What should Rome hosts know about high local occupancy tax of?

High local occupancy tax of 8%, which is among the highest allowed in Georgia.

What are the permit fees in Rome?

State of Georgia mandates an additional $5 per night 'Transportation' fee for all lodging stays.

What should Rome hosts know about no specific str ordinance means?

No specific STR ordinance means regulations are subject to interpretation of general business and hotel codes.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Rome?

Properties in purely residential zones (R-1, R-2) may face significant hurdles or require a public hearing for a Special Use Permit.

Rome, GA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Licensing Guide

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Rome, GA does not have a specific short-term rental ordinance; instead, STRs are regulated under general business licensing and a local 8% hotel/motel tax.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $150
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To operate an STR in Rome, you must obtain a general City Business License (Occupational Tax Certificate) and register to collect the 8% hotel/motel tax. Because there is no specific STR ordinance, you must verify your zoning with the Planning Department, as residential areas may require a Special Use Permit. You are also responsible for the $5 per night Georgia state hotel-motel fee and standard state/local sales taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.High local occupancy tax of 8%, which is among the highest allowed in Georgia.
2.State of Georgia mandates an additional $5 per night 'Transportation' fee for all lodging stays.
3.No specific STR ordinance means regulations are subject to interpretation of general business and hotel codes.
4.Properties in purely residential zones (R-1, R-2) may face significant hurdles or require a public hearing for a Special Use Permit.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Rome: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Rome allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Multi-family.
•Rome does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Rome: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(10)

•Rome STR warning: High local occupancy tax of 8%, which is among the highest allowed in Georgia.
•Rome STR warning: Properties in purely residential zones (R-1, R-2) may face significant hurdles or require a public hearing for a Special Use Permit.
•Rome STR warning: State of Georgia mandates an additional $5 per night 'Transportation' fee for all lodging stays.

Application Process(7)

•Rome STR permit - Step 1: Zoning Verification. Contact the Rome-Floyd County Planning Department at (706) 236-5025 to verify if your property's zoning allows for short-term lodging or if a Special Use Permit (SUP) is required. Required documents: Property Address, Zoning Verification Form. Time: 1 week. Cost: 25.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Rome charges a registration fee of $150 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Rome: High local occupancy tax of 8%, which is among the highest allowed in Georgia.
•Rome charges a Hotel/Motel Tax of 0.08%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit the 8% tax; however, hosts must still register with the City Clerk.
•Georgia has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Rome occupancy calculation: Based on fire code occupancy limits. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Rome enforces quiet hours: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
•Rome limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Rome: State of Georgia mandates an additional $5 per night 'Transportation' fee for all lodging stays.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Rome requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.

Penalties(3)

•Rome: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Rome: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•Rome enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code section. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(2)

•Rome exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Rome: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Georgia

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Dahlonega require both a city business license and an annual STR license, and are strictly prohibited in R-1 residential zones.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Athens

Georgia

Strict

Athens-Clarke County strictly regulates short-term rentals by requiring primary residency in residential zones and limiting commercial rentals to non-residential districts.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Augusta

Georgia

Moderate

Augusta-Richmond County currently does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or permit, though hosts must obtain a general business license and pay hotel-motel taxes.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Roswell

Georgia

Permissive

Roswell adopted a comprehensive short-term rental ordinance in June 2025 requiring business registration, annual fire inspections, and a local agent available 24/7.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Rome

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Athens

Augusta

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Rome

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Rome?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Rome?

3Are there rental night limits in Rome?

4What are the zoning requirements in Rome?

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Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Athens

Augusta

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