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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Tybee Island, GA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

New STR certificates are prohibited in residential zoning districts R-1, R-1B, and R-2; existing legally permitted STRs in those zones are treated as nonconforming uses and may continue if compliant; nonconforming STRs must demonstrate a minimum of 90 days of rental activity in the preceding 12-month period to avoid being considered abandoned. STR certificates are annual (Jan 1–Dec 31) with a renewal window (e.g., Jan 1–Mar 31) and operators must remit a 7% local occupational room tax monthly.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete and submit the City’s New/Renewal STR Application and either an Occupational Tax Certificate (OTC) Application or an OTC Exemption Form; 2) Provide any required STR authorization letter when management has changed (authorization needed if someone other than owner applies); 3) Renew annually during the city’s stated renewal window and remit monthly room tax returns by the 20th of the following month.

Regulatory Updates — Tybee Island

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

Residential Zone STR Certificate Ban Fully Enforced

Tybee Island confirmed full enforcement of its ban on new STR certificates in R-1, R-1B, and R-2 residential zones. No new certificates have been issued in these zones since the ban took effect, and the City is actively monitoring for unlicensed new operators.

PassedMarch 2024

90-Day Activity Requirement Audit Conducted

Tybee Island audited existing nonconforming STR certificate holders for compliance with the 90-day minimum annual rental activity requirement, revoking certificates of properties that failed to demonstrate sufficient activity in the preceding 12 months.

PassedAugust 2024

Occupancy Room Tax Compliance Review

The City reviewed nonconforming STR operators for compliance with Tybee Island's 7% local occupational room tax, issuing back-tax assessments to operators with gaps in monthly remittance.

Official Resources

Official Tybee Island STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy resources for vacation rental professionals navigating Tybee Island's nonconforming STR certificate framework.

Georgia Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate organization monitoring Tybee Island STR certificate restrictions and advocating for property owner rights in Georgia coastal markets.

Tybee Island Tourism CouncilLocal

Local tourism organization for Tybee Island, monitoring STR accommodation supply and its impact on Chatham County's visitor economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Tybee Island, GA?
New STR certificates are prohibited in residential zoning districts R-1, R-1B, and R-2; existing legally permitted STRs in those zones are treated as nonconforming uses and may continue if compliant; nonconforming STRs must demonstrate a minimum of 90 days of rental activity in the preceding 12-month period to avoid being considered abandoned. STR certificates are annual (Jan 1–Dec 31) with a renewal window (e.g., Jan 1–Mar 31) and operators must remit a 7% local occupational room tax monthly.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Tybee Island?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Tybee Island. 1) Complete and submit the City’s New/Renewal STR Application and either an Occupational Tax Certificate (OTC) Application or an OTC Exemption Form; 2) Provide any required STR authorization letter when management has changed (authorization needed if someone other than owner applies); 3) Renew annually during the city’s stated renewal window and remit monthly room tax returns by the 20th of the following month.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Tybee Island?
1) Complete and submit the City’s New/Renewal STR Application and either an Occupational Tax Certificate (OTC) Application or an OTC Exemption Form; 2) Provide any required STR authorization letter when management has changed (authorization needed if someone other than owner applies); 3) Renew annually during the city’s stated renewal window and remit monthly room tax returns by the 20th of the following month.
Can I start a new STR in a Tybee Island residential neighborhood?
No. New STR certificates are prohibited in R-1, R-1B, and R-2 residential zones. The only way to operate an STR in these zones is to purchase a property that already holds a valid nonconforming certificate — and even then, the certificate must be current and active.
What happens to my existing STR certificate if I don't rent the property much?
Your nonconforming certificate can be revoked if you fail to demonstrate at least 90 days of rental activity in the preceding 12 months. Tybee Island audits activity levels annually. If your property is idle for a year, your certificate may be deemed abandoned and permanently revoked.
What tax do I owe on Tybee Island STR revenue?
You must remit Tybee Island's 7% local occupational room tax monthly. This is separate from Georgia state taxes. Gaps in monthly remittance trigger back-tax assessments — the City actively reviews tax compliance for all nonconforming certificate holders.
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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