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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Daviess County, KY

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as residential dwelling units rented for less than 30 days. Operators must register annually, collect and remit a 3% transient room tax monthly, and maintain an occupational business license for both the City and Daviess County. Approval may be revoked if the property receives two or more substantiated civil or criminal complaints.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Complete the Short-Term Rental Registration form available on the City of Owensboro website. 2. Attach copies of your City of Owensboro and Daviess County Occupational Business Licenses. 3. Submit the form in person or by mail to the Finance Department and renew the registration annually.

Official Resources

Official Daviess County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Daviess County, KY?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Daviess County, KY, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as residential dwelling units rented for less than 30 days. Operators must register annually, collect and remit a 3% transient room tax monthly, and maintain an occupational business license for both the City and Daviess County. Approval may be revoked if the property receives two or more substantiated civil or criminal complaints. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Daviess County, KY?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as residential dwelling units rented for less than 30 days. Operators must register annually, collect and remit a 3% transient room tax monthly, and maintain an occupational business license for both the City and Daviess County. Approval may be revoked if the property receives two or more substantiated civil or criminal complaints.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Daviess County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Daviess County. 1. Complete the Short-Term Rental Registration form available on the City of Owensboro website. 2. Attach copies of your City of Owensboro and Daviess County Occupational Business Licenses. 3. Submit the form in person or by mail to the Finance Department and renew the registration annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Daviess County?
1. Complete the Short-Term Rental Registration form available on the City of Owensboro website. 2. Attach copies of your City of Owensboro and Daviess County Occupational Business Licenses. 3. Submit the form in person or by mail to the Finance Department and renew the registration annually.
Is Vrbo legal in Daviess County, KY?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Daviess County, KY, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Daviess County?
Short-term rental hosts in Daviess County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Daviess County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Daviess County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction