Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Southport, NC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Southport, NC, but with restrictions. STRs are prohibited in residential districts. Existing STRs as of July 8, 2021, may continue as lawful nonconforming uses if they obtained a zoning permit by September 2021 and provided proof of verifiable bookings prior to the ordinance adoption date. 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.

STRs are prohibited in residential districts. Existing STRs as of July 8, 2021, may continue as lawful nonconforming uses if they obtained a zoning permit by September 2021 and provided proof of verifiable bookings prior to the ordinance adoption date.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Southport. 1) Apply for a zoning permit from Development Services (deadline for existing residential STRs was Sept 2021). 2) Provide documented proof of verifiable bookings made prior to July 8, 2021. 3) Maintain the permit according to current city standards (note: annual registration requirements are currently under review/amendment).

1) Apply for a zoning permit from Development Services (deadline for existing residential STRs was Sept 2021). 2) Provide documented proof of verifiable bookings made prior to July 8, 2021. 3) Maintain the permit according to current city standards (note: annual registration requirements are currently under review/amendment).

Vrbo is permitted in Southport, NC 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 Southport 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 Southport. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.