Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Frankfort?

**Yes**, Frankfort requires a Short-Term Rental Permit for all short-term rentals. You need to obtain an annual permit, which also requires a fire safety inspection. This permit ensures compliance with local regulations and helps maintain safety standards for guests staying in your property.

What is the TOT tax rate in Frankfort?

**5% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Frankfort. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it to the city. Check with the city's finance department for specific instructions on how to collect and remit this tax.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Frankfort?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Frankfort, but with restrictions. Stays are limited to properties in specific residential zones, so you need to verify your property's zoning status. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are strictly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals in Frankfort.

How much does an STR permit cost in Frankfort?

**$500** is the annual fee for a Short-Term Rental Permit in Frankfort. You need to pay this fee to the city to legally operate a short-term rental. Additionally, you are required to undergo a fire safety inspection as part of the permit process.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Frankfort?

**No**, renters cannot host on Airbnb in Frankfort. The short-term rental regulations require that the property is owned by the host. Renters are not permitted to sublet or operate short-term rentals on properties they do not own, per city regulations.

Frankfort

Moderate

MichiganUpdated Mar 31, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

The City of Frankfort requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit and undergo a fire safety inspection. Stays are limited to properties in specific residential zones, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are strictly prohibited from being used as STRs.

Restriction level

Severity 33

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

High permit fee: $500
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Frankfort, you must first ensure your home is in an allowed zone and is not an ADU. You will need to apply for a permit through the city's online portal, pay a $500 annual fee, and pass a fire safety inspection. Additionally, you must register with Benzie County to pay the 5% lodging tax and collect the 6% state use tax. Always display your permit number on your listing to avoid heavy fines.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$500

Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1ADUs are strictly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.
2The maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 10 guests, regardless of home size.
3A 2-night minimum stay is required for all short-term rentals.
4You must provide at least two off-street parking spaces for guests.
5The permit fee is significant ($500) and must be renewed every year.
6Failure to register with the County for the 5% tax can lead to city permit denial.
7Outdoor quiet hours start at 10:00 PM and are strictly enforced.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility9 rules

Frankfort: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Frankfort allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Two-family dwellings.
Frankfort does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Frankfort: ADUs are strictly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.

Requirements20 rules

Frankfort STR warning: The maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 10 guests, regardless of home size.
Frankfort STR warning: The permit fee is significant ($500) and must be renewed every year.
Frankfort: You must provide at least two off-street parking spaces for guests.
Frankfort STR warning: You must provide at least two off-street parking spaces for guests.

Application process11 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Frankfort: Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility - Confirm your property is located within the R-1, R-2, R-3, or Main Street districts and is not an ADU. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.frankfort-mi.gov/document_center/Planning/Zoning%20Ordinance%20-%20Clean%20version%2009-21-2021.pdf Step 2: Register for Benzie County Lodging Tax - Obtain your tax identification number from the Benzie County Treasurer. Documents needed: County Tax Registration Form. Estimated time: 3-5 days. More info: https://www.benzieco.net/departments/treasurer/index.php Step 3: Submit City Permit Application - Complete the online application via the Gov-Easy portal including site and floor plans. Documents needed: Floor plan, Site plan, Proof of Insurance. Estimated time: 14 days. Cost: 500. More info: https://frankfortmi.gov-easy.com/short-term-rentals Step 4: Pass Fire Safety Inspection - Schedule and pass a safety inspection by the Frankfort Fire Department. Estimated time: 7 days.

Fees & costs2 rules

Frankfort: The permit fee is significant ($500) and must be renewed every year.
Frankfort charges a registration fee of $500 (annual).

Taxes3 rules

Frankfort charges a Benzie County Lodging Excise Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the Michigan 6% Use Tax; however, the Benzie County 5% tax often requires manual host remittance unless specifically collected by the platform.

Limits & restrictions8 rules

Frankfort limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Frankfort enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
Frankfort occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Frankfort: The maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 10 guests, regardless of home size.

Safety requirements1 rule

Frankfort requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows must meet code, Property must have at least two off-street parking spaces.

Penalties3 rules

Frankfort: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Frankfort enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $1,000 fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $500. Maximum fine: Unspecified. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions3 rules

Frankfort, MI: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Frankfort exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
Frankfort: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Frankfort

Moderate

MichiganUpdated Mar 31, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 33

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

High permit fee: $500
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$500

Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1ADUs are strictly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.
2The maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 10 guests, regardless of home size.
3A 2-night minimum stay is required for all short-term rentals.
4You must provide at least two off-street parking spaces for guests.
5The permit fee is significant ($500) and must be renewed every year.
6Failure to register with the County for the 5% tax can lead to city permit denial.
7Outdoor quiet hours start at 10:00 PM and are strictly enforced.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility9 rules

Frankfort: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Frankfort allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Two-family dwellings.
Frankfort does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Frankfort: ADUs are strictly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.

Requirements20 rules

Frankfort STR warning: The maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 10 guests, regardless of home size.
Frankfort STR warning: The permit fee is significant ($500) and must be renewed every year.
Frankfort: You must provide at least two off-street parking spaces for guests.
Frankfort STR warning: You must provide at least two off-street parking spaces for guests.

Application process11 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Frankfort: Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility - Confirm your property is located within the R-1, R-2, R-3, or Main Street districts and is not an ADU. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.frankfort-mi.gov/document_center/Planning/Zoning%20Ordinance%20-%20Clean%20version%2009-21-2021.pdf Step 2: Register for Benzie County Lodging Tax - Obtain your tax identification number from the Benzie County Treasurer. Documents needed: County Tax Registration Form. Estimated time: 3-5 days. More info: https://www.benzieco.net/departments/treasurer/index.php Step 3: Submit City Permit Application - Complete the online application via the Gov-Easy portal including site and floor plans. Documents needed: Floor plan, Site plan, Proof of Insurance. Estimated time: 14 days. Cost: 500. More info: https://frankfortmi.gov-easy.com/short-term-rentals Step 4: Pass Fire Safety Inspection - Schedule and pass a safety inspection by the Frankfort Fire Department. Estimated time: 7 days.

Fees & costs2 rules

Frankfort: The permit fee is significant ($500) and must be renewed every year.
Frankfort charges a registration fee of $500 (annual).

Taxes3 rules

Frankfort charges a Benzie County Lodging Excise Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the Michigan 6% Use Tax; however, the Benzie County 5% tax often requires manual host remittance unless specifically collected by the platform.

Limits & restrictions8 rules

Frankfort limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Frankfort enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
Frankfort occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Frankfort: The maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 10 guests, regardless of home size.

Safety requirements1 rule

Frankfort requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows must meet code, Property must have at least two off-street parking spaces.

Penalties3 rules

Frankfort: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Frankfort enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $1,000 fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $500. Maximum fine: Unspecified. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions3 rules

Frankfort, MI: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Frankfort exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
Frankfort: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Frankfort?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Frankfort?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Frankfort?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Frankfort?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Frankfort?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Frankfort?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Frankfort?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Frankfort?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Frankfort?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Frankfort?

Disclaimer