Ocean City, Maryland

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Worcester County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $246.00
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/9/2026
$246.00License Cost
70 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$246.00
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Density / Distance Cap70 ft
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • R-1 Single Family Residential and MH Mobile Home districts have specific occupancy rules; all other zoning districts use square footage-based occupancy

Official Sources

oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/planning-community-development/division-of-rental-housing/
Data confidence: 88%Last updated: June 9, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Ocean City, Maryland

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Ocean City, Maryland are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $246.00).

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Ocean City, Maryland?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Ocean City, Maryland.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Ocean City?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $246.00.

Where do these Ocean City short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Ocean City's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Ocean City, Worcester County, or Maryland authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.