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Wildwood

New Jersey · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-02  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-02  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Wildwood Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes — annual Mercantile License required; property must be registered with city
Tax RateNJ State 6.625% sales tax + 5% state occupancy fee = 11.625% baseline (Airbnb/VRBO auto-collect); local tax varies
Permit FeeAnnual mercantile license fee (contact city clerk)
PenaltiesFines; license revocation
Primary Residence RequiredNo
Occupancy LimitPer fire code; 10PM curfew for minors enforced
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Wildwood Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Wildwood Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Wildwood, New Jersey 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 — annual Mercantile License required; property must be registered with city. The associated permit fees are Annual mercantile license fee (contact city clerk).

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Wildwood

Short-term rental operators in Wildwood should be aware of these tax obligations: NJ State 6.625% sales tax + 5% state occupancy fee = 11.625% baseline (Airbnb/VRBO auto-collect); local tax varies.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Wildwood

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Wildwood include: Primary residence requirement: No. Occupancy limit: Per fire code; 10PM curfew for minors enforced.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Wildwood

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Wildwood: General zoning compliance.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Wildwood

Hosts who fail to comply with Wildwood's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines; license revocation.

Platform Obligations in Wildwood

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Wildwood: Airbnb/VRBO auto-collect and remit NJ state 11.625%; local tax host responsibility.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes — annual Mercantile License required; property must be registered with city
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
Annual mercantile license fee (contact city clerk)
Primary Residence Rule
No
Occupancy Limit
Per fire code; 10PM curfew for minors enforced
Tax Rate
NJ State 6.625% sales tax + 5% state occupancy fee = 11.625% baseline (Airbnb/VRBO auto-collect); local tax varies
Zoning Restrictions
General zoning compliance
Platform Obligations
Airbnb/VRBO auto-collect and remit NJ state 11.625%; local tax host responsibility
Compliance Notes
Annual Mercantile License required. City inspections part of licensing process. 10PM curfew for minors. Adjacent Wildwood Crest has separate, more stringent rules including floor plans, fire prevention inspections, and Certificate of Zoning Use Compliance.
Effective Date
Current
Key Notes
Mercantile License required; 10PM minor curfew. NOTE: Wildwood Crest is a separate municipality with stricter rules — floor plans, fire inspection, Certificate of Zoning Use Compliance all required.
Penalties
Fines; license revocation
Additional Context
Cape May County, NJ. Classic boardwalk resort; Doo Wop architecture; highly seasonal.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Wildwood?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Wildwood with proper registration and permits. Annual Mercantile License required. City inspections part of licensing process. 10PM curfew for minors. Adjacent Wildwood Crest has separate, more stringent rules including floor plans, fire preventio

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Wildwood?

Yes. Wildwood requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — annual Mercantile License required; property must be registered with city.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Wildwood?

Short-term rental hosts in Wildwood are subject to the following tax obligations: NJ State 6.625% sales tax + 5% state occupancy fee = 11.625% baseline (Airbnb/VRBO auto-collect); local tax varies.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Wildwood?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Wildwood may face enforcement. Fines; license revocation.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Wildwood?

Mercantile License required; 10PM minor curfew. NOTE: Wildwood Crest is a separate municipality with stricter rules — floor plans, fire inspection, Certificate of Zoning Use Compliance all required.

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