Short-Term Rental Investor Guide: Ozark, Arkansas (Franklin County)

Important note on information scope:

• The content provided does not include city- or county-specific ordinances for Ozark, AR (Franklin County). Where local specifics are unavailable, this guide relies on Arkansas state-level regulations. Always verify with local authorities before operating.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Ozark, AR?

Short-term rentals are not expressly prohibited at the state level in Arkansas. The state takes a localized approach: if Ozark or Franklin County have no specific short‑term rental ordinance, the default is that short‑term rentals are allowed under general Arkansas law, subject to zoning, building/safety codes, business licensing, and state/local taxes. Because some Arkansas cities have implemented their own restrictions (e.g., Fayetteville caps and permitting), you must verify that your property is in a zoning district that allows short‑term rentals and obtain any local business license or permit if required.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ozark/Franklin County

1. Research zoning and local rules

• Confirm whether short‑term rentals are a permitted use in your property’s zoning district. If Ozark/Franklin County have no STR‑specific ordinance, confirm that accommodation uses are not restricted by zoning.
• Check if a conditional use permit or special exception is required.

2. Secure a business license/permit

• Many Arkansas jurisdictions require a general business license. If Ozark/Franklin County has an STR‑specific permit, apply for that.
• Understand renewal cycles (often annual) and fees.

3. Safety and code compliance

• Meet safety standards (smoke and CO alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency egress plans, maximum occupancy, and code compliance). Some communities require an inspection.

4. Local contact requirement

• Some cities require a designated local contact person available to respond to issues. Confirm if Ozark/Franklin County requires this.

5. Tax registration and compliance

• Register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for sales tax collection on short‑term stays (state rate 6.5%).
• Confirm whether local sales taxes and/or local lodging taxes apply; if they do, register accordingly.
• Maintain accurate records for filing and remittance.

6. Insurance

• Obtain insurance tailored to short‑term rentals. Homeowners policies typically exclude commercial rental activity. Ensure adequate property, liability, and business interruption coverage; some municipalities require proof of insurance for permits.

7. Launch and operations

• Draft house rules, guest screening standards, cleaning protocols, and emergency procedures. Consider using professional management or designating a local contact if you are absentee.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

General documents commonly required for Arkansas STRs:

• Property deed or proof of ownership
• Property details (address, floor plans, parking information, maximum occupancy)
• Owner/operator identification and reliable contact information
• Local contact information (if required)
• Proof of insurance coverage
• Sales tax registration (Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration) and any local tax registrations
• Business license (jurisdiction-specific) and, where applicable, an STR permit/conditional use permit
• Safety compliance certifications (smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguisher, egress plans) and any inspection records

If Ozark/Franklin County has no STR‑specific permit, rely on the general business license and safety/code compliance.

Regulations: Short-Term Rentals in Ozark (Franklin County, Arkansas)

State-level (Arkansas):

• Definition: Short‑term rentals are generally defined as residential properties rented for less than 30 consecutive days; local jurisdictions may refine this.
• Sales tax: 6.5% state sales tax applies to short‑term accommodations. You must register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, collect, and remit state sales tax.
• Local taxes: Cities and counties may impose additional sales or lodging taxes. Confirm whether any apply to Ozark/Franklin County and register if needed.
• Building and safety codes: Properties must meet residential safety standards (e.g., working smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguishers, egress plans). Local inspections may be required.
• Insurance: Not mandated statewide, but strongly recommended and sometimes required by local permits.

City/county-level:

• If Ozark or Franklin County have no STR‑specific ordinance, follow state rules and general zoning/business licensing requirements.
• Known Arkansas context: Fayetteville has specific permitting and caps. This underscores the importance of verifying local rules even within the same state.
• Monitor local legislation: A proposed bill (HB 1445) would limit local governments’ authority over short‑term rentals at the state level; outcomes could affect local rulemaking in Ozark/Franklin County. Track legislative developments.

Contact Information (Phone, Email, Website)

Local authority:

• The provided content does not include specific contact details for Ozark or Franklin County. To obtain current requirements and contacts:
  • Ozark City Hall or the Franklin County Courthouse (clerk/permit office)
  • City/County Planning and Zoning Department
  • City/County Business Licensing Office
  • Code Enforcement Office

State resources:

• Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (for sales tax registration): www.dfa.arkansas.gov/

Note: Because we did not fetch any additional pages, direct phone/email for Ozark/Franklin County are not available in the provided content. Obtain these from the city or county official website.

Links to Source Pages

Important: The provided content does not include specific pages for Ozark or Franklin County. Use the following sources for current information and state-level rules; verify local applicability.

• Arkansas Short-Term Rental Laws for 2025 (state overview, definition, licensing, taxes, city examples): www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/arkansas-short-term-rental-laws
• News coverage of proposed statewide limits on local STR regulation (HB 1445): www.nwahomepage.com/news/arkansas-bill-could-limit-local-government-short-term-rental-regulations
• Arkansas state sales tax information (Department of Finance and Administration): www.dfa.arkansas.gov/
• State-by-state STR regulations map (noting Fayetteville and Hot Springs as Arkansas cities with rules): www.proper.insure/regulations/page/2/

Bottom line

• If Ozark/Franklin County has no local STR ordinance, short‑term rentals are generally allowed under Arkansas law—subject to zoning, safety codes, business licensing, and state/local taxes. Confirm with local authorities before operation.