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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Florence, SC

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as units rented for ≤29 consecutive days and ≤72 total days per year. They must be owner-operated by a full-time resident (4% tax assessment rate) who may rent no more than two bedrooms in their primary residence. Requirements include maintaining a guest registry, prohibiting exterior signage or non-lodging activities (e.g., weddings), and limiting parking to improved surfaces not exceeding 25% of the yard.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Determine the parcel's zoning using the City zoning map and review the Short Term Rental Conditions. 2) Contact the Planning Department to request a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Special Exception Application. 3) Submit the application form approved by the Director, including all required submittal contents, and attend the public hearing for approval.

Official Resources

Official Florence STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Florence, SC?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Florence, SC, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as units rented for ≤29 consecutive days and ≤72 total days per year. They must be owner-operated by a full-time resident (4% tax assessment rate) who may rent no more than two bedrooms in their primary residence. Requirements include maintaining a guest registry, prohibiting exterior signage or non-lodging activities (e.g., weddings), and limiting parking to improved surfaces not exceeding 25% of the yard. 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 Florence, SC?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as units rented for ≤29 consecutive days and ≤72 total days per year. They must be owner-operated by a full-time resident (4% tax assessment rate) who may rent no more than two bedrooms in their primary residence. Requirements include maintaining a guest registry, prohibiting exterior signage or non-lodging activities (e.g., weddings), and limiting parking to improved surfaces not exceeding 25% of the yard.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Florence?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Florence. 1) Determine the parcel's zoning using the City zoning map and review the Short Term Rental Conditions. 2) Contact the Planning Department to request a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Special Exception Application. 3) Submit the application form approved by the Director, including all required submittal contents, and attend the public hearing for approval.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Florence?
1) Determine the parcel's zoning using the City zoning map and review the Short Term Rental Conditions. 2) Contact the Planning Department to request a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Special Exception Application. 3) Submit the application form approved by the Director, including all required submittal contents, and attend the public hearing for approval.
Is Vrbo legal in Florence, SC?
Vrbo is permitted in Florence, 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 Florence?
Short-term rental hosts in Florence 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 Florence?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Florence. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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