Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Mackinac Island, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Mackinac Island, MI, but with restrictions. Bed-and-breakfasts are permitted in MD, R-3, R-4, HB, and C districts (special land use required in MD, R-3, and R-4). They are limited to 35% of floor area or five sleeping rooms, a maximum guest stay of 14 days, and must have at least two exits and no separate guest kitchen. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Bed-and-breakfasts are permitted in MD, R-3, R-4, HB, and C districts (special land use required in MD, R-3, and R-4). They are limited to 35% of floor area or five sleeping rooms, a maximum guest stay of 14 days, and must have at least two exits and no separate guest kitchen.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Mackinac Island. 1) Verify the property zoning district and use status (permitted vs. special use); 2) Submit a special land use and/or site plan application to the Planning Commission per Articles 19 and 20; 3) Obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic District Commission if making exterior changes.

1) Verify the property zoning district and use status (permitted vs. special use); 2) Submit a special land use and/or site plan application to the Planning Commission per Articles 19 and 20; 3) Obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic District Commission if making exterior changes.

Vrbo is permitted in Mackinac Island, MI under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Mackinac Island 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Mackinac Island. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.