Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hilton Head, SC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Hilton Head, SC, but with restrictions. Rentals are for periods under 30 days; single-family homes must provide a site plan with designated parking (max 6 vehicles). Owners or agents must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints within one hour, and properties over 3,600 sq ft must have compliant fire suppression or monitoring systems. 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.

Rentals are for periods under 30 days; single-family homes must provide a site plan with designated parking (max 6 vehicles). Owners or agents must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints within one hour, and properties over 3,600 sq ft must have compliant fire suppression or monitoring systems.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hilton Head. 1) Apply for an annual Short-Term Rental Permit via the Town's online portal, submitting a site plan (showing trash and parking), advertisement copy with permit number, and HOA approval if applicable. 2) Obtain and maintain an annual Town business license (due April 30). 3) Comply with safety standards, including fire suppression/monitoring for properties over 3,600 sq ft, and renew both permit and license annually.

1) Apply for an annual Short-Term Rental Permit via the Town's online portal, submitting a site plan (showing trash and parking), advertisement copy with permit number, and HOA approval if applicable. 2) Obtain and maintain an annual Town business license (due April 30). 3) Comply with safety standards, including fire suppression/monitoring for properties over 3,600 sq ft, and renew both permit and license annually.

Vrbo is permitted in Hilton Head, 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 Hilton Head 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 Hilton Head. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.