Short-Term Rentals in Gulfport, MS: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Gulfport or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Gulfport has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Permit Requirements

Gulfport MS manages STR demand from Gulf Coast beach tourism and casino visitors. Port of Gulfport cruise ship passengers and beach vacationers drive rental demand especially during summer months.

Key details: Beach: Gulf Coast tourism. Cruise: Port passengers. Casinos: Visitor overflow. License: Business registration.

Operating without permit: $250 to $500 fine. Daily fines of $100 to $250 for continued operation. Business license revocation possible for repeat violations.

Occupancy Limits

Gulfport requires every STR permit application to declare the maximum number of persons the property will accommodate. The City reviews that figure against bedroom count and life-safety standards. Mississippi has no statewide STR occupancy cap, so Gulfport's permit-declared maximum is the binding limit.

Key details: Authority: Gulfport STR Ordinance (Dept. of Urban Development). Permit: Required before any STR operation. Declared Maximum: Set on application, becomes binding cap. Liability Insurance: $500,000 per occurrence / $1M aggregate minimum. Outside STR Zones: Min. 1-month stays, max 3 per year.

Exceeding the permit-declared occupancy, failing to post house rules, or operating without a permit may result in permit denial, suspension or revocation by the Department of Urban Development, plus enforcement citations. Insurance lapses below the $500,000 per occurrence minimum can also void the permit.

Parking Rules

Gulfport's short-term rental ordinance, adopted by the City Council and administered by the Department of Urban Development, requires every STR permit application to include a written parking plan. On-street parking near Casino Row, the Gulfport beach, and historic neighborhoods is regulated separately by Code of Ordinances Chapter 19 (Traffic).

Key details: Authority: City of Gulfport STR Ordinance + LDO. Administered By: Dept. of Urban Development. Address: 1410 24th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501. Permit Phone: (228) 868-5710. Required Submittal: Written parking plan with application.

Operating an STR without an approved parking plan, allowing guests to block sidewalks or fire lanes, or violating posted on-street parking signage may trigger denial or revocation of the STR permit by the Department of Urban Development plus traffic citations under Chapter 19.

Noise Rules

Gulfport applies standard noise ordinance rules to short-term rental properties. STR operators are responsible for ensuring guests comply with local quiet hours.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM. Operator Liability: Yes, for guest noise. Strike Policy: 3 strikes typical. House Rules: Must be posted.

First offense: warning to operator. Second offense: $200 to $500 fine. Third offense: permit suspension or revocation. Operators liable for guest violations.

Taxes & Fees

Gulfport requires STR operators to collect and remit Mississippi sales tax and local tourism taxes. MS Code Ann. §27-65-23 governs accommodation tax collection.

Key details: State Sales Tax: 7%. Local Tourism Tax: 1%-3% varies. Registration: MS Dept of Revenue. Authority: MS Code Ann. §27-65-23.

Failure to collect taxes: back taxes plus 10% penalty. MS DOR may assess additional fines. Interest accrues on unpaid taxes. Business license may be suspended.

The Bottom Line

Gulfport's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Gulfport is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Gulfport's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.