Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Forrest County, MS

Airbnb listings are allowed in Forrest County, MS, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted within the City of Hattiesburg only after obtaining the city short-term rental license and complying with zoning, building, and safety requirements; the city caps residential STR permits at 2.5% of total residential structures and requires a local property manager residing in Forrest or Lamar County available 24/7. Occupancy limits are set by the Building Official/Fire Marshal (generally 2 persons per sleeping room plus additional fixed amounts), and units must post house rules, local contact information, and meet fire/safety/insurance requirements. 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.

Short-term rentals are permitted within the City of Hattiesburg only after obtaining the city short-term rental license and complying with zoning, building, and safety requirements; the city caps residential STR permits at 2.5% of total residential structures and requires a local property manager residing in Forrest or Lamar County available 24/7. Occupancy limits are set by the Building Official/Fire Marshal (generally 2 persons per sleeping room plus additional fixed amounts), and units must post house rules, local contact information, and meet fire/safety/insurance requirements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Forrest County. 1) Complete the City of Hattiesburg Short-Term Rental Application (available from the City Tax Department/Planning Division), attach required documents (proof insurer notified, mortgage/deed status, rental agreement, parking and trash plans, sales/privilege tax registration); pay stated fees. 2) Submit to Planning Division / City Tax Department (in person at City Hall or by mail to P.O. Box 1898) and undergo inspections (fire inspection, building/code review, Certificate of Zoning Compliance). 3) If approved, receive a short-term rental license valid one year and renew annually by paying renewal fees and passing required inspections.

1) Complete the City of Hattiesburg Short-Term Rental Application (available from the City Tax Department/Planning Division), attach required documents (proof insurer notified, mortgage/deed status, rental agreement, parking and trash plans, sales/privilege tax registration); pay stated fees. 2) Submit to Planning Division / City Tax Department (in person at City Hall or by mail to P.O. Box 1898) and undergo inspections (fire inspection, building/code review, Certificate of Zoning Compliance). 3) If approved, receive a short-term rental license valid one year and renew annually by paying renewal fees and passing required inspections.

Vrbo is permitted in Forrest County, MS 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 Forrest 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.

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