Long Beach, Mississippi Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview

Short-term rentals are permitted in Long Beach, Mississippi. The city has established a regulatory framework for residential short-term rentals through municipal ordinances. As of October 27, 2016, Long Beach adopted specific regulations governing STR operations within city limits, with subsequent amendments to refine the requirements.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Long Beach?

Long Beach hosts earn a median $25,053/year with $193 ADR and 52% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $35,041+ per year.

See the full Long Beach market breakdown

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Long Beach, MS

Step 1: Initial Assessment

Verify Property Eligibility: Confirm your property qualifies as a residential dwelling under city zoning ordinances
Review Zoning Compliance: Ensure your property is located in a zone that permits short-term rental operations
Assess Insurance Needs: Standard homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover STR activity

Step 2: Business Registration

Register with State: Obtain Mississippi Department of Revenue registration through their Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) system
Local Business License: Apply for required city business licenses through Long Beach City Hall
Entity Formation: Consider establishing an LLC or business structure for liability protection

Step 3: Compliance Setup

Tax Collection System: Implement 7% state sales tax collection from guests
Local Tax Compliance: Verify any additional local lodging taxes with city finance department
Safety Equipment: Install required safety equipment and conduct necessary inspections

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

State-Level Requirements

Mississippi Sales Tax Registration: Required for all STR operators through Mississippi Department of Revenue TAP System
State Income Tax Registration: Annual reporting of STR income

Municipal Requirements (Long Beach, MS)

Short-Term Rental Registration: Compliance with Ordinance #622 and #660
Business License: Through Long Beach City Hall
Property Zoning Verification: Planning Commission approval if required
Fire/Safety Inspections: As mandated by city building codes

Documentation Checklist

Property deed or lease agreement
Proof of property insurance (liability coverage)
Mississippi sales tax registration certificate
Local business license
Safety equipment certification
Guest communication plan
Emergency contact procedures

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Long Beach Regulations

Primary Ordinance Framework:

Ordinance #622 (October 27, 2016): Established residential STR regulations
Ordinance #660: Amended STR provisions in Section 131 of the unified land use ordinance

Key City Requirements:

Zoning Compliance: STRs must comply with residential zoning classifications
Occupancy Limits: Maximum occupancy based on bedroom count and safety standards
Safety Standards: Emergency exits, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers required
Noise Regulations: Quiet hours enforcement per city noise ordinance #463-A
Parking Requirements: Off-street parking provisions per city regulations

County Level (Harrison County)

No specific county-level STR regulations identified beyond standard building and safety codes
County health department may require inspections for larger properties

State of Mississippi Regulations

Tax Obligations:

7% State Sales Tax: Mandatory collection from all STR guests
Local Lodging Taxes: Additional taxes may apply (typically 1-3%)
Income Tax: STR income subject to Mississippi state income tax reporting

State Requirements:

Business Registration: Mississippi Department of Revenue registration mandatory
Platform Compliance: While platforms may collect some taxes, operators remain responsible for full compliance
Insurance Standards: No specific state requirements, but liability coverage highly recommended

Tax Obligations and Reporting

State Sales Tax

Rate: 7% on gross rental receipts
Filing: Through Mississippi DOR TAP system
Frequency: Depends on business volume (monthly/quarterly)
Penalty: Interest and penalties for non-compliance

Local Taxes

Harrison County: Potential additional lodging taxes
City of Long Beach: No specific city lodging tax identified
Reporting: Many local taxes processed through state system

Income Tax Implications

STR income must be reported on Mississippi state income tax returns
Business expense deductions available for legitimate STR expenses
Consider quarterly estimated tax payments

Contact Information

City of Long Beach, MS - STR Authority

City Hall

Address: 201 Jeff Davis Avenue, Long Beach, MS 39560
Phone: 228.863.1556
Website: www.cityoflongbeachms.info

Key Departments:

Building Department: Permits and inspections
City Clerk's Office: Business licenses and registrations
Planning and Development: Zoning compliance and approvals

Mississippi State Authority

Mississippi Department of Revenue

TAP System: https://tap.dor.ms.gov
Business Registration: Online through TAP portal
Tax Reporting: Monthly/quarterly remittance

Harrison County

County Administration: For county-level concerns
Health Department: For health and safety inspections if required

Sources and Links

Municipal Sources

Long Beach Ordinances: City Ordinances Page
- Ordinance #622: Short Term Rentals - Residential (October 27, 2016)
- Ordinance #660: Amend Ordinance #598, Section 131: Short-Term Rentals - Residential
City Website: www.cityoflongbeachms.info

State Sources

Mississippi DOR TAP: Taxpayer Access Point
General STR Information: Mississippi STR Regulations Guide

Additional Resources

Mississippi Department of Revenue: Business tax registration and reporting
Long Beach Building Department: Local permits and inspections
Planning Commission: Zoning approvals and variances

Important Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Regulations frequently change, and investors should consult directly with local authorities and qualified professionals before establishing STR operations. The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, particularly regarding tax collection agreements with major platforms and local zoning restrictions.

Next step

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Ask the AI Advisor about Long Beach

Long Beach is a small coastal city in Harrison County, Mississippi, sitting along the Gulf of Mexico just west of Gulfport and east of Bay St. Louis. With a population of approximately 15,000 to 16,000 residents, it has the feel of a relaxed beach town rather than a busy resort destination, with quiet residential streets giving way to public beachfront and a long working harbor. It is best known as a family-friendly base on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and as a gateway to the chain of barrier islands and national seashore areas that line this stretch of the Gulf. Long Beach lies roughly 90 miles east of New Orleans, a drive of about an hour and a half down the coastal highway, and just a few minutes west of the larger city of Gulfport.

A major draw for visitors is the Gulf Islands National Seashore, whose Mississippi district preserves stretches of natural beach, historic fortifications, and offshore barrier islands. From Long Beach, the mainland portions of the seashore are just a short drive east toward Ocean Springs, while passenger ferries to Ship Island depart from nearby Gulfport, typically about 15 to 20 minutes from the city. The white-sand beaches, calm Gulf waters, and wildlife viewing opportunities make this one of the signature outdoor experiences of the region.

The city itself is anchored by its public beach and the Long Beach Harbor, a working fishing port that doubles as a scenic spot for watching boats and, in season, charter trips into the Gulf. The harbor area is only minutes from the residential core and most short-term rentals, making it easy for guests to combine a beach day with an afternoon stroll along the marina and fishing pier. The town also has a walkable, low-key downtown strip of locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and small galleries that gives the place an unhurried, community feel distinct from the casino-driven energy further east.

A short drive east brings guests to the wider Gulf Coast attractions of Biloxi, with its casino resorts, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, and the beachfront promenade, all within about 20 to 30 minutes. To the west, Bay St. Louis and the artist-oriented Old Town area offer another pleasant half-day outing along the same scenic coastal route. New Orleans, with its full slate of dining, music, and historic neighborhoods, is comfortably close enough for a day trip or an overnight excursion.

For short-term-rental owners, Long Beach offers a compelling combination of small-town character, walkable beach access, and proximity to the broader Mississippi Gulf Coast. Guests get the quiet of a residential coastal community without giving up easy reach to the national seashore, the harbor, and the larger entertainment hubs of Gulfport and Biloxi, all while remaining within a couple of hours of one of the South's most iconic cities.