| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — STR business license required under Chapter 117, Short Term Rentals, Folly Beach Code of Ordinances. |
| Tax Rate | Combined state and local transient lodging taxes apply (approx. 12-14%). |
| Night / Day Cap | Uncertain pending appeal outcome |
| Minimum Stay | None (short-term defined as stays under 28 consecutive days). |
| Permit Fee | Permit fees struck down as illegally adopted |
| Penalties | Not specified in source |
| Primary Residence Required | No (but investor/non-owner occupied licenses are capped). |
| Occupancy Limit | Governed by local zoning and safety regulations. |
Short-term rentals in Folly Beach, South Carolina are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — STR business license required under Chapter 117, Short Term Rentals, Folly Beach Code of Ordinances.. The associated permit fees are Permit fees struck down as illegally adopted.
Short-term rental operators in Folly Beach should be aware of these tax obligations: Combined state and local transient lodging taxes apply (approx. 12-14%).. Yes — must register for state sales tax and local hospitality/lodging taxes..
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Folly Beach include: Primary residence requirement: No (but investor/non-owner occupied licenses are capped).. Rental day cap: Uncertain pending appeal outcome. Occupancy limit: Governed by local zoning and safety regulations.. Minimum stay: None (short-term defined as stays under 28 consecutive days)..
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Folly Beach: Strict cap of 800 investor short-term rental (ISTR) licenses. Once capped, new licenses are unavailable except through select hardship exceptions. Licenses are non-transferable and do not convey with . Density rules: 800-license cap (voter-approved 2023 referendum); approximately 200 properties on the waitlist for new licenses as of early 2026.. Insurance: Yes — proof of adequate liability insurance is required..
Hosts who fail to comply with Folly Beach's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Not specified in source.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Folly Beach: None formally active; operators must list their valid license details on all listing platforms..
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Folly Beach but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Folly Beach has installed a temporary moratorium on short-term rentals while the city appeals a court ruling that invalidated the city's previous rental cap and permit fee system. Hosts must cease new
Yes. Folly Beach requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — STR business license required under Chapter 117, Short Term Rentals, Folly Beach Code of Ordinances..
Short-term rental hosts in Folly Beach are subject to the following tax obligations: Combined state and local transient lodging taxes apply (approx. 12-14%)..
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Folly Beach may face enforcement. Not specified in source.
['Court ruled August 14, 2026 that the cap and $250+ permit fee violated South Carolina state law', 'City Council voted August 19 to appeal the ruling and install immediate moratorium', 'Appeal timeline and final regulatory outcome are pending']
LawfulStay tracks STR regulations across 1,061+ cities & countries on 6 continents, updated daily.
View in Full Database →