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. The table below summarizes all state-level STR regulations. Note that individual cities may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates.
| 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
STR regulations vary by city within South Carolina. The table below shows restriction levels and local notes for 5 cities. City-level rules may be more or less restrictive than the state average.
| 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. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not require a state-level STR license. Individual cities in South Carolina may have their own permit requirements even if the state does not mandate one. Check the city-level details above for specifics.
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. Always verify your tax obligations with your local tax authority.
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.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for South Carolina?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your South Carolina state legislature website, your city or county clerk's office, or your local planning/zoning department. Our data reflects regulations as of early 2026, but always verify before listing a property.
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. Remember: city-level rules often differ significantly from the state-level picture.