What zoning rules apply to STRs in Valdosta?

No specific 'Short-Term Rental' ordinance exists; you must navigate general business and zoning codes.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Valdosta?

Zoning is the primary restriction—rentals in R-E or R-25 zones often require a Special Exception from the City Council.

What should Valdosta hosts know about restrictive covenants in specific neighborhoods?

Restrictive covenants in specific neighborhoods (e.g., Ledgedale Circle) may prohibit STRs even if the city does not.

What are the permit fees in Valdosta?

A state nightly fee of $5.00 applies to all bookings under 30 days.

Valdosta, GA Short-Term Rental Rules & Permit Guide

Summary

Short-term rentals in Valdosta are permitted but regulated through general business licensing and zoning ordinances rather than a dedicated short-term rental code.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To legally operate a short-term rental in Valdosta, you must obtain a Business Occupational Tax Certificate (business license) from the city and register for hotel-motel tax collection. While no specific 'STR permit' exists, you must comply with local zoning laws which may require a Special Exception in residential districts. Hosts are responsible for collecting 15% in total taxes plus a $5 nightly state fee.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$35

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.No specific 'Short-Term Rental' ordinance exists; you must navigate general business and zoning codes.
2.Zoning is the primary restriction—rentals in R-E or R-25 zones often require a Special Exception from the City Council.
3.Restrictive covenants in specific neighborhoods (e.g., Ledgedale Circle) may prohibit STRs even if the city does not.
4.A state nightly fee of $5.00 applies to all bookings under 30 days.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Valdosta: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Valdosta: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Valdosta does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(13)

•Valdosta STR warning: Restrictive covenants in specific neighborhoods (e.g., Ledgedale Circle) may prohibit STRs even if the city does not.
•Valdosta: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Valdosta STR warning: A state nightly fee of $5.00 applies to all bookings under 30 days.

Application Process(7)

•Valdosta STR permit - Step 2: Apply for Occupational Tax Certificate. Submit a new business license application to the Finance Department. This can be done online via the city's licensing portal. Required documents: Valid Photo ID, Business Name, S.A.V.E. Affidavit, Private Employer Affidavit. Time: 3-10 business days. Cost: 35.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Valdosta charges a registration fee of $35 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Georgia has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.
•Valdosta charges a Hotel-Motel Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and Vrbo generally collect and remit the 7% local tax and state fee directly to the city/state.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Valdosta occupancy calculation: Generally limited by fire code and occupancy standards. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Valdosta limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Valdosta: A state nightly fee of $5.00 applies to all bookings under 30 days.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Valdosta requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, Life Safety Compliance Verification, Certificate of Occupancy for change of use.

Penalties(3)

•Valdosta enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by Municipal Court. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
•Valdosta: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Valdosta

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(5)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

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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Valdosta

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 Valdosta?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Valdosta?

3Are there rental night limits in Valdosta?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Valdosta?

Related Content

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Athens

Augusta

Roswell