Permit Requirements: Moss Point vs Ocean Springs
How do permit requirements rules compare between Moss Point, MS and Ocean Springs, MS?
Moss Point has fewer restrictions than Ocean Springs.
Moss Point, MS
Jackson County
Moss Point may require registration or permits for short-term rental properties. Mississippi law leaves STR regulation primarily to local municipalities under home rule authority.
View full Moss Point rules →Ocean Springs, MS
Jackson County
Ocean Springs requires a Residential or Commercial Short-Term Rental (STR) permit under Ordinance No. 2015-11, which amended Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 13-1976. Residential STR permits are capped at 115 citywide; commercial STR permits have no cap. New permits cost $501.00; renewals are $50.00 annually. New residential permits require Planning Commission and Board of Aldermen approval after public notice. Operators must collect Mississippi state sales tax (7%) under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-65-23 plus the 2% Ocean Springs Tourism and Economic Development Tax (HB 1836, 1998).
View full Ocean Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Moss Point | Ocean Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Type | Business license + STR permit | - |
| Renewal | Annual | - |
| Local Contact | May be required | - |
| Authority | MS Code Ann. §21-19-1 | - |
| City Ordinance | - | Ord. 2015-11 (amends 13-1976) |
| Residential Permit Cap | - | 115 citywide |
| Commercial Permit Cap | - | None |
| New Permit Fee | - | $501.00 |
| Annual Renewal | - | $50.00 |
| MS State Sales Tax | - | 7% (Miss. Code § 27-65-23) |
| Ocean Springs Tourism Tax | - | 2% (HB 1836, eff. 12/1/1998) |
| Approval Required | - | Planning Commission + Board of Aldermen (new residential) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Moss Point FAQ
Do I need a permit for Airbnb?
Most Moss Point municipalities require at minimum a business license. Check with Moss Point 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 Moss Point.
Ocean Springs FAQ
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Ocean Springs?
Submit a Residential or Commercial STR application to the Ocean Springs Planning Department with the $501.00 fee. New residential applications require Planning Commission and Board of Aldermen approval, a property sign, and notices to neighbors. You also need a city privilege license, an MS Department of Revenue tax license, and HOA approval if applicable. The residential permit cap is 115 citywide under Ordinance 2015-11.
What taxes do I owe on an Ocean Springs short-term rental?
You must collect the 7% Mississippi state sales tax under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-65-23 plus the 2% Ocean Springs Tourism and Economic Development Tax authorized by House Bill 1836 (1998), effective December 1, 1998. The 2% tax applies to gross proceeds of room rentals in hotels, motels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals. Airbnb and VRBO collect some of these taxes automatically; check your platform's settings.
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