Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Folly Beach, SC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Folly Beach, SC, but with restrictions. STRs are permitted under a regulated licensing system with defined categories: Long-Term (30+ days), Owner-Occupied (≤29 days, max 72 rental days/year), Investor (≤29 days, currently capped/no new licenses), and Provisional (up to 90 days). Properties must provide proof of ownership, accommodation tax compliance, and meet a minimum of 28 rental nights per year to maintain a license. 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.

STRs are permitted under a regulated licensing system with defined categories: Long-Term (30+ days), Owner-Occupied (≤29 days, max 72 rental days/year), Investor (≤29 days, currently capped/no new licenses), and Provisional (up to 90 days). Properties must provide proof of ownership, accommodation tax compliance, and meet a minimum of 28 rental nights per year to maintain a license.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Folly Beach. 1) Apply for the appropriate rental business license (LTR, OSTR, ISTR, or PSTR) by submitting the Charleston County business license form to the City via the licensing office or GovPilot portal and pay the required fees. 2) Provide required documents: proof of ownership/bedroom count, proof of accommodation tax payments, proof of minimum 28-night stay (with confirmation numbers), and date of last septic inspection. 3) Complete annual renewals by April 30 for business licenses and June 1 for registrations.

1) Apply for the appropriate rental business license (LTR, OSTR, ISTR, or PSTR) by submitting the Charleston County business license form to the City via the licensing office or GovPilot portal and pay the required fees. 2) Provide required documents: proof of ownership/bedroom count, proof of accommodation tax payments, proof of minimum 28-night stay (with confirmation numbers), and date of last septic inspection. 3) Complete annual renewals by April 30 for business licenses and June 1 for registrations.

Vrbo is permitted in Folly Beach, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Folly Beach 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Folly Beach. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.