Short-Term Rentals in Effingham County, GA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Effingham County, Georgia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Effingham County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Unincorporated Effingham County has no ordinance written for "short-term rentals" by name, but Airbnb-style hosts fall under Sec. 70-221's broad definition of a "public accommodation" and Sec. 70-225's hotel-operator registration duty. Anyone engaging in business as an operator furnishing rooms for value must immediately register with the county administrator and obtain a certificate of authority before taking guests.

Effingham County Short-Term Rental Registration

Some Restrictions

Effingham County Code § 70-225

Every person engaging or about to engage in business as an operator of a hotel in this county shall immediately register with the county administrator on a form provided by said official. Persons engaged in such business must so register not later than 30 days after the date that the ordinance from which this artice is derived becomes effective. Such registration shall set forth the name under ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Taxes & Fees

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Effingham County are taxed the same as any hotel: Sec. 70-223 requires the operator to collect a five percent excise tax on lodging charges from each guest and remit it to the county administrator. Operators who file and pay on time keep a three percent collection fee under Sec. 70-226(h) as reimbursement for handling the tax.

Effingham County Short-Term Rental Lodging Tax

Some Restrictions

Effingham County Code §§ 70-221, 70-223, 70-226(h)

Public accommodation. ... Any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished by any person or legal entity licensed by or required to pay a business or occupation tax to the county for operating a hotel, motel, inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground, or any other place in which rooms, lodgings, or accommodations are regularly furnished for value and shall apply to the furnish...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Effingham County ordinances

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