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Saint Simons Island, GA

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STR Regulations for Saint Simons Island, Georgia

Saint Simons Island, Georgia Short-Term Rental Investor Guide

Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED on Saint Simons Island, Georgia. Saint Simons Island is located within Glynn County, and short-term rental operations are regulated at the county level through established ordinances and licensing requirements.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Saint Simons Island?

Saint Simons Island hosts earn a median $45,671/year with $282 ADR and 59% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $72,046+ per year.

See the full Saint Simons Island market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Saint Simons Island

Starting a short-term rental business on Saint Simons Island requires following Glynn County's regulatory framework, which includes obtaining proper licensing, complying with local ordinances, and meeting tax obligations. The process begins with obtaining a Short-Term Rental Certificate from Glynn County and continues with ongoing compliance requirements.

Step-by-Step Process:

Obtain a Short-Term Rental Certificate through the MUNIRevs portal
Secure an Occupation Tax Certificate if you operate 6 or more properties or any business
Register for tax collection with state and local authorities
Ensure zoning compliance for your property location
Set up accommodation tax remittance systems
Establish local contact procedures for guest issues

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements:

Short-Term Rental Certificate

Issued by Glynn County under Chapter 2-31 of the Code of Ordinances
Required for all properties rented for less than 30 consecutive days
Application submitted through MUNIRevs portal

Occupation Tax Certificate

Required for all businesses
Required for individuals renting six or more properties
Available through Glynn County Licensing and Compliance

Tax Registration Requirements

State sales tax registration (4% rate)
Local accommodation excise tax registration (varies)
Monthly or quarterly remittance procedures

Supporting Documentation Typically Required:

Proof of property ownership or legal authority to rent
Liability insurance documentation
Property floor plans showing bedroom count and emergency exits
Parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street spaces
Local contact information for 24/7 issue response
Fire safety and building code compliance verification

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County Level (Glynn County):

Short-Term Rental Certificate Requirements

Mandatory for all STR operations under Chapter 2-31
Creates uniform rules for noise, parking, trash, and accommodation taxes
Applies to all rental types including hotels and individual homes

Operational Standards

Noise restrictions during quiet hours
Parking requirements for guest vehicles
Trash management and collection standards
Local contact availability for issue resolution

Taxation Framework

State sales tax: 4% on short-term rentals
Local accommodation excise taxes: Varies by jurisdiction
Monthly remittance through MUNIRevs portal
Credit card and e-check payment acceptance

Enforcement and Compliance:

24-hour complaint hotline: 912-525-5455
Online complaint submission system available
Property owners contacted for issue resolution
Potential penalties for non-compliance including fines

State Level (Georgia):

Tax Obligations

4% state sales tax on short-term rental income
Georgia Department of Revenue registration required
Regular remittance schedules (monthly or quarterly)

Local Control Structure

Georgia lacks uniform statewide STR regulations
Primary regulation occurs at city and county levels
Property owners must comply with local zoning ordinances
Business license requirements vary by jurisdiction

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

Glynn County Licensing and Compliance

Phone: 912-554-7780
Website: glynncounty.org
Address: 1725 Reynolds Street, Suite 200, Brunswick, GA 31520

Tax and Portal Support:

MUNIRevs (Tax Portal Support)

Phone: 1-888-751-1911
Email: blt.str.support@govos.com
Portal: glynncounty.munirevs.com

Complaint Reporting:

24-Hour STR Complaint Hotline

Phone: 912-525-5455
Online Complaint Form: str.govos.com/complaint/?cityid=90

Occupancy Tax and Business Licensing:

Glynn County Tax Commissioner's Office

Website: glynntaxoffice.org

Source Links

Official Government Sources:

Legal Framework:

Chapter 2-14 Taxation - Glynn County Code

Supporting Resources:

Community Impact Sources:

The Brunswick News - STR Community Impact Article

Industry Resources:

Summer - St. Simons Island STR Management Overview

Important Note: This guide reflects information available as of 2024-2025. Short-term rental regulations frequently change, and investors should verify current requirements with Glynn County before making investment decisions. Always consult with local authorities and qualified legal professionals for the most current and comprehensive regulatory guidance.

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Saint Simons Island

Market Saturation Score

Moderate Saturation

5/ 12

months with declining YoY revenue

5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.

View Full Saint Simons Island Market Analysis

Photos of Saint Simons Island

Overview of Saint Simons Island

St. Simons Island is a barrier island and unincorporated community in Glynn County, Georgia, forming part of the Golden Isles archipelago along the state's Atlantic coast. The island has a year-round population of roughly 15,000 residents, swelling considerably during summer and shoulder seasons when vacationers arrive. Its character blends old-South coastal charm with a laid-back beach-town atmosphere, marked by canopies of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, broad marshland vistas, and a long stretch of wide sandy beach. The island sits about 80 miles south of Savannah, Georgia, and roughly 80 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida, with the mainland city of Brunswick lying just across the causeway.

Fort Frederica National Monument preserves the archaeological remains of a British colonial town established by General James Oglethorpe in the 1730s as a buffer against Spanish Florida. The site, located on the north end of the island, features earthwork ruins, interpretive trails, and a visitor center, and is roughly a 10-minute drive from the island's village areas. Managed by the National Park Service, it offers a tangible connection to Georgia's colonial past and the early contest between Britain and Spain over this stretch of coast.

The St. Simons Island Light station is one of the island's most recognizable landmarks, with its black-and-white striped tower rising beside a Victorian-era keeper's house that now operates as a museum. The lighthouse sits near the southern tip of the island within walking distance of the village and pier, and has guided mariners through St. Simons Sound since the rebuilt tower was completed in 1872. Visitors can climb the steps to the top for sweeping views of the marsh, the sound, and the open Atlantic.

Just to the south, neighboring Jekyll Island is reachable in about 20 minutes via the Sidney Lanier Bridge from Brunswick, offering a National Historic Landmark District, miles of public beaches, and a state park on its northern end. It functions as a natural companion destination for visitors based on St. Simons who want variety in their coastal experience, from the photogenic driftwood-strewn shoreline on the island's north end to the century-old clubhouse and cottages of the historic district.

The Pier Village at the south end of St. Simons Island is the island's commercial heart, with locally owned restaurants, ice cream shops, and boutiques clustered around the public fishing pier and adjacent Neptune Park. It sits within walking or biking distance of many of the island's rental properties, making it a natural gathering point for evening strolls after a day on the beach.

Together, these features make St. Simons Island a compelling base for short-term rentals. The island combines accessible beaches, recognizable historic landmarks, a walkable village core, and easy day trips to Jekyll Island and the mainland, all within a short drive of two major regional airports in Jacksonville and Savannah. That pairing of natural setting, layered history, and a mild year-round climate gives the market real depth across spring break, summer, and fall shoulder seasons.

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