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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Beaufort, SC

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are allowed as conditional uses with a 6% cap per neighborhood (excluding The Point). Requirements include a 2-night minimum stay, a monitored fire alarm system (one per floor), designated guest parking, and a maximum occupancy based on the number of beds.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit the Short-Term Rental Conditional Use Application with a $100 fee ($1,000 for post-facto), including a rental agreement, property management plan, and fire alarm contract. 2. Schedule and pass a $50 safety inspection (843-525-7041). 3. Obtain a City Business License and set up monthly accommodations tax remittance.

Official Resources

Official Beaufort STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Beaufort, SC?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Beaufort, SC, but with restrictions. STRs are allowed as conditional uses with a 6% cap per neighborhood (excluding The Point). Requirements include a 2-night minimum stay, a monitored fire alarm system (one per floor), designated guest parking, and a maximum occupancy based on the number of beds. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Beaufort, SC?
STRs are allowed as conditional uses with a 6% cap per neighborhood (excluding The Point). Requirements include a 2-night minimum stay, a monitored fire alarm system (one per floor), designated guest parking, and a maximum occupancy based on the number of beds.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Beaufort?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Beaufort. 1. Submit the Short-Term Rental Conditional Use Application with a $100 fee ($1,000 for post-facto), including a rental agreement, property management plan, and fire alarm contract. 2. Schedule and pass a $50 safety inspection (843-525-7041). 3. Obtain a City Business License and set up monthly accommodations tax remittance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Beaufort?
1. Submit the Short-Term Rental Conditional Use Application with a $100 fee ($1,000 for post-facto), including a rental agreement, property management plan, and fire alarm contract. 2. Schedule and pass a $50 safety inspection (843-525-7041). 3. Obtain a City Business License and set up monthly accommodations tax remittance.
Is Vrbo legal in Beaufort, SC?
Vrbo is permitted in Beaufort, SC under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Beaufort?
Short-term rental hosts in Beaufort are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Beaufort?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Beaufort. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction