What should Gulfport hosts know about owner-only: renters cannot host; permits?

Owner-Only: Renters cannot host; permits are only for the property owner.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Gulfport?

R-1 Restrictions: Operating in R-1 zones is strictly limited to owner-occupied primary residences.

Are there rental limits in Gulfport?

Density Caps: Mixed-use districts (MUR) may limit STRs to 25% of total residential units.

What are the key requirements for Gulfport hosts?

Local Contact: You must designate a local manager who resides in Harrison, Hancock, or Jackson County and is available 24/7.

What should Gulfport hosts know about strict safety: inspections are rigorous?

Strict Safety: Inspections are rigorous regarding annual fire extinguisher certifications.

Gulfport

Strict

STRs Allowed

MississippiLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

50%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 9, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals in Gulfport are defined as stays of less than 30 days occurring more than three times per year, requiring a city permit and compliance with specific zoning and safety standards.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 38 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Owner-occupied required
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Gulfport, you must obtain a specific permit from the Department of Urban Development and a privilege business license. You are generally restricted to commercial and high-density districts; most single-family residential zones (R-1) require you to live on-site as your primary residence. All properties must pass a safety inspection and carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Owner-Only: Renters cannot host; permits are only for the property owner.
2.R-1 Restrictions: Operating in R-1 zones is strictly limited to owner-occupied primary residences.
3.Density Caps: Mixed-use districts (MUR) may limit STRs to 25% of total residential units.
4.Local Contact: You must designate a local manager who resides in Harrison, Hancock, or Jackson County and is available 24/7.
5.Strict Safety: Inspections are rigorous regarding annual fire extinguisher certifications.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Gulfport prohibits STRs in the following property types: Mobile homes, Travel trailers, Tents, RV.
•Gulfport: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Gulfport: Owner-Only: Renters cannot host; permits are only for the property owner.
•Gulfport: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Gulfport: 1. Owner-Only: Renters cannot host; permits are only for the property owner. 2. R-1 Restrictions: Operating in R-1 zones is strictly limited to owner-occupied primary residences. 3. Density Caps: Mixed-use districts (MUR) may limit STRs to 25% of total residential units. 4. Local Contact: You must designate a local manager who resides in Harrison, Hancock, or Jackson County and is available 24/7. 5. Strict Safety: Inspections are rigorous regarding annual fire extinguisher certifications.

Application Process(9)

•Gulfport STR permit - Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility. Consult the official Gulfport Zoning Map and Department of Urban Development to ensure the property is in an allowed district. Time: 1-3 days.

Taxes(2)

•Gulfport charges a Municipal and Tourism Tax of 0.05%. This applies to stays under 90 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally remit the 7% state tax and 5% local taxes, but hosts must still register with MDOR.
•Mississippi has a state sales tax of 0.07% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Gulfport occupancy calculation: Determined by building code and fire safety inspection based on square footage and bedroom count.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Gulfport: R-1 Restrictions: Operating in R-1 zones is strictly limited to owner-occupied primary residences.
•Gulfport: Density Caps: Mixed-use districts (MUR) may limit STRs to 25% of total residential units.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Gulfport: Strict Safety: Inspections are rigorous regarding annual fire extinguisher certifications.

Penalties(2)

•Gulfport enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: License revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Gulfport: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Other Mississippi Markets

Pass Christian

Mississippi

Moderate

Pass Christian requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit and pass a safety inspection. Stays under 30 days are subject to a combined 9% tax (7% state sales tax and 2% Harrison County tourism tax).

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Hattiesburg

Mississippi

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Hattiesburg are strictly regulated under Ordinance No. 3376, requiring city registration, local property management, and adherence to a citywide 2.5% density cap.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Biloxi

Mississippi

Moderate

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Jackson

Mississippi

Prohibited

Jackson regulates short-term rentals through a mandatory permit system that distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner occupied properties, with specific zoning restrictions.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Gulfport

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(9)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Mississippi Markets

Pass Christian

Hattiesburg

Biloxi

Jackson

Gulfport

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit in Gulfport?

Related Content

Other Mississippi Markets

Pass Christian

Hattiesburg

Biloxi

Jackson