Maui County vs Savannah
Hawaii Effectively Banned | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Maui County, Hawaii | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation
Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Maui County Overview
Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.
Full Maui County guide →Savannah Overview
STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.
Full Savannah guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Maui County or Savannah?
Maui County is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Maui County's permit fee is Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Maui County or Savannah?
Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET), while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.