Hotel / Motel Permits & Licenses in New Orleans, LA

Not specifically mandated by Louisiana law. However, if the hotel sells physical products (e.g., snacks, toiletries, merchandise), it may face product liability claims. Coverage is typically included in general liability policies. No state-level requirement exists, but recommended for risk mitigation.

While not required for sole proprietorships with no employees, most LLCs, especially those in the hotel industry that hire staff, must obtain an EIN. This is essential for payroll, tax filing, and opening a business bank account.

A single-member LLC is a disregarded entity for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C. Multi-member LLCs file as a partnership (Form 1065). Profits are subject to self-employment tax if members are active in operations.

Includes maintaining a safe workplace, providing hazard communication training, posting OSHA Form 300A (if applicable), and reporting severe injuries. Housekeeping, chemical handling (cleaning supplies), and emergency exits are key concerns for hotels.

Hotels must collect/remit transient occupancy (hotel) tax. Online registration at LATAP.

Required for LLCs with payroll. Quarterly/annual returns required.

Register online via Frances Online system.

Hotels and motels must collect and remit Louisiana sales tax on room rentals. The state general sales tax rate is 4.45%, but combined rates including local taxes can exceed 10%. Registration is mandatory for all businesses selling taxable goods or services.

Required for all LLCs. Online filing available. Additional $30 for certified copy if needed.

Applies to all LLCs. Filing maintains good standing.

Required if using DBA. Search commercial database first. Renews every 10 years.

Specific to hotels/motels with 1+ guest rooms. Application via parish tourism office or CRT. Inspection required.

Required for all employers in Louisiana. Hotels/motels with employees must withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit it to LDR. Registration is done via Form R-5256.

All employers with employees in Louisiana must register with LWC. Employers pay unemployment insurance tax (SUTA) based on a taxable wage base of $7,700 per employee with rates from 0.06% to 3.6% depending on experience rating.

All LLCs doing business in Louisiana are subject to the franchise tax. The tax is not based on income but on capital employed in the state. Must file Form R-5257 annually.

State hotel/motel tax is 5% of room rental charges. Must be collected and remitted monthly or quarterly depending on volume. Separate from local occupancy taxes. Registration required via LDR.

Requires accessible guest rooms, entrances, restrooms, signage, and reservation systems. Minimum number of accessible rooms based on total rooms. Applies to reservations made via phone, website, or third-party platforms.

Landlords (including hotel operators) must disclose known lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing. Applies to long-term rentals; transient lodging (e.g., stays under 100 days) may be exempt, but caution is advised. Best practice to disclose regardless.

Requires truthful, non-misleading advertising. Specific to hotels: must clearly disclose resort fees, mandatory charges, and total price (including taxes and fees) in ads. FTC has taken action against hotels for "bait-and-switch" pricing.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week). Applies to housekeeping, front desk, maintenance, and management staff. Tip credits allowed under specific conditions.

Requires eligible employees (1,250 hours in past 12 months, employed 12 months) to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons (e.g., birth, serious health condition).

All U.S. employers must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for each employee. E-Verify is voluntary unless required by state law or federal contract.

Required under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Facilities must renew registration every 2 years (odd-numbered years). Does not apply to hotels that only serve prepackaged snacks or bottled water.

Required for any business selling alcohol at retail. Must also comply with Louisiana state alcohol licensing. Federal permit ensures compliance with federal excise tax and labeling laws.

Most small hotels using low-power walkie-talkies under Part 90 or Part 15 may be exempt. However, intentional transmitters may require licensing. Consult FCC rules for specific use cases.

Prohibits inclusion of non-disparagement clauses in form contracts that penalize customers for posting negative reviews. Hotels cannot enforce clauses that fine guests for bad reviews.

Most parishes and cities in Louisiana impose additional hotel/motel occupancy taxes. Examples: Orleans Parish (17.92%), East Baton Rouge Parish (10%). Must register with local tax authority. Rates and filing requirements vary.

LLCs are pass-through entities. While the business does not pay income tax, it must file Form R-5258 (Pass-Through Entity Return) annually. Owners report income on personal returns. Required even if no tax is due.

Required for all LLCs, regardless of employee count. Used for federal tax reporting, including income, employment, and excise taxes. Apply online via IRS website.

Many cities and parishes impose additional local sales taxes on hotel/motel room rentals beyond the state 5% hotel tax. These may be administered by LDR or local authorities. Registration may be required even if no occupancy tax is collected. Rates vary significantly (e.g., 17.92% in Orleans Parish).

All hotels/motels need parish-level business license; fee schedules updated 2023 in many parishes

Specific to incorporated cities; hotels classified under lodging services

Varies by locality; e.g., New Orleans requires conditional use permit in certain districts (NOPA Zoning Code Art. 9)

Required for structural changes to hotel facilities

Size, lighting restrictions apply; varies by jurisdiction

Covers sanitation, bedding, water quality

Includes sprinklers, exits, alarms for hotels

Confirms zoning, building, fire compliance

Annual monitoring permit often required

Traffic study may be required for >100 rooms

Required for all employers with one or more employees in Louisiana, including LLCs. Sole proprietors are not required to cover themselves unless they elect coverage. Exemptions apply only to certain agricultural workers and domestic workers under specific conditions. Hotels/motels are classified under NAICS 721110 (Hotels and Motels), risk class code 8806.

Not legally required by Louisiana state law, but strongly recommended and often required by landlords, lenders, or franchise agreements. Covers third-party injuries and property damage. While not a state mandate, local municipalities or zoning authorities may impose conditions via occupancy permits.

Louisiana law requires all motor vehicles registered to a business to carry liability insurance meeting minimum limits: $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Applies to hotel shuttles, maintenance vehicles, or any company-owned vehicle.

While not explicitly requiring a standalone "liquor liability" policy, the ATC mandates that businesses holding a liquor license (e.g., Class I Retail License) must carry general liability insurance that includes coverage for alcohol-related incidents. Hotels with bars, restaurants, or room service involving alcohol must meet this condition. Minimum coverage typically ranges from $250,000 to $1 million depending on venue size.

A surety bond of $2,500 is required for a Class I Retail License (on-premises consumption). The bond ensures compliance with state alcohol laws. Bond must be issued by a surety company licensed in Louisiana. Applies only if the hotel operates a bar, restaurant, or serves alcohol.

Not legally required in Louisiana for hotels/motels. However, it may be contractually required by management companies or franchisors. Covers claims of negligence in service delivery (e.g., misrepresentation, failure to deliver promised amenities). Considered best practice but not a regulatory mandate.