Short-Term Rental Rules in Tybee Island, GA (2026): Permits, Taxes and Limits
Short-term renting is allowed in Tybee Island, GA, but hosts must adhere to specific rules and regulations. To operate a short-term rental, a permit or license is required, and hosts need to comply with zoning, tax, and other local regulations.
Do you need a permit or license?
Hosts need a short-term rental permit to legally rent their property on a short-term basis [4]. The application must meet zoning requirements specific to the area where the property is located [4].
Taxes
The state hotel motel fee of $5.00 per night must be collected on each calendar night of the rental [3]. This fee must be collected and remitted by the marketplace innkeeper if the property is listed online [3]. Licensed innkeepers are considered to be the individuals or entities responsible for collecting and submitting this fee to the state [3].
Limits and restrictions
Tybee Island has specific zoning regulations related to short-term rentals, with permits only being granted for properties in certain zones [2]. There are different residential zones including those which limit rentals to family residential uses [4]. The city has also amended ordinances to clarify permissible uses in residential zoning districts like R-1, R-1-B, and R-2, recognizing existing and properly permitted short-term rentals within those zones [2].
Penalties
Penalties apply for failure to file returns or pay fees on time, set at $5.00 or 5%, whichever is greater, for delays of 30 days or less, with additional penalties for longer delays [3].
How to apply
To apply for a short-term rental permit, hosts need to follow procedures outlined in the local ordinance, which includes ensuring compliance with specific zoning and land use requirements applicable to the property location [4]. No specific application process details or requirements were provided.
At a glance
| Topic | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes, for short-term rentals [4] |
| State hotel motel fee | $5.00 per night [3] |
| Zoning | Permits only in certain districts [4] |
| Penalties for late fees | $5.00 or 5%, increasing with time [3] |
FAQ
What is the state hotel motel fee for short-term rentals?
The state hotel motel fee is $5.00 per night for each calendar night the property is rented [3].
Do I need a license number for short-term rentals?
The published rules do not state this; ask the city.
How do zoning regulations affect short-term rentals?
Short-term rentals must comply with specific zoning requirements, which limit rentals to certain zones [4].
Running a rental in Tybee Island
Permits, taxes and stays are easier to keep straight in one place. Rentology runs short, mid and long-term rentals in one system.
Sources
- GEORGIA DEPARTMENT of COMMUNITY AFFAIRS (official)
- Code of Ordinances | Tybee Island, GA | Municode Library (official)
- State Hotel-Motel - FAQ | Department of Revenue (official)
- Tybee Island, GA Zoning Ordinance | Zoneomics
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.