LicensedRental

Georgia county rules

Dawson County, GA vacation rental rules and taxes

Dawson County has about 170 listings around Dawsonville, Lake Lanier, and Big Canoe. The county permits each rental, requires half an acre, a two-night minimum stay, and certified-mail notice to neighbors; the City of Dawsonville licenses rentals separately.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026
Market
About 170 listings
Dawsonville 120 and Big Canoe 51 (shared with Pickens) Airbnb listings (AirROI).Source
Sales tax
8%
County permit
Required (STRBB)
Hotel-motel tax
8% county, 6% Dawsonville

What to do

  1. Then your city or area

    Permits, zoning, and the hotel-motel tax depend on whether you’re inside a city. Pick your area.

Towns

Full guide

Dawsonville

Dawsonville requires a yearly city short-term rental license, priced by the square footage you rent, and notifies your neighbors before the first license. Guests are capped at 2 per bedroom plus 2 overnight, and your agent must reach the property within 2 hours.

Full guide

Unincorporated Dawson County

Dawson County requires a permit for every short-term rental (under 30 nights) and, since 2025, allows only one site-built house per parcel of at least half an acre. Stays must be at least two nights, guests are capped at 2 per bedroom, and you must mail notice to neighbors before the permit issues.

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.