Which New Georgia Laws in 2026 Should Business Owners Actually Care About?
If you’re a business owner in Georgia, it can feel like every legislative session brings a wave of “important changes” that rarely affect your day-to-day operations. While most new laws won’t impact your business, a small number absolutely will – especially those tied to data protection and the systems many rely on through managed IT services.
We break down which Georgia laws taking effect in 2026 actually matter, who they affect, and what business owners should do next. You’ll also get clear context on Georgia’s business landscape, what qualifies as a small business, and the compliance changes leaders should be preparing for as 2026 approaches.
Georgia’s Business Landscape
Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with an estimated population of over 11 million residents as of the last US Census.
That growth directly fuels entrepreneurship. According to the SBA’s Small Business Profile, Georgia is home to approximately 1.4 million small businesses, accounting for the overwhelming majority of employers in the state.
What Qualifies as a “Small Business” in Georgia?
Most Georgia programs rely on SBA size standards, which vary by industry and are based on either:
- Employee count (commonly ≤ 500 employees for manufacturing), or
- Average annual receipts (often ≤ $7.5 million for many service-based industries)
Some industries have higher or lower thresholds, which is why two companies with the same revenue may be classified differently depending on their NAICS code.
What Is HB 551?
HB 551 is one of the most operationally impactful laws taking effect in 2026, particularly for businesses connected to vehicles, registrations, and parking enforcement.
At a high level, the law tightens oversight around:
- Temporary operating permits and temporary tags
- Dealer and master dealer plates
- Vehicle registration and titling processes
- Booting company permitting and consumer disclosures
- Business access to Department of Revenue vehicle data
The intent is to reduce fraud and misuse while increasing accountability across vehicle-related industries.
This law matters most if you operate an auto dealership, manage a fleet, provide tag or title services, or run parking and booting operations. For many businesses, compliance will hinge on documentation, system access controls, and workflow clarity rather than dramatic operational changes.
SB 112 for HVAC and Construction-Related Businesses
SB 112 focuses on HVAC manufacturer warranties and how they transfer during home sales. This is an issue that has historically caused confusion, disputes, and finger-pointing between contractors, homeowners, and manufacturers.
Under the new law:
- Certain HVAC warranties automatically transfer to the new homeowner upon sale.
- Warranty coverage ties more clearly to the installation date.
- Manufacturers cannot deny coverage solely due to registration technicalities in qualifying scenarios.
For HVAC contractors and builders, this reduces friction but increases the importance of clear installation records and customer handoff documentation.
HB 567 for Teledentistry
HB 567 formally authorizes and regulates teledentistry in Georgia, providing clearer rules for how licensed dentists can deliver remote care.
The law establishes expectations around:
- Provider licensing
- Standards of care
- Patient consent and documentation
- Appropriate use cases for remote dental services
For dental practices, especially those serving rural areas or operating multiple locations, this law creates opportunity. However, it requires workflows, secure technology platforms, and compliance practices to be aligned from the start.
SB 199 for Ethics and Disclosure Laws
SB 199 updates how Georgia’s State Ethics Commission handles certain complaints and reporting processes, particularly close to election periods.
This law is most relevant if:
- Your business contributes to political campaigns or PACs
- Executives or owners run for public office
- You operate in a regulated or government-facing industry
While the law doesn’t change everyday operations for most companies, it raises the stakes for accurate reporting, internal controls, and documentation around political activity.
What Tax-Related Changes in 2026 Should Georgia Business Owners Plan For?
One of the more practical planning tools introduced for 2026 is tied to HB 511, which establishes catastrophe savings accounts.
These accounts allow eligible taxpayers to:
- Deduct contributions used for qualified catastrophe expenses
- Earn tax-free interest when funds are used properly
- Prepare financially for Governor-declared disasters affecting a primary residence
Although this provision applies to individuals, many business owners integrate personal and business risk planning. Have a conversation with your CPA or financial advisor.
Georgia has also enacted updates affecting specific tax credits, including provisions impacting media and post-production activities beginning January 1, 2026.
How Should Business Owners Decide Which 2026 Laws Actually Matter to Them?
At the end of the day, a law deserves your attention if it changes one of four things:
- How you get paid
- How you operate day to day
- Your legal, financial, or cybersecurity risk
- Your customer or client experience
Whether you want to talk secure cloud storage, reliable communications, or how new Georgia laws may impact your compliance posture, Eclipse is here to help. Our team works alongside business owners to translate change into clear, practical next steps. Contact Eclipse, because we’re in IT together.
