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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Myrtle Beach, SC

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

Which rules apply

Regulation layers for Myrtle Beach

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (defined as less than 90 continuous days) are allowed only in designated Visitor Accommodation zones (e.g., RMV). Most residential zones (starting with 'R') prohibit STRs unless grandfathered. STRs are treated as commercial uses and must comply with nuisance, parking, and health codes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Verify the property is in a Visitor Accommodation zone using the city zoning map. 2) Apply for a City of Myrtle Beach business license through the Business License Division (online or by mail). 3) Ensure compliance with all commercial visitor accommodation codes and zoning requirements.

Regulatory Updates — Myrtle Beach

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2023

Business License Requirement for All STR Operators

Myrtle Beach requires all short-term rental operators to hold a city business license and register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodations tax collection. Unlicensed operation carries fines of up to $500 per violation.

PassedMay 2024

Horry County Accommodations Tax Compliance Campaign

Horry County launched an outreach and enforcement campaign to increase accommodations tax compliance among STR operators. The campaign targeted properties listed on Airbnb and Vrbo that had not registered with the county or state for tax collection purposes.

PassedAugust 2024

Parking and Noise Ordinance Enforcement Increased

Following community complaints about beachfront STR properties, Myrtle Beach increased enforcement of parking restrictions and after-hours noise ordinances. Code enforcement officers now patrol STR-dense corridors during peak season weekends.

Official Resources

Official Myrtle Beach STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of CommerceLocal

Represents the tourism and hospitality industry along the Grand Strand, including vacation rental operators. Tracks local ordinance changes and provides resources on permit and tax compliance.

South Carolina Hotel and Lodging AssociationStatewide

State-level trade association monitoring accommodations regulations across South Carolina, including STR-specific tax and licensing requirements affecting Myrtle Beach operators.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National association providing professional standards and advocacy resources for vacation rental managers in coastal markets like the Grand Strand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Myrtle Beach, SC, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (defined as less than 90 continuous days) are allowed only in designated Visitor Accommodation zones (e.g., RMV). Most residential zones (starting with 'R') prohibit STRs unless grandfathered. STRs are treated as commercial uses and must comply with nuisance, parking, and health codes. 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 Myrtle Beach, SC?
Short-term rentals (defined as less than 90 continuous days) are allowed only in designated Visitor Accommodation zones (e.g., RMV). Most residential zones (starting with 'R') prohibit STRs unless grandfathered. STRs are treated as commercial uses and must comply with nuisance, parking, and health codes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Myrtle Beach. 1) Verify the property is in a Visitor Accommodation zone using the city zoning map. 2) Apply for a City of Myrtle Beach business license through the Business License Division (online or by mail). 3) Ensure compliance with all commercial visitor accommodation codes and zoning requirements.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Myrtle Beach?
1) Verify the property is in a Visitor Accommodation zone using the city zoning map. 2) Apply for a City of Myrtle Beach business license through the Business License Division (online or by mail). 3) Ensure compliance with all commercial visitor accommodation codes and zoning requirements.
Is Vrbo legal in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Vrbo is permitted in Myrtle 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Myrtle Beach?
Short-term rental hosts in Myrtle 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Myrtle Beach?
The most recent tracked change in Myrtle Beach is "Business License Requirement for All STR Operators" (2023-01-01, status: passed). Myrtle Beach requires all short-term rental operators to hold a city business license and register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodations tax collection. Unlicensed operation carries fines of up to $500 per violation. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
What licenses do I need to operate a short-term rental in Myrtle Beach?
Operators need a City of Myrtle Beach business license (renewed annually) and must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to collect and remit the state accommodations tax (2%) and Horry County hospitality fee (1.5%). Properties in HOA communities may also require HOA approval for STR use. The business license application requires proof of property ownership or a lease allowing subletting.
What taxes apply to Myrtle Beach short-term rental income?
South Carolina imposes a 7% accommodations tax on gross rental receipts (5% state + 2% local option). Horry County adds a 1.5% hospitality fee. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit South Carolina accommodations tax on behalf of hosts in most cases, but operators should verify that all applicable local and county taxes are being remitted and retain documentation.
Are there beachfront-specific rules for Myrtle Beach vacation rentals?
Properties directly on the beachfront must comply with South Carolina's Beachfront Management Act, which governs structures within the setback zone and baseline restrictions. From an STR perspective, the primary concerns are parking (beachfront properties often have limited off-street parking, and street parking is heavily regulated in summer) and noise ordinances, which are strictly enforced near residential areas during high season. Some beachfront condo complexes also have HOA rules limiting STR activity.

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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