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 and rentals on the island, as short-term rentals require specific permits and compliance with JIA guidelines established around 2018-2019. Contact the JIA at (912) 635-3636 to obtain the necessary short-term rental permit, which typically costs $200-500 annually and requires property inspection, insurance verification, and adherence to occupancy limits. Find property by working with local realtors familiar with JIA-approved rental zones, as only certain areas allow short-term rentals, with properties ranging from $300,000-800,000 for condos and $500,000-2,000,000 for homes near the beach or golf courses. Furnish the property with coastal-themed, durable furniture suitable for the humid climate, including hurricane-resistant outdoor furniture, quality linens, and amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, and bicycles that guests expect on Jekyll Island. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local rental companies like Jekyll Realty or Landmark Vacation Rentals, highlighting proximity to Driftwood Beach, the Jekyll Island Club Resort, and golf courses, with rates typically ranging from $150-400 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by either self-managing or hiring local companies like Vacasa or RedAwning, ensuring compliance with JIA's noise ordinances, parking restrictions (typically 2-4 spaces per unit), and maintaining the property to JIA's aesthetic standards while providing 24/7 guest support and coordinating cleaning services between stays.

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 near popular areas like Driftwood Beach and the Jekyll Island Club Resort. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these command higher nightly rates of $200-400 during peak season (March-October). Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates averaging 60-70% annually, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO to identify gaps in amenities or pricing strategies. Utilize the Jekyll Island Authority's rental regulations and work with local property management companies like Jekyll Realty or Landmark Vacation Rentals who understand the island's unique 99-year land lease system and can provide market insights. Consider properties near the Jekyll Island Convention Center for corporate bookings and ensure compliance with the island's development standards, as the limited supply of rental properties due to land use restrictions creates strong demand, with successful STR properties typically generating 8-12% annual returns when properly managed and marketed to families and couples seeking a premium coastal Georgia experience.

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 is a state park with unique regulations managed by the JIA rather than typical municipal authorities. Begin by submitting a Short-Term Rental Application through the JIA's planning and development department, which requires a completed application form, property survey, site plan showing parking and access, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire marshal, and a business license from Glynn County. The application fee is approximately $500 with an annual renewal fee of $250, and the process typically takes 60-90 days for initial approval. Jekyll Island has specific requirements including a maximum occupancy limit based on bedrooms and square footage, mandatory provision of at least two parking spaces per unit, compliance with the island's architectural review standards, adherence to quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, and registration with the Georgia Department of Revenue for hotel/motel tax collection at 8% plus local taxes. After JIA approval, you must also obtain a business license from Glynn County and register for state and local tax collection, with final inspection required before commencing operations.

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. As of 2023, STRs must obtain proper permits and licenses, including a business license from Glynn County and compliance with JIA's rental regulations since Jekyll Island is a state park managed by the JIA. Properties must meet safety requirements, maintain occupancy limits typically based on septic capacity, and owners must collect and remit hotel/motel taxes. The JIA has implemented stricter oversight in recent years, requiring annual inspections and adherence to noise ordinances and parking restrictions. While STRs are permitted in residential areas of the island, they must comply with the island's master plan and development standards, and the JIA reserves the right to modify regulations as needed to balance tourism revenue with resident quality of life and environmental protection of this barrier island state park.

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 appeals to business travelers attending conferences and golf enthusiasts participating in tournaments throughout the year, providing more consistent mid-week bookings. Properties near the Summer Waves Water Park and Mini Golf areas are excellent for family-oriented rentals, especially during summer months and school holidays. The neighborhoods around the Jekyll Island Campground and near Driftwood Beach offer unique positioning for nature lovers and photographers drawn to the iconic driftwood formations, while still maintaining reasonable property acquisition costs compared to prime beachfront locations.

Airbnb properties on Jekyll Island, Georgia are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Georgia state hotel/motel tax of 5%, Glynn County's hotel/motel tax of 6%, and Jekyll Island's local accommodations tax of 3%, totaling approximately 14% in combined lodging taxes. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began operating in Georgia around 2018-2019. Airbnb remits these taxes quarterly to the appropriate jurisdictions including the Georgia Department of Revenue, Glynn County, and the Jekyll Island Authority. Property owners must register with each taxing authority and may need to file returns even when Airbnb collects taxes, depending on local requirements. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and some jurisdictions may exempt stays by government employees or certain non-profit organizations. Additionally, there may be local business license requirements and registration fees with the Jekyll Island Authority for short-term rental operations.

Starting an Airbnb in Jekyll Island, Georgia requires approximately $850,000-$950,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs range from $600,000-$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 six months costing $1,500-$2,250. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable cost around $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($3,600), maintenance ($2,000), property management if used (20% of bookings estimated at $8,000), supplies and amenities ($1,500), and marketing ($1,000) total approximately $17,900. Additional working capital of $10,000-$15,000 is recommended for unexpected expenses and vacancy periods during the initial launch phase.

Airbnb properties on Jekyll Island, Georgia demonstrate strong profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $150-300 depending on property type and season, generating annual revenues of $35,000-75,000 for well-managed properties. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 3% Airbnb service fees, 10-15% for property management if outsourced, plus utilities, insurance, and property taxes totaling approximately 40-50% of gross revenue. Successful properties achieve net profit margins of 25-35%, with oceanfront condos and historic district homes performing best due to Jekyll Island's appeal as a resort destination with the Jekyll Island Club Resort driving year-round tourism. Key success factors include proximity to beaches and golf courses, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing during peak seasons like summer months and the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival. Properties purchased around 2019-2021 for $200,000-400,000 have seen both appreciation and strong rental performance, with some owners reporting $40,000+ annual profits after expenses, though newer investors face higher acquisition costs that may compress initial returns to 15-20% profit margins.

Based on Jekyll Island, Georgia market data, 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 profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even cash flow often achieved in the first 12-15 months. The island's year-round appeal, limited supply due to development restrictions, and consistent tourism from Savannah and Jacksonville markets support occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Properties purchased in the $300,000-600,000 range with 20-25% down payments typically see gross rental yields of 15-22% before expenses, translating to net returns of 10-16% after accounting for management fees, maintenance, and vacancy periods.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking to enter the Airbnb market in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Local real estate agents who focus on investment properties in the Jekyll Island area include Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, which has been serving the Golden Isles since 1995, and Century 21 Lighthouse Realty, established in 2003, both offering expertise in vacation rental investments. National services like Awning (founded 2017), RedAwning (established 2011), and Vacasa (launched 2009) provide comprehensive Airbnb property management and investment analysis for Jekyll Island properties. AirDNA, a data analytics company founded in 2015, offers market research and revenue projections specifically for short-term rental investments in coastal Georgia markets. Local property management companies such as Jekyll Island Vacation Rentals (operating since 2008) and Golden Isles Property Management (established 2012) specialize in managing Airbnb properties while helping investors identify profitable opportunities. Additional national platforms include Mashvisor (founded 2014) for investment property analysis, BiggerPockets (established 2004) for investor networking and deal sourcing, and Roofstock (launched 2015) which occasionally features turnkey short-term rental properties in the Jekyll Island market.