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

**Yes**, you need a Short-Term Rental permit to operate legally in Biloxi. The permit fee is $100. You also need a business license and must pass a fire safety inspection. Short-term rentals are primarily allowed in commercial, multi-family, and waterfront zones, but are prohibited in most single-family residential districts.

What is the TOT tax rate in Biloxi?

**5% TOT** is the current tax rate for short-term rentals in Biloxi. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it to the city. Be sure to keep accurate records of all transactions. Tax rates vary; check with the city's finance department for the most up-to-date information.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Biloxi?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are permitted in Biloxi, but with restrictions. They are primarily allowed in commercial, multi-family, and waterfront zones. However, short-term rentals are prohibited in most single-family residential (RS) zones. You need to verify your property's zoning designation before operating a short-term rental to ensure compliance.

How much does an STR permit cost in Biloxi?

**$100** is the fee for the Short-Term Rental permit in Biloxi. You must obtain this permit to legally operate a short-term rental within the city limits. In addition to the permit, you also need a business license and must pass a fire safety inspection to ensure guest safety.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Biloxi?

**No**, tenants in Biloxi are not permitted to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms. Only property owners are allowed to obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate a short-term rental. Check with the city's planning and zoning department for further clarification of these rules and regulations.

Biloxi

Moderate

MississippiUpdated Apr 14, 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

Short-term rentals are permitted in the City of Biloxi primarily in commercial, multi-family, and waterfront zones, while they remain prohibited in most single-family residential districts (RS zones). Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental permit, a business license, and pass a fire safety inspection.

Restriction level

Severity 18

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

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 Biloxi, you must first ensure your property is in a permitted zoning district, as STRs are generally banned in quiet, single-family residential neighborhoods. If your zone allows it, you'll need to pass a fire inspection, get a city business license, and pay a $100 annual permit fee. You are required to have a local contact person available 24/7 to respond to complaints within one hour, and your total guest count is limited based on the number of bedrooms you have.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$100

Processing time3-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1STRs are strictly prohibited in RS-5, RS-7.5, and RS-10 single-family zones.
2You must have a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond to the property within 1 hour.
3Off-street parking is mandatory; you cannot rely on street parking to meet requirements.
4A fire inspection is required before the permit is issued.
5The 5% tourism tax is in addition to the 7% state sales tax, totaling 12%.
6Maximum occupancy is strictly enforced at 2 people per bedroom plus 2, capped at 10.
7Failure to post your permit number in your online listing can lead to fines.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility10 rules

Biloxi does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
Biloxi: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Biloxi does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements19 rules

Biloxi STR warning: The 5% tourism tax is in addition to the 7% state sales tax, totaling 12%.
Biloxi, MS has different permit classes: Standard Short-Term Rental. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.
Biloxi, MS: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application process11 rules

Biloxi STR permit - Step 3: Business License. Apply for a City of Biloxi Privilege (Business) License. Required documents: Business License Application. Time: 1 week. Cost: 20.
Biloxi STR permit - Step 1: Zoning Verification. Confirm your property is in a zone that allows STR (Multi-family or Commercial zones). Single-family residential (RS) zones are generally prohibited. Time: 1 day.

Fees & costs1 rule

Biloxi charges a registration fee of $100 (annual).

Taxes3 rules

Biloxi charges a Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 7% state tax and 5% local tax in Mississippi.
Biloxi: The 5% tourism tax is in addition to the 7% state sales tax, totaling 12%.
Mississippi has a state sales tax of 7% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Biloxi, MS occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, up to a maximum of 10 people.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Biloxi occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, up to a maximum of 10 people.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements2 rules

Biloxi: A fire inspection is required before the permit is issued.
Biloxi requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Interconnected smoke alarms required, Egress windows must meet building code.

Penalties6 rules

Biloxi: Failure to post your permit number in your online listing can lead to fines.
Biloxi: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions3 rules

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

Biloxi

Moderate

MississippiUpdated Apr 14, 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 18

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

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$100

Processing time3-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1STRs are strictly prohibited in RS-5, RS-7.5, and RS-10 single-family zones.
2You must have a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond to the property within 1 hour.
3Off-street parking is mandatory; you cannot rely on street parking to meet requirements.
4A fire inspection is required before the permit is issued.
5The 5% tourism tax is in addition to the 7% state sales tax, totaling 12%.
6Maximum occupancy is strictly enforced at 2 people per bedroom plus 2, capped at 10.
7Failure to post your permit number in your online listing can lead to fines.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility10 rules

Biloxi does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
Biloxi: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Biloxi does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements19 rules

Biloxi STR warning: The 5% tourism tax is in addition to the 7% state sales tax, totaling 12%.
Biloxi, MS has different permit classes: Standard Short-Term Rental. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.
Biloxi, MS: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application process11 rules

Biloxi STR permit - Step 3: Business License. Apply for a City of Biloxi Privilege (Business) License. Required documents: Business License Application. Time: 1 week. Cost: 20.
Biloxi STR permit - Step 1: Zoning Verification. Confirm your property is in a zone that allows STR (Multi-family or Commercial zones). Single-family residential (RS) zones are generally prohibited. Time: 1 day.

Fees & costs1 rule

Biloxi charges a registration fee of $100 (annual).

Taxes3 rules

Biloxi charges a Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 7% state tax and 5% local tax in Mississippi.
Biloxi: The 5% tourism tax is in addition to the 7% state sales tax, totaling 12%.
Mississippi has a state sales tax of 7% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Biloxi, MS occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, up to a maximum of 10 people.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Biloxi occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, up to a maximum of 10 people.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements2 rules

Biloxi: A fire inspection is required before the permit is issued.
Biloxi requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Interconnected smoke alarms required, Egress windows must meet building code.

Penalties6 rules

Biloxi: Failure to post your permit number in your online listing can lead to fines.
Biloxi: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions3 rules

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Biloxi?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Biloxi?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Biloxi?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Biloxi?

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 Biloxi?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Biloxi?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Biloxi?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Biloxi?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Biloxi?

Disclaimer