Local Firearms Preemption: Savannah vs Tybee Island
How do local firearms preemption rules compare between Savannah, GA and Tybee Island, GA?
Savannah has fewer restrictions than Tybee Island.
Savannah, GA
Chatham County
Savannah cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Georgia O.C.G.A. Section 16-11-173 reserves to the General Assembly all regulation of gun shows, firearm possession, ownership, transport, carry, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, registration, and firearms dealers.
View full Savannah rules →Tybee Island, GA
Chatham County
Georgia broadly preempts local firearms regulation under O.C.G.A. 16-11-173, reserving authority to the General Assembly while permitting limited local rules at government buildings and parks.
View full Tybee Island rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Savannah | Tybee Island |
|---|---|---|
| Preemption Statute | O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-11-173 | - |
| Statewide Carry | Permitless carry (21+) since 2022 | - |
| What Savannah May Regulate | Discharge, employee carry, generally applicable zoning | - |
| What's Preempted | Possession, ownership, transport, carry, sale, purchase, licensing, registration, gun shows, dealers | - |
| Remedy | Private right of action + attorney fees | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Savannah FAQ
Can Savannah ban handguns or assault weapons?
No. O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-11-173 reserves the entire field of firearm regulation to the General Assembly. Savannah cannot ban any firearm type state and federal law allow.
What firearm rules apply in Savannah?
Georgia state law. Adults 21+ eligible for a Georgia Weapons Carry License may carry openly or concealed without a permit under the 2022 constitutional-carry law.
Are there any local firearm restrictions in Savannah?
Only narrow ones state law allows: discharge regulation inside the city, employee-on-duty rules, and generally applicable zoning of firearm dealers.
Tybee Island FAQ
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