Is Jekyll Island, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Jekyll Island, Georgia, begin by researching local regulations through the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA), which oversees all development on the island and requires special permits for short-term rentals, as the island operates under unique state park authority since 1947. Contact the JIA at 912-635-3636 to understand their specific short-term rental ordinances and obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license and may require compliance with the island's 35% commercial development limit established in the original master plan. Find property by working with local realtors familiar with JIA regulations, focusing on areas zoned for residential use that allow rentals, keeping in mind that Jekyll Island has limited private property ownership with most land being leased from the state. Furnish your property with coastal-themed, durable furniture suitable for the humid climate, emphasizing comfort and functionality while highlighting the island's natural beauty and proximity to beaches, golf courses, and the historic district. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms, emphasizing unique Jekyll Island features like the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Driftwood Beach, and historic millionaire cottages, while pricing competitively with the island's hotels like Jekyll Island Club Resort and Hampton Inn. Manage your property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance providers, and property management companies familiar with island logistics, ensuring quick response times for guest needs while maintaining compliance with JIA regulations and any homeowners association requirements in developments like Oceanview or Beachview.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties on Jekyll Island, Georgia, focus on oceanfront or ocean-view locations within walking distance of the beach, particularly properties near popular areas like Driftwood Beach, the Jekyll Island Club Resort, or the historic district, as these command premium nightly rates of $200-400 during peak season (March-October). Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos with 2+ bathrooms, modern amenities, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, and parking, as families and groups are the primary demographic visiting this resort island. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark occupancy rates (typically 60-75% annually) and average daily rates, while factoring in Georgia's 13% hotel/motel tax and Jekyll Island's specific STR regulations requiring business licenses. Research competition by monitoring active listings on Airbnb and VRBO, noting that properties closer to the beach center and Jekyll Island Club area consistently outperform inland locations by 20-30% in revenue. Utilize the Jekyll Island Authority's tourism data, Georgia MLS systems, and local property management companies like Jekyll Realty or Parker-Kaufman Realtors for market insights, while considering that successful STR properties on the island typically generate $40,000-80,000 annually depending on location, size, and management quality.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Jekyll Island, Georgia, you must first contact the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) at their administrative offices located at 100 James Road, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, as Jekyll Island operates under unique state authority rather than typical municipal governance. Begin by submitting a Short-Term Rental Application through the JIA's planning and development department, which requires a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plans, site survey, proof of liability insurance ($1 million minimum), fire safety inspection certificate, and septic system approval if applicable. The application fee is approximately $500 with an annual renewal fee of $250, and you must also obtain a Georgia business license ($50) and collect state and local occupancy taxes. Required documents include a notarized affidavit of compliance, emergency contact information, parking plan showing adequate spaces, and waste management plan. The review process typically takes 60-90 days and includes inspections by JIA staff, fire marshal, and health department. Jekyll Island specific requirements include adherence to the island's architectural design standards, maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity, mandatory quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, and compliance with the island's comprehensive land use plan which may restrict STRs in certain residential zones. Upon approval, you'll receive a permit certificate that must be prominently displayed and renewed annually by December 31st.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal on Jekyll Island, Georgia, but operate under specific regulations established by the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) and Glynn County. The Jekyll Island Authority, which manages the state-owned island, requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and comply with zoning restrictions that limit rentals primarily to designated residential areas and approved accommodations. Properties must meet safety standards, obtain business licenses, and pay applicable taxes including hotel/motel taxes. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have strengthened enforcement mechanisms and clarified permit requirements, with the JIA working to balance tourism revenue with resident quality of life concerns. STRs are generally prohibited in certain conservation areas and must comply with the island's unique land lease system, as all land on Jekyll Island is owned by the state of Georgia and leased through the Jekyll Island Authority, creating additional regulatory layers compared to typical municipal STR ordinances.

