Short-Term Rental Regulations in South Carolina (SC)
South Carolina has a light level of short-term rental regulation. STR-friendly. No statewide STR registration is required. No state-level license is needed. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. South Carolina has no statewide STR law. State accommodations tax of 7% applies. Platforms collect and remit. Beach communities (Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head) have local STR regulations. Generally STR-friendly state.
Full Requirements Summary
South Carolina has 0 key regulatory requirements at the state level.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | No | No statewide STR law; local regulation |
| Registration Required | No | No state registration needed |
| License Required | No | No state-level license |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | No | No state-required inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in South Carolina
Rules diverge across South Carolina: Charleston is the strictest of the 5 cities we track (heavy), while Greenville is the most permissive (minimal).
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | Heavy | STR permit required. Whole-home STRs restricted in many residential areas. Must be owner-occupied in some zones. Accommodations tax applies. |
| Myrtle Beach | Light | STR business license required. Major vacation rental market. Accommodations tax plus local hospitality tax. |
| Hilton Head | Light | STR business license required. Resort community. Accommodations tax. Many HOA-governed properties. |
| Columbia | Minimal | No dedicated STR ordinance. State accommodations tax applies. |
| Greenville | Minimal | No specific STR ordinance. Accommodations tax applies. Growing tourism market. |
How South Carolina Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of South Carolina with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where South Carolina stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (SC) | Light | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Arizona (AZ) | Light | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Connecticut (CT) | Light | Yes | No | No limit | Yes |
| Delaware (DE) | Light | No | Yes | No limit | No |
| Idaho (ID) | Light | No | No | No limit | No |
| Iowa (IA) | Light | No | No | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in South Carolina?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in South Carolina. No state-level registration is required, though your city may have its own requirements. The state's overall restriction level is light.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts.
Which city in South Carolina has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Charleston has the most restrictive STR regulations in South Carolina with a heavy restriction level. STR permit required. Whole-home STRs restricted in many residential areas. Must be owner-occupied in some zones. Accommodations tax applies.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in South Carolina, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country.