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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. Simons Island, GA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are limited to 30 consecutive days. Maximum occupancy is 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons (excluding children under 12), with a total cap of 15. A local point of contact must be available 24/7 and able to respond in person within two hours; all advertisements must display the county-issued certificate number.

How to Obtain a Permit

Submit an application via the Glynn County OpenGov portal including owner/manager contact info, parcel ID, and local point of contact details. Pay the $150 initial certificate fee ($75 if after July 1) and affirm compliance with fire safety (extinguishers, smoke/CO detectors) and tax requirements. Renew the certificate annually for a $100 fee.

Regulatory Updates — St. Simons Island

Proposed and recent legislation

Under ReviewJanuary 2025

Glynn County STR Ordinance Comprehensive Review

Glynn County completed a full review of its short-term rental ordinance, considering permit caps, inspection requirements, and enhanced enforcement for noise and overcrowding violations on St. Simons Island.

PassedAugust 2024

Occupancy Limit Enforcement Increased

Following complaints about overcrowded beach houses during summer 2024, Glynn County stepped up occupancy enforcement on St. Simons Island, issuing fines for properties exceeding the 2-per-bedroom-plus-2 limit.

PassedMarch 2024

Annual Registration Renewal Required

Glynn County formalized an annual STR registration renewal process, requiring operators to confirm occupancy compliance and pay updated fees to maintain active status.

Official Resources

Official St. Simons Island STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory guidance and advocacy resources for vacation rental professionals operating in Georgia coastal markets.

Georgia Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate organization that monitors and engages on short-term rental legislation and local ordinances affecting Georgia property owners.

Golden Isles Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Destination marketing organization for the Golden Isles region that tracks tourism accommodation trends and works to balance visitor access with residential community interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Simons Island, GA?
STRs are limited to 30 consecutive days. Maximum occupancy is 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons (excluding children under 12), with a total cap of 15. A local point of contact must be available 24/7 and able to respond in person within two hours; all advertisements must display the county-issued certificate number.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in St. Simons Island?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in St. Simons Island. Submit an application via the Glynn County OpenGov portal including owner/manager contact info, parcel ID, and local point of contact details. Pay the $150 initial certificate fee ($75 if after July 1) and affirm compliance with fire safety (extinguishers, smoke/CO detectors) and tax requirements. Renew the certificate annually for a $100 fee.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in St. Simons Island?
Submit an application via the Glynn County OpenGov portal including owner/manager contact info, parcel ID, and local point of contact details. Pay the $150 initial certificate fee ($75 if after July 1) and affirm compliance with fire safety (extinguishers, smoke/CO detectors) and tax requirements. Renew the certificate annually for a $100 fee.
Who regulates STRs on St. Simons Island — the city or the county?
St. Simons Island is an unincorporated community, so Glynn County governs short-term rentals. County rules apply, including the 30-consecutive-day limit and the occupancy cap of two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests.
Are there any limits on how many guests I can have in my rental?
Yes. Glynn County limits occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests. Exceeding this limit is an enforceable violation, and Glynn County has increased summer enforcement after complaints about overcrowded vacation properties.
Could St. Simons Island ban STRs in the future?
Georgia has no statewide preemption law preventing local STR bans. Glynn County could restrict or ban STRs through ordinance changes. Community pressure has been building, and the 2025 ordinance review could produce stricter rules.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction