Permit Requirements: Hernando vs Southaven
How do permit requirements rules compare between Hernando, MS and Southaven, MS?
Hernando and Southaven have similar restriction levels.
Hernando, MS
Desoto County
Hernando requires a business license for short-term rental operations. The city's residential character near the Courthouse Square and Arkabutla Lake access makes STR oversight a growing priority.
View full Hernando rules →Southaven, MS
Desoto County
Southaven does not maintain a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance. Hosts must obtain a City of Southaven business privilege license from the City Clerk under Title V (Business Regulations), with a $20 annual fee for home-based businesses. Mississippi state sales tax of 7% applies to short-term lodging under Miss. Code Ann. §27-65-23, and applicable local tourism or hotel/motel taxes are collected by the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
View full Southaven rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hernando | Southaven |
|---|---|---|
| License Required | Business license | - |
| Zoning Check | Required | - |
| Renewal | Annual | - |
| Local Contact | Required | - |
| Local Permit | - | City business privilege license required |
| Home-Based Fee | - | $20 per year |
| Issuing Office | - | City Clerk, (662) 280-6554 |
| State Sales Tax | - | 7% (Miss. Code Ann. §27-65) |
| Hotel/Motel Definition | - | Miss. Code Ann. §27-65-23.1 |
| Dedicated STR Ordinance | - | None as of 2026 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hernando FAQ
Do I need a permit for Airbnb?
Most Hernando municipalities require at minimum a business license. Check with Hernando city clerk for specific STR permit requirements.
Is there a state STR law?
Mississippi does not have comprehensive statewide STR legislation. Regulation is handled at the local level by Hernando.
Southaven FAQ
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Southaven, MS?
Yes. While Southaven has no dedicated STR ordinance, the city requires a business privilege license from the City Clerk for any business activity, including a home-based short-term rental. The home-based license fee is $20 per year. Contact the City Clerk at (662) 280-6554.
What taxes do I owe on a Southaven short-term rental?
Mississippi imposes a 7% statewide sales tax on lodging under Miss. Code Ann. §27-65, collected by the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Additional local tourism or hotel/motel taxes may apply if Southaven or DeSoto County has enacted them under Miss. Code Ann. §27-65-23.1. Confirm whether your booking platform remits state sales tax on your behalf.
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