The most attractive areas for Airbnb investment on Jekyll Island, Georgia are the Historic District, particularly near the Jekyll Island Club Resort area, which draws visitors year-round due to its Victorian-era charm, historic tours, and proximity to the beach, generating strong occupancy from both leisure tourists and wedding parties. The Beachfront and Dunes areas along the eastern shore are prime locations due to direct beach access, attracting families and couples during peak summer months and shoulder seasons, with properties here commanding premium nightly rates. The area near the Jekyll Island Convention Center and Golf Courses on the island's interior offers excellent potential for business travelers attending conferences and golf enthusiasts, providing more consistent bookings during off-peak tourist seasons. Properties near the Wharf District and Marina are increasingly popular due to the area's dining and entertainment options, plus easy access for boaters and fishing enthusiasts, while the residential areas near Great Dunes Park offer a quieter alternative for families seeking longer stays while still being within walking distance of beach access and island amenities.

Jekyll Island, Georgia imposes a 7% hotel/motel tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which is collected in addition to the state sales tax of 4% and local sales tax, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 13-15%. The Jekyll Island Authority administers the hotel/motel tax, which must be collected from guests at the time of booking or check-in and remitted monthly to the Jekyll Island Authority by the 20th of the following month using their prescribed tax return forms. Property owners must register with the Jekyll Island Authority to obtain a hotel/motel tax certificate before operating short-term rentals, and failure to collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform in some cases, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or non-profit organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

Starting an Airbnb in Jekyll Island, Georgia requires approximately $850,000-$950,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs range from $650,000-$750,000 for a median 3-bedroom home or condo suitable for vacation rentals on the island. Furnishing costs typically run $25,000-$35,000 for complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, furniture, and decor to create an attractive vacation rental. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials cost around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees include Georgia business license ($50), Glynn County short-term rental permit ($200), Jekyll Island Authority permits ($500), and various inspection fees totaling approximately $1,500-$2,000. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $3,000-$4,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, water, internet, and cable total around $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover averaging 8 turnovers monthly), maintenance and supplies ($400/month), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO (6% of estimated $4,000 monthly revenue), and property management if outsourced (20% of revenue) total approximately $18,000-$25,000 for the initial six-month period.

Airbnb properties on Jekyll Island, Georgia typically generate annual revenues between $35,000-$65,000 for well-positioned vacation rentals, with oceanfront properties commanding premium rates of $200-$400 per night during peak summer months and $120-$200 during shoulder seasons. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), maintenance and repairs (8-12% annually), insurance premiums ($2,000-$4,000 yearly), and Jekyll Island Authority fees. Successful properties maintain 65-75% occupancy rates and achieve net profit margins of 25-35%, with beachfront condos in complexes like Villas by the Sea and oceanview homes in residential areas performing strongest due to Jekyll Island's limited commercial development and exclusive resort atmosphere. Key success factors include proximity to Driftwood Beach, professional photography showcasing the island's natural beauty, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing during major events like the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, with top-performing hosts reporting annual net profits of $18,000-$28,000 on properties valued between $300,000-$600,000.

Based on Jekyll Island, Georgia market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location proximity to the beach. Properties within walking distance of Jekyll Island Beach and historic district command premium rates of $200-350 per night during peak season (March-October), while inland properties average $120-200 nightly. Initial investment recovery generally occurs within 6-8 years for oceanfront condos and 7-10 years for single-family homes, with monthly gross revenues averaging $3,500-6,000 for beachfront properties and $2,200-4,000 for inland locations. The island's year-round tourism, limited commercial development restrictions, and proximity to Jacksonville and Savannah markets support consistent 70-85% occupancy rates, though investors should factor in Georgia's 7% state sales tax on short-term rentals and Jekyll Island Authority's annual parking and utility fees when calculating net returns.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data for Jekyll Island, Georgia. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Thompson who focus on Jekyll Island vacation rental properties, and Century 21 Countryside Realty's investment specialists. Vacasa operates in the area providing property management and acquisition consulting services for Airbnb investors since 2019. RedAwning offers nationwide short-term rental investment consulting with Georgia coastal market expertise. Local services include Jekyll Island Realty Group which has specialized in vacation rental investments since 2015, and Coastal Georgia Property Advisors founded in 2018. National platforms like Mashvisor provide Jekyll Island market analytics and investment property recommendations, while AirDNA offers comprehensive short-term rental market data for the Golden Isles region. BiggerPockets connects investors with local Jekyll Island real estate professionals, and companies like Awning and AvantStay provide end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property acquisition assistance in coastal Georgia markets.