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San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

Belize District · Belize
Active
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes — BTB hotel license required before advertising
Tax Rate9% Hotel & Tourist Accommodation Tax
Minimum StayNo minimum
Permit FeeAnnual fee varies; licensing process can be costly/lengthy
PenaltiesFines up to BZ$10,000, cease-and-desist, back taxes
Primary Residence RequiredNo
Browse all 3 STR regulations in Belize →

San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Belize District are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — BTB hotel license required before advertising. The associated permit fees are Annual fee varies; licensing process can be costly/lengthy.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

Short-term rental operators in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) should be aware of these tax obligations: 9% Hotel & Tourist Accommodation Tax. Yes — register with BTB to remit 9% tax.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) include: Primary residence requirement: No. Minimum stay: No minimum.

Zoning and Location Requirements in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye): Condo/strata rules may apply; multiple unlicensed units draw scrutiny.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

Hosts who fail to comply with San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)'s short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines up to BZ$10,000, cease-and-desist, back taxes.

Platform Obligations in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye): BTB cross-checks platform listings against licenses.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes — BTB hotel license required before advertising
Tax Registration
Yes — register with BTB to remit 9% tax
Permit Fee
Annual fee varies; licensing process can be costly/lengthy
Primary Residence Rule
No
Tax Rate
9% Hotel & Tourist Accommodation Tax
Zoning Restrictions
Condo/strata rules may apply; multiple unlicensed units draw scrutiny
Minimum Stay
No minimum
Platform Obligations
BTB cross-checks platform listings against licenses
Compliance Notes
Belize's largest vacation-rental market; multi-step licensing involving several agencies before BTB inspection
Effective Date
Per national Ch. 285 framework
Key Notes
Foreign owners report unusually complex licensing vs. other markets
Penalties
Fines up to BZ$10,000, cease-and-desist, back taxes
Additional Context
Differs from baseline mainly by enforcement intensity and bureaucratic complexity
Sources
https://www.belizetourismboard.org/programs-and-services/hotel-licensi…
Belize FAQs (Owning a Vacation Rental)
Belize Tourism Board
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) with proper registration and permits. Belize's largest vacation-rental market; multi-step licensing involving several agencies before BTB inspection

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)?

Yes. San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — BTB hotel license required before advertising.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)?

Short-term rental hosts in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) are subject to the following tax obligations: 9% Hotel & Tourist Accommodation Tax.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) may face enforcement. Fines up to BZ$10,000, cease-and-desist, back taxes.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)?

Foreign owners report unusually complex licensing vs. other markets

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