| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — Rental License & STR Supplemental License |
| Tax Rate | 15% total (6% Worcester County room tax + 6% MD state sales + 3% transient accommodations fee for online bookings) |
| Night / Day Cap | STR defined as ≤ 30 consecutive days |
| Permit Fee | Varies based on licensing tier |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
| Occupancy Limit | 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (excludes children under 10) |
Short-term rental operations in Ocean City, Maryland 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 — Rental License & STR Supplemental License. The associated permit fees are Varies based on licensing tier.
Short-term rental operators in Ocean City should be aware of these tax obligations: 15% total (6% Worcester County room tax + 6% MD state sales + 3% transient accommodations fee for online bookings).
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Ocean City include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: STR defined as ≤ 30 consecutive days. Occupancy limit: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (excludes children under 10).
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Ocean City: Allowed; the 2025/2026 moratorium on R-1 and Mobile Home districts has been repealed. Subject to HOA/condo bylaws.. Insurance: Recommended.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Ocean City: Yes (3% city tax and county tax collections on platforms).
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Ocean City with proper registration and permits. Ocean City's STR moratorium was repealed by the City Council on February 18, 2026, following certification of sufficient referendum signatures for a second public vote. This ends more than a year of r
Yes. Ocean City requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Rental License & STR Supplemental License.
Short-term rental hosts in Ocean City are subject to the following tax obligations: 15% total (6% Worcester County room tax + 6% MD state sales + 3% transient accommodations fee for online bookings).
1) STR moratorium repealed February 18, 2026 — new licenses can now be pursued. 2) Repeal was triggered by certified referendum petition signatures. 3) More than one year of moratorium restrictions have ended. 4) Hosts should verify current licensing requirements with Ocean City directly.
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