Georgina is one of the most appealing GTA markets for investment-property STRs. There is no principal residence requirement, no on-site host rule, and Lake Simcoe drives consistent summer demand. The catch: a hard 150-license cap, a 100-metre separation rule between STRs, and parking requirements geared toward large cottage properties.
Every rule below comes from the Town of Georgina's official short-term rental accommodations page and By-law 2019-0061(LI-3) as amended.
Quick Summary
The Bylaw: 2019-0061(LI-3)
Georgina's STR bylaw was originally passed in 2019 as a response to what the Town called "party palace" issues on Lake Simcoe. The bylaw has been amended twice since:
- August 2023 (By-law 2023-0062): Eliminated the principal residence requirement and the on-site host requirement. This was the amendment that opened Georgina to investment property STRs.
- 2024 (By-law 2024-0035): Further adjustments to fees and enforcement provisions.
The bylaw defines a short-term rental accommodation as a single-family dwelling offered for rent for less than 31 days. Rentals of 31 days or longer are outside the STR definition and are subject to standard tenancy law. The program is administered by Georgina Municipal Law Enforcement Services.
No Principal Residence Rule
This is Georgina's biggest competitive advantage in the GTA. Since the August 2023 amendment, the Town has allowed STR operation on any single-family dwelling, regardless of whether the operator lives there. Contrast that with every other regulated GTA city except Aurora:
For investors evaluating York Region purchases, Georgina is particularly attractive for lakefront cottage properties. Willow Beach, Keswick, Jackson's Point, and Sutton all generate strong summer STR demand driven by day-trippers from Toronto, cottagers, and family reunions.
The 150-License Cap and 100-Metre Rule
Georgina limits the total number of active STR licenses to 150 Town-wide. As of October 1, 2025, 54 licenses were active, leaving approximately 96 slots open. New licenses are issued first come first served within the overall cap.
On top of the Town-wide cap, Georgina enforces a minimum 100-metre separation between licensed STRs. If another licensed STR is already within 100 metres of your property, you cannot obtain a new license regardless of the overall cap. This rule targets clustering in high-demand neighbourhoods.
License Requirements
Key operational rules applied to every licensed STR:
- Property type: Single-family dwelling only. No townhouses, condos, or multi-unit buildings.
- Parking: Minimum 3 off-street parking spaces PLUS 1 additional space per guest bedroom offered. A 4-bedroom rental needs 7 off-street spaces.
- Insurance: $2 million liability with explicit STR endorsement. The Certificate of Insurance must identify the property as being operated as a Short-Term Rental Accommodation.
- Fire safety: Working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and a minimum 5-pound ABC fire extinguisher on each level.
- Ontario Building Code and Fire Code compliance, including maximum occupancy based on legal bedrooms.
How to Apply
- Verify separation and cap availability with Municipal Law Enforcement Services
- Obtain $2M liability insurance with STR endorsement
- Gather required documents: proof of ownership, property survey or site plan, insurance certificate, fire safety certification
- Submit application with the $550 fee
- Pass a property inspection if required
- Receive license (valid one year)
- Display license number on every Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com listing
- Renew annually at $350
Contact Georgina's Municipal Law Enforcement at 905-476-4305 or rental@georgina.ca for the current application package.
Demerit Point System
Georgina uses a demerit point framework that escalates with repeat violations:
- 7 or more demerit points: license may be suspended
- 15 or more demerit points: license may be revoked
Common violations that accumulate points include noise complaints, exceeding occupancy, parking violations, and failure to maintain required safety equipment. Points decay on schedule under the bylaw and the Town publishes the specific values per violation on request.
Enforcement and Fines
Georgina's fines are among the steepest in Ontario:
Operating, advertising, or listing an STR in Georgina without a valid license is an offense under the bylaw. The Town proactively monitors Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com listings and coordinates with platforms on takedowns.
How to Host Legally in Georgina
- Confirm the property is a single-family dwelling. Townhouses and condos don't qualify.
- Check the 100m separation against existing licensed STRs before investing.
- Verify parking capacity. A 4-bedroom listing needs 7 off-street spots.
- Obtain STR-endorsed $2M insurance. Cottage policies rarely include this.
