South Carolina Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Regulations (2026 Guide)

South Carolina's Myrtle Beach Grand Strand, Hilton Head Island, and Charleston's historic district create one of the Southeast's strongest coastal STR markets. Whether you already own a vacation rental in South Carolina or are evaluating your first investment, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential. STR laws in South Carolina vary significantly by city and county — and getting compliance wrong can mean fines, forced delistings, or lost income.

This guide covers South Carolina's approach to short-term rental regulation at the state level, then breaks down the rules in key markets investors and hosts need to know. Regulations as of 2026 — always verify current rules directly with your local municipality before listing.

If you'd like help navigating STR compliance in South Carolina, Awning's property management team operates in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Pawleys Island and helps hosts stay compliant while maximizing revenue.

How South Carolina Defines a Short-Term Rental

For regulatory and tax purposes, a short-term rental in South Carolina is generally defined as a residential property rented for 90 consecutive days or fewer (for state accommodations tax purposes). Any rental longer than this threshold is typically treated as a long-term rental and subject to different rules.

Does South Carolina Require a Statewide STR License?

South Carolina enacted Act 121 of 2020, creating a consistent statewide STR registration framework. All STR operators must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

South Carolina Short-Term Rental Taxes

South Carolina imposes a 7% state accommodations tax on STR income. Counties add local accommodations taxes of 1.5–3%. Myrtle Beach adds a 1.5% city hospitality fee. Airbnb collects and remits state taxes automatically; local tax compliance varies by jurisdiction.

Regardless of which booking platform you use, it is your responsibility as a host to ensure all applicable taxes are collected and remitted correctly. Failure to comply can result in penalties, back taxes, and potential loss of your ability to operate.

STR Regulations by City in South Carolina

Below are the key STR markets in South Carolina and their current regulatory requirements. City regulations change frequently — check with your local planning or licensing department for the most current rules before investing.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach requires STR operators to obtain a city business license and rental permit in addition to state registration. The Grand Strand has some of the highest STR density in the Southeast, and the city actively enforces occupancy, safety, and noise standards.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island requires an STR permit from Beaufort County. Resort communities (Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes) also have HOA regulations that often impose additional restrictions beyond county requirements.

Charleston

Charleston requires STR operators to obtain a Short-Term Rental License from the city. Non-owner-occupied STRs are banned in most residential neighborhoods within the city. The historic district has particularly strict enforcement to preserve neighborhood character.

Key Questions to Ask Before Listing an STR in South Carolina

• Does your city or county require an STR permit or license?
• Are there caps on the number of STR permits in your neighborhood or zone?
• Is your property owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied — and does that distinction affect your eligibility?
• What occupancy, noise, and parking rules apply to your specific property?
• Which taxes are you responsible for collecting and remitting vs. what the platform handles?
• Does your HOA or condo association allow short-term rentals?

The Bottom Line

South Carolina's STR regulatory environment ranges from investor-friendly rural counties to tightly regulated resort towns and urban cores. Understanding the specific rules in your target market — not just at the state level — is what determines whether your rental operates smoothly or faces costly disruptions.

Staying on top of changing regulations is one of the most valuable things a professional property manager brings to your operation. Awning manages short-term rentals in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Pawleys Island and monitors local regulatory changes so you don't have to. Reach out to learn how we can help you operate compliantly and profitably in South Carolina.