Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Brunswick, GA

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Brunswick, Georgia, but they are strictly regulated at the county level. Brunswick operates under Glynn County's comprehensive short-term rental ordinance (Chapter 2-31), which requires property owners to obtain certificates and comply with specific operational guidelines. The county implemented these regulations in 2021 to address noise, parking, trash, and public safety concerns while creating a level playing field between traditional hotels and individual rental properties.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Brunswick

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Obtain a Short-Term Rental Certificate through Glynn County's MUNIRevs portal
2. Secure an Occupation Tax Certificate (required for all businesses and individuals renting 6+ properties)
3. Complete safety inspections as mandated by county regulations
4. Establish local contact information for property management and guest relations
5. Set up accommodation tax collection and remittance systems
6. Ensure compliance with zoning restrictions and occupancy limits

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licenses and Certificates:

Short-Term Rental Certificate (Mandatory)

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

Occupation Tax Certificate (Required for qualifying businesses)

• Required for all businesses operating in Glynn County
• Mandatory for individuals renting six or more properties
• Available through the county's licensing and compliance department

Safety and Compliance Requirements:

Safety Inspection

• Properties must pass safety inspection before rental
• Regular inspections required under the ordinance
• Proof of insurance or bond may be required

Business License

• Required for all short-term rental operators in Brunswick
• Must be obtained before commencing operations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy and Gathering Restrictions:

Maximum Occupancy Limits

• Determined by septic system capacity or municipal sewer connections
• Large gatherings prohibited (defined as more than 2x the property's overnight occupancy limit)
• Special event exceptions may apply (e.g., wedding-related gatherings)

Weekend Rental Limitations

• Standard weekend rentals are prohibited unless associated with special events
• Wedding-related weekend gatherings may be permitted under specific conditions

Operational Standards:

Uniform Rules Apply to All Rentals

• Noise regulations must be followed at all times
• Parking restrictions must be enforced
• Trash collection and disposal requirements apply
• Public safety measures must be maintained

Complaint Management

• 24-hour hotline available for reporting violations
• County will contact property's local contact to resolve concerns
• Regular enforcement and monitoring in place

Tax Obligations:

Accommodation Excise Tax

• Must be collected from guests at the applicable rate
• Payments processed through MUNIRevs portal
• Remittance due monthly (detailed procedures on county website)

State and Local Taxes

• Collection and remittance required through designated systems
• Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms may not automatically handle local tax obligations
• Individual operators must ensure proper tax compliance

Zoning Considerations:

Residential Area Restrictions

• Short-term rentals not permitted in all residential zones
• Zoning restrictions apply and must be verified before operation
• Local zoning maps and restrictions should be reviewed during planning phase

Contact Information for Local Authority

Glynn County Short-Term Rental Administration:

Short-Term Rental Hotline (24/7)

• Phone: 912-525-5455
• Purpose: Report complaints and violations
• Function: Documents complaints and contacts property's local contact for resolution

MUNIRevs Customer Support (Tax and Certificate Processing)

• Phone: 1-888-751-1911
• Email: blt.str.support@govos.com
• Services: Registration assistance, tax filing help, payment processing

Glynn County Licensing and Compliance Department

• Website: www.glynncounty.org/government/departments/licensing-compliance
• Responsible for: Short-term rental certificates, business licenses, inspection coordination

Source Links and Reference Materials

Official Government Sources:

1. Glynn County STR Information Portal: www.glynncounty.org/2525/Short-Term-Rental-Properties
2. Application Portal: glynncounty.munirevs.com/
3. Certificate Renewal Portal: glynncountyga.portal.opengov.com/
4. Complaint Form: str.govos.com/complaint/?cityid=90
5. Glynn County Code of Ordinances Chapter 2-31: library.municode.com/ga/glynn_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH2-31SHRMRE
6. Glynn County Code Chapter 2-14 (Taxation): library.municode.com/ga/glynn_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH2-14TA
7. Good Neighbor Flyers:
   • Standard: content.glynncounty.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Downloadable-Good-Neighbor-Flyer.pdf
   • With Hotline: content.glynncounty.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Downloadable-Good-Neighbor--Hotline-Flyer.pdf

News and Historical Context:

8. The Brunswick News - County Enacts STR Ordinance: thebrunswicknews.com/news/local_news/county-enacts-short-term-rental-ordinance/article_2849e622-161e-5288-af18-4fa55c658ea7.html

Third-Party Resources (Use with Caution):

9. GoSummer Vacation Rental Management Guide: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/brunswick-georgia
   • Note: This is a commercial property management service; verify all regulatory information through official government sources

Important Considerations for STR Investors

• Brunswick-specific regulations: Brunswick operates under Glynn County jurisdiction, so all county regulations apply to properties within Brunswick city limits
• Active enforcement: The county actively monitors compliance through complaint-based reporting and regular inspections
• Legal precedent: The 2021 ordinance implementation demonstrates local government commitment to regulating STR activities
• Compliance costs: Budget for certificate fees, potential inspection costs, tax preparation and remittance, and potential insurance/bond requirements
• Market considerations: Seasonal demand patterns affect rental viability and pricing strategies
• Zoning verification: Always verify zoning compliance before purchasing or operating STR properties in Brunswick

This guide represents current regulations as of 2025. Investors should regularly check Glynn County's official website and consult with local legal counsel for the most current requirements before making investment decisions.