- Submit the application with the $550 fee. Budget for the one-year renewal at $350.
- Display your license number on every listing on every platform.
- Track demerit points and respond quickly to complaints.
Waterfront Zones Fill Up First
The combination of the 150 Town-wide cap and the 100-metre separation rule means that Jackson's Point, Willow Beach, and Keswick waterfront areas will likely reach effective saturation long before the Town-wide cap fills. If you own or plan to buy in these areas, apply early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to Airbnb in Georgina, Ontario?
Yes. The Town of Georgina requires every short-term rental operator to obtain a license under By-law 2019-0061(LI-3), as amended. The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Operating without a license can trigger fines starting at $25,000 for a first offense.
Can I Airbnb an investment property in Georgina?
Yes, since August 2023. Georgina amended its STR bylaw to eliminate the principal residence requirement and the on-site host requirement. This makes Georgina one of the few GTA cities where investment properties can legally operate as short-term rentals, alongside Aurora. The trade-off is a hard 150-license cap across the Town and a minimum 100-metre separation between STR properties.
What is Georgina's license cap and how do I secure one?
Georgina permits a maximum of 150 active STR licenses across the entire Town. As of October 1, 2025, 54 licenses were active, leaving roughly 96 slots available. Licenses are issued on a first come first served basis. Because of the 100-metre separation rule between licensed STRs, some areas of Georgina (particularly waterfront zones) may be effectively full even while the Town-wide cap has room.
How much does a Georgina STR license cost?
The initial application fee is $550. Annual renewal is $350. These fees are set in the Town's user fee bylaw and are subject to annual adjustment. Check georgina.ca/living-here/municipal-law-enforcement/short-term-rental-accommodations for current amounts.
What type of property qualifies for a Georgina STR license?
Only single-family dwellings. Townhouses, condominium units, duplexes, and multi-unit dwellings do not qualify under the current bylaw. The property must also meet zoning, parking, and insurance requirements.
How much parking does a Georgina STR need?
A minimum of three off-street parking spaces on the property, plus one additional off-street space per guest bedroom offered. If you rent out 4 bedrooms, you need 7 off-street spaces. This is one of the strictest parking requirements in Ontario and matches Georgina's focus on large Lake Simcoe cottage properties.
What insurance is required for a Georgina STR?
Proof of current $2,000,000 liability insurance that specifically identifies the property as being operated as a Short-Term Rental Accommodation. Standard homeowner's or cottage insurance does not qualify. Airbnb Host Protection Insurance supplements but does not replace this primary coverage.
What is Georgina's STR demerit point system?
License suspension is possible at 7+ demerit points. License revocation is possible at 15+ demerit points. Points accumulate for violations of the bylaw or associated Town regulations and are reset periodically as set in the bylaw. The Town publishes specific point values for common infractions; contact Municipal Law Enforcement for the current schedule.
What is the 100-metre separation rule?
To prevent STR clustering in residential neighbourhoods, Georgina's bylaw requires a minimum 100-metre separation between licensed short-term rental properties. If another licensed STR is already within 100 metres of your property, you cannot obtain a new license at that address. This rule is particularly important for Willow Beach, Keswick, Jackson's Point, and other lakefront communities where demand clusters.
What are the fines for operating an unlicensed STR in Georgina?
First offense: $25,000. Subsequent offenses: $50,000. Corporations face $50,000 for a first offense and $100,000 for subsequent offenses. These are among the steepest STR penalties in Ontario and reflect the Town's stated commitment to preventing 'party palace' operations on Lake Simcoe.
Thinking about a Lake Simcoe Airbnb in Georgina?
With no principal residence requirement, Georgina is a rare GTA market where investment cottages can be legal STRs. Nurture handles the license, insurance, inspections, and seasonal operations for lakefront properties across Willow Beach, Keswick, Jackson's Point, and Sutton.
Get a Free Property AssessmentThis summary is for informational purposes only. Georgina's STR bylaw and fees change periodically. Always verify current rules and license availability at georgina.ca or contact Municipal Law Enforcement at 905-476-4305. HST (13%) and federal tax rules also apply.