Jackson County, MS Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Jackson County and its municipalities regulate short-term rental occupancy to prevent overcrowding and nuisance impacts in residential neighborhoods, particularly in Ocean Springs' historic district and coastal Gautier subdivisions. Standard occupancy is calculated at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, with a common overall cap of 10 to 12 guests regardless of bedroom count. The International Fire Code Section 1004, as adopted by Mississippi, requires occupant load calculations of 200 square feet gross per person for residential sleeping areas. Listing platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO must accurately state the maximum occupancy. Sleeping in vehicles, tents, RVs, or accessory structures not permitted as habitable space is prohibited. Hosts are responsible for ensuring guest compliance. Coastal properties in mandatory hurricane evacuation Zone A (most of south Jackson County) require hosts to communicate evacuation orders to guests and, under Mississippi Emergency Management Agency guidance, refund or re-accommodate during mandatory evacuations. Excessive occupancy complaints are investigated by code enforcement and may trigger permit revocation.