Local laws and regulations in Georgia: Driver's license requirements. Housing rental laws. Property tax regulations. Employment rights and labor laws. Alcohol sale restrictions. Health insurance mandates. Business licensing procedures. Environmental conservation laws. Firearms ownership laws. Voting registration rules.
Driver’s license requirements
In Georgia, Driver's License requirements vary by age, with 16-year-olds needing to complete a DDS-approved driver education course and 40 hours of supervised driving, including 6 hours at night. For 17-year-olds, 40 hours of supervised driving with 6 hours at night are required, while 18-year-olds must pass a road test with a minimum score of 75% and meet other specific documentation and vision requirements. For detailed information, the Drive Smart Georgia website provides comprehensive guidance on all the necessary steps and documents required for obtaining a driver's license in the state.
Housing rental laws
In Georgia, housing rental laws require landlords to provide habitable rental units, comply with security deposit regulations, and follow anti-discrimination laws. Tenants have the right to request repairs, live in safe conditions, and receive fair treatment, with specific guidelines on lease agreements, rent payments, and eviction procedures. For more detailed information about these rights and obligations, you can visit DoorLoop to understand the comprehensive structure of Georgia Landlord-Tenant Rights. This helps both parties maintain a lawful and respectful relationship.
Property tax regulations
In Georgia, property taxes are based on 40% of the fair market value of the property, with taxes due by December 20 in most counties. Property tax returns must be filed between January 1 and April 1, and various exemptions such as Homestead Exemptions can reduce the taxable value.
Employment rights and labor laws
In Georgia, employment rights are protected by both federal and state laws, including the Georgia Labor Code, which regulates wage payments, rest breaks, and meal periods, and state-specific laws like the Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act, which reinforces federal anti-discrimination protections.
Alcohol sale restrictions
In Georgia, alcohol sales are restricted by time and location: sales cannot begin before 8 a.m. and must end by 11:45 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays, sales are allowed from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Additionally, there are restrictions on sales near schools and churches, and some counties are designated as "dry" where alcohol sales are prohibited. To understand more about these regulations, including specific county laws, you can visit the Georgia Liquor Laws page for detailed information.
Health insurance mandates
In Georgia, starting with the 2025 plan year, the state will run its own health insurance marketplace, Georgia Access, replacing the federally-run HealthCare.gov. Residents must be Georgia residents, lawfully present in the U.S., not incarcerated, and not have Medicare coverage to enroll in Marketplace plans, with additional criteria for financial assistance.
Business licensing procedures
To obtain a business license in Georgia, you must register with the Corporations Division if applicable, obtain local business licenses from your city or county, secure any necessary professional licenses, and get a permit to collect sales tax. With the option to file electronically through the state's online services or local government websites, businesses can efficiently manage these requirements. For comprehensive guidance on this process, including step-by-step instructions and additional resources, visit the Bizee website for detailed information.
Environmental conservation laws
Georgia's environmental conservation laws are administered and enforced by the Environmental Protection Division, which implements federal and state environmental programs, develops rules, and enforces laws to protect natural resources, including water quality, wetlands, and biodiversity, as outlined in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and various state regulations. For more detailed information on these efforts, visit the Environmental Protection Division website.
Firearms ownership laws
In Georgia, individuals who are not prohibited by law can possess or carry handguns or long guns on their property, in their home, motor vehicle, or place of business without a license. Convicted felons and individuals with certain mental health issues are restricted from possessing firearms, ensuring public safety. Furthermore, there are specific regulations for minors and the possession of certain types of firearms such as short-barreled rifles and machine guns. For comprehensive details, you can visit the official site of Georgia Gun Laws, which provides in-depth information on the state's firearm regulations.
Voting registration rules
To register to vote in Georgia, an individual must meet several criteria, including being a U.S. citizen, a legal resident of the county, at least 17 1/2 years old to register, and 18 to vote. Moreover, the person should not be serving a sentence for a felony involving moral turpitude and not be mentally incompetent. Registration can be completed through various methods such as online, by mail, or in person. It's important to note that the deadlines for these registration methods are all 29 days before Election Day. For comprehensive guidance on the registration process, you can visit the Fulton County Departments' Voter Registration page, which provides detailed information on the requirements and procedures involved.