Defines a Short-Term Rental

For regulatory and tax purposes, a short-term rental in Missouri 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 Missouri Require a Statewide STR License?

Missouri does not require a state-level STR permit. Local jurisdictions govern STR licensing and registration independently.

Missouri Short-Term Rental Taxes

Missouri levies a 4.225% state sales tax on STR income, plus local sales and tourism taxes that vary by city and county. Lake of the Ozarks properties face additional county tourism levies. Airbnb collects and remits 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 Missouri

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

Branson

Branson, one of Missouri's top tourist destinations, requires STR operators to obtain a city business license and collect the city's lodging tax. Properties near Silver Dollar City face high demand and must meet occupancy and safety standards.

Lake of the Ozarks

The unincorporated Lake of the Ozarks area (Camden and Miller counties) has lighter STR regulation, making it highly attractive for investors. Basic business registration and state tax collection are required.

Kansas City

Kansas City requires STR hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental License from the City Planning and Development Department. Non-owner-occupied STRs require an additional Conditional Use Permit in some zones.

Key Questions to Ask Before Listing an STR in Missouri

• 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

Missouri'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 Lake of the Ozarks, Branson, and Table Rock Lake 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 Missouri.