Whitefish, Montana

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Flathead County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $400 per yearBusiness License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/9/2026
$400 per yearLicense Cost

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$400 per year
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • WB-3, WRR-1, WRR-2, WRB-1, WRB-2 only

Official Sources

cityofwhitefish.gov/187/Short-Term-Rental
Data confidence: 92%Last updated: June 9, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Whitefish, Montana

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Whitefish, Montana are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $400 per year).

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Whitefish, Montana?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Whitefish, Montana.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Whitefish?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $400 per year.

Where do these Whitefish short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Whitefish'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 Whitefish, Flathead County, or Montana authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.