| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | 7% monthly accommodation excise tax (local, per Glynn County official site); plus Georgia state sales tax 6% (rentals under 90 days) + $5/night state |
| Permit Fee | $150/year per STR for Accommodation Excise Tax Certificate (annual renewal); $75 late-filing surcharge if filed after July 1. Owners with 6+ propertie |
| Penalties | 1st offense: $250 fine; 2nd offense within 12 months: $500; 3rd offense within 12 months: $1,000 and possible license revocation. Operating without a |
| Occupancy Limit | Yes — owners/managers must set and post a vehicle/guest limit; rules must be explained to renters. Specific numeric cap set per property per ordinance |
Short-term rental operations in St. Simons Island, Georgia are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are $150/year per STR for Accommodation Excise Tax Certificate (annual renewal); $75 late-filing surchar.
Short-term rental operators in St. Simons Island should be aware of these tax obligations: 7% monthly accommodation excise tax (local, per Glynn County official site); plus Georgia state sales tax 6% (rentals under 90 days) + $5/night state transportation excise fee; 5% local hotel/motel bed tax..
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in St. Simons Island include: Occupancy limit: Yes — owners/managers must set and post a vehicle/guest limit; rules must be explained to renters. Specific numeric cap .
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in St. Simons Island: Subject to Glynn County zoning. Verify parcel zoning and permitted uses with Glynn County Planning and Community Development. HOA/deed restrictions may further limit STRs.. Density rules: None specified in county ordinance, but LodgingRevs software is used to monitor and identify unlicensed rental listings across Glynn County..
Hosts who fail to comply with St. Simons Island's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. 1st offense: $250 fine; 2nd offense within 12 months: $500; 3rd offense within 12 months: $1,000 and possible license revocation. Operating without a license: daily $1,000 fine per day advertised outs.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in St. Simons Island: Platforms may collect certain taxes at checkout; hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring all taxes are filed and paid. County uses LodgingRevs compliance monitoring software to identify unreg.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in St. Simons Island with proper registration and permits. St. Simons Island is unincorporated Glynn County; the Glynn County STR ordinance (effective July 1, 2021) applies. Owners must: (1) register and obtain a Glynn County short-term rental certificate; (2
Yes. St. Simons Island requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in St. Simons Island are subject to the following tax obligations: 7% monthly accommodation excise tax (local, per Glynn County official site); plus Georgia state sales tax 6% (rentals under 90 days) + $5/night state transportation excise fee; 5% local hotel/motel bed tax..
Hosts who operate without proper permits in St. Simons Island may face enforcement. 1st offense: $250 fine; 2nd offense within 12 months: $500; 3rd offense within 12 months: $1,000 and possible license revocation. Operating without a license: daily $1,000 fine per day advertised outside ordinance standards..
Glynn County contracts with LodgingRevs for digital monitoring and compliance. Properties in FEMA flood zones (common on St. Simons) should verify flood insurance requirements. Many neighborhoods have HOA/CC&R restrictions that may further limit STRs.
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