Broken Bow Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-07-03
TL;DR
Broken Bow requires Short-Term Rental License ($300) with no primary-residence requirement. Combined tax rate is 13.25%. No annual day limit, but each stay must be less than 30 consecutive days.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Short-Term Rental License ($300)
Primary Residence Not required
Annual Day Limit No limit — less than 30 consecutive days
Tax Rate 13.25%
Max Penalty $200 fine and/or up to 30 days imprisonment per violation (each day a separate offense) + revocation risk
Insurance Not required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental License

FeeAmount
Initial cost$300
Renewal$100 / 1 year

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Online application submitted annually to the Town (currently transitioning to a Granicus-hosted portal); Operator may request self-certification instead of a Town inspection by completing an approved checklist and attesting to code compliance, provided lodging taxes are current.

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
Oklahoma State Sales Tax 4.5% State of Oklahoma
McCurtain County Sales Tax 1.75% McCurtain County
Town of Hochatown General Sales Tax 3% Town of Hochatown
Town of Hochatown Lodging Tax 4% Town of Hochatown

Combined rate: 13.25% of gross rental income.

Collection: Operator collects the lodging tax from the occupant at time of rent and remits it to the Town Treasurer; the Operator is directly liable to the Town for the tax.

Filing: Monthly

Rental Limits

Broken Bow does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be less than 30 consecutive days.

Occupancy & Density Limits

No townwide numeric occupancy cap is set by ordinance; each STR license application must state the total number of bedrooms and the maximum number of guests allowed for that specific property.

Zoning & Restrictions

Town of Hochatown Ordinance No. 6 does not confine short-term rentals to specific zoning districts; both non-owner-occupied ('principal use') and owner-occupied ('accessory use') dwelling units may be licensed as short-term rentals townwide, subject to the Town's Title 20 Zoning Ordinance, building codes and fire codes. A 'bed and breakfast' is treated as a separate zoning use category and does not require an STR license.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Broken Bow does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Platform Requirements

Operators must disclose the website address(es)/platform(s) on which the property is advertised as part of the license application, and must keep this information updated with the Town throughout the year.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Broken Bow:

  1. Meet safety requirements. Compliance with applicable building codes, fire codes, and all other applicable laws. Emergency contact person must be available for Town contact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and respond within the hour when notified of a violation or emergency. Maximum number of vehicles limited to available off-street parking spaces; street parking prohibited.
  2. Apply for Short-Term Rental License. Submit application + $300 fee.
  3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Town of Hochatown Treasurer (town lodging & sales tax); Oklahoma Tax Commission (state sales tax).
  4. Collect and remit taxes. 13.25% on all bookings.
  5. Renew annually. $100 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Broken Bow?
Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Broken Bow requires a Short-Term Rental License.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Broken Bow?
A Short-Term Rental License in Broken Bow costs $300 per year. Renewal is $100 per year.
Does Broken Bow require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?
No. Broken Bow allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.
How many days a year can you short-term rent in Broken Bow?
Broken Bow does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.
What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Broken Bow?
Short-term rental stays in Broken Bow are subject to a combined 13.25% in lodging taxes. This combines 4.5% Oklahoma State Sales Tax + 1.75% McCurtain County Sales Tax + 3% Town of Hochatown General Sales Tax + 4% Town of Hochatown Lodging Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.
What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Broken Bow?
Operating without a permit can cost up to $200 fine and/or up to 30 days imprisonment per violation (each day a separate offense).

Official Sources

  1. Short Term Rentals - Licensing & Taxes | Town of Hochatown, Oklahoma
  2. Ordinance No. 6 - Town of Hochatown Short-Term Rental License Ordinance (Chapter 6, Title 4)
  3. Town of Hochatown Ordinance No. 2023-03-07-01 - Town Lodging Tax of Four Percent (4%)
  4. Town of Hochatown Ordinance No. 2023-03-07-02 - General Government Purposes Sales and Use Tax (3%)
  5. Sales and Use Tax | Oklahoma Tax Commission
  6. Oklahoma Tax Commission - Rates and Codes for Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax (COPOs), Q1 2025
  7. Oklahoma Tax Commission Form STH20006-A - Lodging Tax Return Instructions