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  1. Home
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  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Georgia
  6. ·
  7. Tybee Island

Tybee Island

Moderate
GeorgiaUpdated Feb 10, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 5 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 5

Summary

Plain-english overview

The City of Tybee Island strictly regulates short-term rentals through a mandatory annual regulatory permit and a 7% local excise tax. Occupancy is capped at 2 adults per bedroom plus two, and hosts must maintain a local property manager available 24/7.

Restriction level

Severity 26
Classification
Moderate
26
Severity

Why this classification

  • Moderate permit fee: $300
  • Tenants cannot host
  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • No night cap
  • No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Tybee Island, you must first apply for an annual STVR permit which costs $300. You don't need to live on the property, but you must have a local manager who can respond to issues within 60 minutes. You are limited to 10 adult guests max, and you must strictly follow the parking rules you submit with your application. Even if Airbnb collects your taxes, you are still required to file a monthly tax report with the city or you risk losing your permit.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$300
Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1A local property manager must be reachable 24/7 and able to arrive at the property within 60 minutes.
  2. 2A parking plan showing the number of off-street spaces must be posted inside the unit.
  3. 3Occupancy is limited to 2 adults per bedroom + 2; children under 13 are not counted toward the adult limit.
  4. 4Monthly excise tax returns are mandatory even if $0 is owed or platforms collect the tax.
  5. 5Missing three consecutive months of tax filings results in automatic permit revocation.
  6. 6Exterior signs for STVRs are generally prohibited in residential zones.
  7. 7Permits are non-transferable; if the property is sold, the new owner must apply for a new permit.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility6 rules
  • Tybee Island does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
  • Tybee Island: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
  • Tybee Island: Charcoal grilling is strictly prohibited on decks due to fire hazards.
  • Tybee Island prohibits STRs in the following property types: Motor homes, Campers, Tents.
Requirements16 rules
  • Tybee Island STR warning: Parking is limited to the property's designated spaces; no parking in city right-of-ways or neighbor driveways.
  • Tybee Island: NEW PERMITS BANNED in R-1, R-1-B, and R-2 zones as of June 2024.
  • Tybee Island STR warning: External signage (18x24 to 24x24 inches) with emergency contact is mandatory and must be visible from the street.
Application process8 rules
  • Tybee Island STR permit - Step 4: Post Required Signage. Install a sign (minimum 18x24 inches) visible from the street listing the emergency contact. Time: 1 day.
  • Tybee Island extended permit requirement: Fees are based on occupancy: 1-5 persons ($10/person), 6-10 persons ($15/person), 10+ persons ($20/person).
Fees & costs1 rule
  • Tybee Island charges a registration fee of $10 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $20 (Fees are based on occupancy: 1-5 persons ($10/person), 6-10 persons ($15/person), 10+ persons ($20/person).).
Taxes2 rules
  • Tybee Island charges a Occupational Room Tax of 7%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Note: Hosts must file returns even if marketplace innkeepers collect tax; must verify if Airbnb/VRBO remits directly to Tybee.
  • Georgia has a state sales tax of 7% that applies to STR rentals.
Limits & restrictions4 rules
  • Tybee Island occupancy calculation: Based on size of home and number of beds; posted on permit.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
  • Tybee Island limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
  • Tybee Island: Parking is limited to the property's designated spaces; no parking in city right-of-ways or neighbor driveways.
  • Tybee Island enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Tybee Island requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Good Neighbor Policy acknowledgment, Signage (18x24 to 24x24 inches) visible from street with emergency contact, Charcoal grilling prohibited on decks.
Penalties3 rules
  • Tybee Island: Pets are strictly prohibited on all Tybee Island beaches, with fines exceeding $280.
  • Tybee Island enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Citation/Fine. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Permit revocation possible. Maximum fine: Upwards of $280 for specific violations like beach pets. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Exemptions2 rules
  • Tybee Island: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
  • Tybee Island exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Bed and breakfast establishments (regulated separately).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Tybee Island

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Zoning Verification

Verify your property is located within a zone that permits STVRs.

1 dayFree
Official resource
Step 2

Complete STVR Application

Submit the regulatory permit application including local contact information and parking plan.

2 weeks$300
Documents needed
  • Parking Plan PDF
  • Insurance Certificate
Official resource
Step 3

Schedule Fire Safety Inspection

The City Fire Marshal must inspect the property for smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and egress.

1 weekFree
Step 4

Receive Permit and Post Notice

Upon approval, post the permit number on all listings and the physical summary in the unit.

1 dayFree

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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