Yes—short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Gulfport, MS, but only with a valid short‑term rental permit issued by the City. A proposed ordinance is in place requiring hosts to obtain the permit through the City’s Department of Urban Development, carry liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence/$1,000,000 aggregate, meet specific safety and signage requirements, adhere to zoning and deed restrictions, and collect and remit all applicable taxes and fees. Source: Gulfport short-term rental ordinance (PDF) and Proper Insurance Mississippi STR page (Gulfport section).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Gulfport, MS

• Verify zoning and deed/HOA covenants: Confirm the property is located in a zone where STRs are permitted and that no deed restriction, homeowner association covenant, or similar rule prohibits STR operation. Source: Proper Insurance.

• Apply for the STR permit: Submit a short‑term rental permit application to the Department of Urban Development. Under the proposed rules, the permit may only be issued to the property owner. Source: Proper Insurance.

• Secure required insurance: Obtain liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence/$1,000,000 aggregate that covers the STR premises. Verify that your homeowners policy does not exclude short‑term rental activities, and consider a specialized STR policy. Sources: Proper Insurance and Mississippi Insurance Department Quick Guide.

• Install and maintain safety equipment: Equip the property with a portable fire extinguisher (maintained, charged, annually inspected by the host, serviced every five years, and installed visibly/accessible) and a functioning carbon monoxide detector. Sources: Proper Insurance.

• Register for taxes: Register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue to collect and remit applicable taxes (see State-Level Tax Obligations section below). Maintain accurate records of rental income, fees, and tax remittances. Sources: RedAwning Mississippi STR overview and Home Team Luxury Rentals Mississippi compliance guide.

• Establish local management and signage: Designate a local contact who can respond 24/7 to issues and prominently display the required permit information inside the property. Source: Proper Insurance.

• Maintain records and compliance: Keep permits, insurance certificates, safety inspection/maintenance logs, tax filings, and guest records; make them available for inspection. Sources: Proper Insurance.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits and Licensing

• Short‑term rental permit issued by the City of Gulfport (Department of Urban Development). Source: Proper Insurance.
• Permit can be issued only to the property owner. Source: Proper Insurance.

Insurance

• Minimum liability insurance: $500,000 per occurrence / $1,000,000 aggregate covering the STR premises. Source: Proper Insurance.

Safety and Compliance

• Fire extinguisher: Properly maintained and charged, annually inspected by the permittee, serviced every five years by an approved company, installed visibly and accessibly. Source: Proper Insurance.
• Carbon monoxide detector: Functioning and installed as required. Source: Proper Insurance.
• Signage: Prominently display the information required by ordinance inside the rental property. Source: Proper Insurance.

Tax Registration

• Mississippi Department of Revenue registration for sales tax on lodging; collect and remit applicable state and local taxes. Sources: RedAwning and Home Team Luxury Rentals.

Operational Compliance

• Compliance with zoning, deed restrictions, HOA covenants, and any other applicable rules. Source: Proper Insurance.
• Collect and remit all applicable charges, taxes, and fees to the appropriate governmental entity. Source: Proper Insurance.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Gulfport, MS

Ownership and Permit Eligibility

• Permits may be issued only to the property owner. Source: Proper Insurance.

Insurance Requirements

• Maintain minimum liability coverage of $500,000 per occurrence / $1,000,000 aggregate. Source: Proper Insurance.

Safety Standards

• Portable fire extinguisher maintained, charged, annually inspected, serviced every five years, and installed in a visible/accessible location. Source: Proper Insurance.
• Functioning carbon monoxide detector. Source: Proper Insurance.

Signage and Information

• Prominently display permit information and other required details inside the property. Source: Proper Insurance.

Zoning and Covenants

• Operation must not violate applicable zoning or any deed restriction, subdivision/HOA/property owner association covenant, or similar rule. Source: Proper Insurance.

Taxes

• Collect and remit all applicable taxes and fees to the appropriate entity; registration with the Mississippi Department of Revenue is typically required for lodging sales tax. Sources: Proper Insurance, RedAwning, and Home Team Luxury Rentals.

Enforcement Context

• The City relies on permit issuance and these standards as the primary regulatory framework. Source: Proper Insurance.

Notes and Interpretation

• The referenced ordinance is presented as a proposal by the cited source; while the City of Gulfport’s site and PDF are provided as the authoritative link, investors should confirm the current status and any adopted amendments with the City before operating.

State-Level Regulations for Mississippi (When City Rules Are Unavailable)

State-Level Tax Obligations

• State sales tax: 7% sales tax generally applies to short-term rentals (stays under 30 days). Register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue (TAP) to collect and remit. Sources: RedAwning and Home Team Luxury Rentals.
• Local lodging/tourism taxes: Many cities/counties add local lodging or tourism taxes; verify rates and remittance procedures with local authorities. Sources: RedAwning and Home Team Luxury Rentals.

State-Level Licensing

• Mississippi does not impose a dedicated statewide STR license. Licensing/permitting is handled locally (by cities/counties). Sources: RedAwning and Home Team Luxury Rentals.

Insurance Guidance

• Standard homeowners policies often exclude short‑term rental activity; consider specialized STR coverage. Source: Mississippi Insurance Department Quick Guide.

Local Authority Contact Information (Gulfport, MS)

City of Gulfport – Department of Urban Development (STR permitting)

• Phone: [To be confirmed with the City]
• Email: [To be confirmed with the City]
• Website: City of Gulfport – Short-Term Rental Ordinance (PDF)

Mississippi Department of Revenue (tax registration and remittance)

• Website: Mississippi Department of Revenue – Taxpayer Access Point (TAP)
• Registration link (via TAP portal): Mississippi DOR TAP Registration

Mississippi Insurance Department (homeowners/liability insurance guidance)

• Website: Mississippi Insurance Department – Consumer Quick Guide to Home Insurance (PDF)

Note: Because contact details are not provided in the referenced sources above, investors should verify current permitting contacts and phone numbers with the City of Gulfport and the Department of Urban Development directly using the City’s website and PDF.

Source Pages (Links)

• Gulfport short-term rental ordinance (PDF) – City of Gulfport
• Airbnb Laws in Mississippi (Gulfport section) – Proper Insurance
• Mississippi Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Regulations – RedAwning
• Mississippi STR Regulations: A Compliance Guide – Home Team Luxury Rentals
• Mississippi Insurance Department – Consumer Quick Guide to Home Insurance (PDF)

Investor Checklist (Actionable Summary)

1. Confirm zoning/HOA allowance; 2) Apply for the Gulfport STR permit (owner‑only); 3) Secure $500k/$1M liability coverage and STR‑capable insurance; 4) Install fire extinguisher and CO detector; 5) Register for MS sales tax; 6) Designate a 24/7 local contact; 7) Display required signage and permit info; 8) Maintain and produce compliance records; 9) Monitor ordinance updates and renew permits on time. Sources as cited above.