Short-Term Rental Rules in Augusta, GA (2026): Permits, Taxes and Limits
Short-term rentals are legal in Augusta, GA, and hosts need a standard city business license to operate. There is no dedicated short-term rental ordinance, but hosts must collect both state and local taxes on rentals.
Do you need a permit or license?
Short-term rental hosts in Augusta do not need a specific permit, but they are required to obtain a standard Business Tax Certificate from the city [3]. The business tax is calculated based on gross receipts and must be renewed annually [3].
Taxes
Hosts must collect a state hotel-motel fee of $5 per night per stay [2]. Additionally, a local hotel-motel tax of 6% on rentals is applicable [3]. The state hotel-motel fee and any applicable state taxes are typically collected by marketplace innkeepers if the rental is listed online [2].
Limits and restrictions
There are no specific short-term rental ordinances setting limits or restrictions in Augusta. However, standard zoning laws apply, requiring compliance with any applicable local zoning restrictions [3].
Penalties
Failure to file returns or pay the state hotel-motel fee results in fines. An initial penalty of $5 or 5%, whichever is greater, applies if the payment is 30 days late, with additional penalties accruing every 30 days up to 25% of the fee [2]. Augusta may suspend or revoke business licenses and impose fines of up to $500 for operating without the required Business Tax Certificate [3].
How to apply
Apply for a Business Tax Certificate through Augusta’s License and Inspection Department [3]. Maintain registration with the Finance Department for hotel-motel tax purposes [3]. Ensure marketplace platforms collect state fees; if not, register with the Georgia Tax Center for state taxes [2].
At a glance
| Topic | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Permit or License | No STR permit needed; Business Tax Certificate required [3]. |
| State fees | $5 per night hotel-motel fee [1][2]. |
| Local taxes | 6% hotel-motel tax on rentals [3]. |
| Penalties | Penalties for late fees; fines up to $500 [2][3]. |
| Application process | Requires application to License and Inspection Department for business license [3]. |
FAQ
What license do I need for a short-term rental in Augusta?
You need a standard Business Tax Certificate from the city, not a specific STR permit [3].
Who collects the state hotel-motel fee?
Marketplace innkeepers collect the fee for online rentals; otherwise, the host is responsible [2].
Are there any zoning restrictions for short-term rentals in Augusta?
The published rules do not state this; ask the city.
Running a rental in Augusta
Permits, taxes and stays are easier to keep straight in one place. Rentology runs short, mid and long-term rentals in one system.
Sources
- State Hotel-Motel Fee (official)
- State Hotel-Motel - FAQ | Department of Revenue (official)
- Augusta-Richmond County Short-Term Rental Regulations: A 2026 Guide For Airbnb Hosts | BNBCalc
Last checked: October 6, 2026. This page summarizes rules the city, county or state has published. It is not legal advice, and rules change: confirm with the city before you list a property.