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Is Airbnb legal in Ocean City, Maryland?

STR-friendly with an annual town license. Ocean City allows short-term rentals with an annual rental license plus a noise permit and a supplemental STR license, costing about $141 to $191 a year plus per-room fees. The town ended its moratorium on new licenses in residential zones in 2026, and there is no owner-occupancy requirement. Your license control number must appear on every listing.

Showing the researched rules for Ocean City, MD below. Type your Ocean City address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

STR-friendly with an annual town license

Ocean City allows short-term rentals with an annual rental license plus a noise permit and a supplemental STR license, costing about $141 to $191 a year plus per-room fees. The town ended its moratorium on new licenses in residential zones in 2026, and there is no owner-occupancy requirement. Your license control number must appear on every listing.

Permit and costs

Permit
Rental License + STR License
Issued by
Town of Ocean City, Finance Department
Cost
$141 to $191 / year plus per-room fees
Renewal
Annual

Key limits

Annual licenses
rental license, noise permit, and STR license required
Control number
must appear on your Airbnb/Vrbo listing
Local contact
60-minute response contact required
Platform check
platforms must verify a valid license

Taxes

MD sales tax
6%
Worcester County room tax
applies to stays under four months

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Apply for the rental license
    Mail or drop off the license application at City Hall's Finance Department.
  2. 2
    Add the noise permit
    Mark code 9900 for the noise control permit alongside your rental classification.
  3. 3
    Post your control number
    Add the control number to your listing to complete registration.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
Condo and HOA rules still bind you even with a town license.
Moratorium ended
The town rescinded its pause on new STR licenses in R-1 and MH districts in 2026.

Sources

Avalara: Ocean City ends STR moratorium · Airbnb Ocean City hosting rules

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.