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Tybee Island

Georgia · United States
Pending
Last updated: 2026-06-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Tybee Island Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusProposed / pending
Permit / License RequiredYes — an annual STR (Short-Term Vacation Rental / STVR) certificate is required for any STR.
Tax Rate7% local occupational room tax, remitted to the City Finance Department by the 20th of the following month (monthly returns required even if no tax is
Night / Day CapUnknown.
Minimum StayNone specified (STR = transient guests for less than 30 consecutive days).
Permit FeeUnknown (specific certificate/OTC fee amounts not sourced).
PenaltiesCitations/fines for noise or nuisance violations; possible eviction by owner/manager; non-renewal/forfeiture of certificate.
Primary Residence RequiredNo — not a primary-residence model, but a phase-out framework: certificates are non-transferable on sale, death, or marriage.
Occupancy LimitVaries by home — occupancy limit set per the size of the home and number of designated off-street parking spaces.
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Tybee Island Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Tybee Island Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental regulations in Tybee Island, Georgia are currently under development or pending approval as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — an annual STR (Short-Term Vacation Rental / STVR) certificate is required for any STR.. The associated permit fees are Unknown (specific certificate/OTC fee amounts not sourced)..

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Tybee Island

Short-term rental operators in Tybee Island should be aware of these tax obligations: 7% local occupational room tax, remitted to the City Finance Department by the 20th of the following month (monthly returns required even if no tax is due).. Yes — an Occupational Tax Certificate (OTC) application or exemption form is required with the STR application; 7% local occupational room tax must be.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Tybee Island

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Tybee Island include: Primary residence requirement: No — not a primary-residence model, but a phase-out framework: certificates are non-transferable on sale, death, or marr. Rental day cap: Unknown.. Occupancy limit: Varies by home — occupancy limit set per the size of the home and number of designated off-street parking spaces.. Minimum stay: None specified (STR = transient guests for less than 30 consecutive days)..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Tybee Island

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Tybee Island: Proposed four-zone density model: east/south zones capped at 60% STRs, west/north zones capped at 30% STRs. Density rules: 2024 ordinance moratorium on new permits in residential zones and prohibits license transfers; pending 2026 proposal introduces zone-based percentage . Insurance: Unknown..

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Tybee Island

Hosts who fail to comply with Tybee Island's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Citations/fines for noise or nuisance violations; possible eviction by owner/manager; non-renewal/forfeiture of certificate..

Platform Obligations in Tybee Island

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Tybee Island: Unknown (not specified in city sources)..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Pending
License / Registration
Yes — an annual STR (Short-Term Vacation Rental / STVR) certificate is required for any STR.
Tax Registration
Yes — an Occupational Tax Certificate (OTC) application or exemption form is required with the STR application; 7% local occupational room tax must be remitted.
Permit Fee
Unknown (specific certificate/OTC fee amounts not sourced).
Primary Residence Rule
No — not a primary-residence model, but a phase-out framework: certificates are non-transferable on sale, death, or marriage.
Night / Day Cap
Unknown.
Occupancy Limit
Varies by home — occupancy limit set per the size of the home and number of designated off-street parking spaces.
Tax Rate
7% local occupational room tax, remitted to the City Finance Department by the 20th of the following month (monthly returns required even if no tax is due).
Zoning Restrictions
Proposed four-zone density model: east/south zones capped at 60% STRs, west/north zones capped at 30% STRs
Minimum Stay
None specified (STR = transient guests for less than 30 consecutive days).
Density Rules
2024 ordinance moratorium on new permits in residential zones and prohibits license transfers; pending 2026 proposal introduces zone-based percentage caps and a waiting-list system.
Insurance Required
Unknown.
Platform Obligations
Unknown (not specified in city sources).
Compliance Notes
Proposal must clear planning commission before city council vote; the current 2024 non-transferable-certificate ordinance remains in effect in the interim. Outcome uncertain.
Effective Date
2024-06-13 (current ordinance); earlier zone restrictions effective ~2022
Key Notes
One of Georgia's most regulated/controversial STR markets. ~1,575 of 2,994 housing units were registered vacation rentals as of 2024. A May 2026 amendment proposing four-zone caps was before the planning commission (not yet adopted).
Penalties
Citations/fines for noise or nuisance violations; possible eviction by owner/manager; non-renewal/forfeiture of certificate.
Additional Context
Status is in flux: phase-out rules from 2024 may be partly reversed by the pending 2026 four-zone proposal; outcome of the lawsuit could reshape the framework.
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Tybee Island?

Short-term rental regulations in Tybee Island are currently under development. Rules may change as legislation is finalized. Proposal must clear planning commission before city council vote; the current 2024 non-transferable-certificate ordinance remains in effect in the interim. Outcome uncertain.

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Tybee Island?

Yes. Tybee Island requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — an annual STR (Short-Term Vacation Rental / STVR) certificate is required for any STR..

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Tybee Island?

Short-term rental hosts in Tybee Island are subject to the following tax obligations: 7% local occupational room tax, remitted to the City Finance Department by the 20th of the following month (monthly returns required even if no tax is due)..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Tybee Island?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Tybee Island may face enforcement. Citations/fines for noise or nuisance violations; possible eviction by owner/manager; non-renewal/forfeiture of certificate..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Tybee Island?

One of Georgia's most regulated/controversial STR markets. ~1,575 of 2,994 housing units were registered vacation rentals as of 2024. A May 2026 amendment proposing four-zone caps was before the planning commission (not yet adopted).

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