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Myrtle Beach

South Carolina · United States
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Myrtle Beach Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes — a city business license is required to operate any rental; no separate STR permit, but zoning must allow the use.
Tax RateApproximately 10% on bookings (local accommodations tax) plus SC state lodging tax and Horry County hospitality fee.
Night / Day CapUnknown (no night cap identified).
Minimum StayRentals of less than 90 days are classed as short-term under city zoning.
Permit FeeBusiness license fee is gross-receipts based (city fee schedule); renewed annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.
PenaltiesZoning code and business-license violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $500 and/or 30 days upon conviction, per violation.
Primary Residence RequiredNo (regulation is zoning-driven, not residency-driven).
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Myrtle Beach Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Myrtle Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Myrtle 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 — a city business license is required to operate any rental; no separate STR permit, but zoning must allow the use.. The associated permit fees are Business license fee is gross-receipts based (city fee schedule); renewed annually. Contact city for.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Myrtle Beach

Short-term rental operators in Myrtle Beach should be aware of these tax obligations: Approximately 10% on bookings (local accommodations tax) plus SC state lodging tax and Horry County hospitality fee.. Yes — set up local accommodations tax accounts with the city, register with the SC Department of Revenue for state lodging tax, and create a Horry Cou.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Myrtle Beach

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Myrtle Beach include: Primary residence requirement: No (regulation is zoning-driven, not residency-driven).. Rental day cap: Unknown (no night cap identified).. Minimum stay: Rentals of less than 90 days are classed as short-term under city zoning..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Myrtle Beach

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Myrtle Beach: Highly restrictive: STRs prohibited in all residential zones beginning with 'R' except the RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor) zone; otherwise STRs are treated as a commercial use allowed mainly in . Density rules: Fewer than ~30 houses in traditional residential zones are grandfathered (consistently used as STRs prior to existing zoning); properties not already .

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Myrtle Beach

Hosts who fail to comply with Myrtle Beach's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Zoning code and business-license violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $500 and/or 30 days upon conviction, per violation..

Platform Obligations in Myrtle Beach

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Myrtle Beach: Airbnb collects lodging taxes for the state, Myrtle Beach, and Horry County; Vrbo collects state lodging tax and Myrtle Beach local accommodations tax. If platforms don't collect, the host must remit..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes — a city business license is required to operate any rental; no separate STR permit, but zoning must allow the use.
Tax Registration
Yes — set up local accommodations tax accounts with the city, register with the SC Department of Revenue for state lodging tax, and create a Horry County hospitality fee account.
Permit Fee
Business license fee is gross-receipts based (city fee schedule); renewed annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.
Primary Residence Rule
No (regulation is zoning-driven, not residency-driven).
Night / Day Cap
Unknown (no night cap identified).
Tax Rate
Approximately 10% on bookings (local accommodations tax) plus SC state lodging tax and Horry County hospitality fee.
Zoning Restrictions
Highly restrictive: STRs prohibited in all residential zones beginning with 'R' except the RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor) zone; otherwise STRs are treated as a commercial use allowed mainly in commercial districts. 'Short-term' defined locally as any rental of less than 90 days (differs from SC's 30-day definition).
Minimum Stay
Rentals of less than 90 days are classed as short-term under city zoning.
Density Rules
Fewer than ~30 houses in traditional residential zones are grandfathered (consistently used as STRs prior to existing zoning); properties not already in an STR-allowed zone cannot be converted.
Platform Obligations
Airbnb collects lodging taxes for the state, Myrtle Beach, and Horry County; Vrbo collects state lodging tax and Myrtle Beach local accommodations tax. If platforms don't collect, the host must remit.
Compliance Notes
STRs must comply with zoning, business-license ordinance, and applicable trash/parking/noise/occupancy rules. A 2024/2025 conversion-overlay ordinance bans converting STR buildings (hotels/STRs with more than two units) to long-term rentals within a ~114-block overlay east of Kings Highway.
Effective Date
Conversion overlay ordinance (2024-069) effective immediately upon passage (reported Jan 2025); zoning framework ongoing.
Key Notes
One of the most restrictive STR markets in South Carolina. Operators are exempt from collecting accommodations tax if renting fewer than 15 days/year or renting six or fewer bedrooms in an owner-occupied home without using STR marketplaces.
Penalties
Zoning code and business-license violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $500 and/or 30 days upon conviction, per violation.
Additional Context
Distinct from neighboring North Myrtle Beach, which requires only a business license with no special STR zoning/permit process. Verify zoning before purchase.
Sources
https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/news_detail_T6_R1468.php
City of Myrtle Beach (cityofmyrtlebeach.com)
strcityregs.com
strprofitmap.com
Avalara MyLodgeTax
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Myrtle Beach?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Myrtle Beach but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. STRs must comply with zoning, business-license ordinance, and applicable trash/parking/noise/occupancy rules. A 2024/2025 conversion-overlay ordinance bans converting STR buildings (hotels/STRs with m

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Myrtle Beach?

Yes. Myrtle Beach requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — a city business license is required to operate any rental; no separate STR permit, but zoning must allow the use..

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Myrtle Beach?

Short-term rental hosts in Myrtle Beach are subject to the following tax obligations: Approximately 10% on bookings (local accommodations tax) plus SC state lodging tax and Horry County hospitality fee..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Myrtle Beach?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Myrtle Beach may face enforcement. Zoning code and business-license violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $500 and/or 30 days upon conviction, per violation..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Myrtle Beach?

One of the most restrictive STR markets in South Carolina. Operators are exempt from collecting accommodations tax if renting fewer than 15 days/year or renting six or fewer bedrooms in an owner-occupied home without using STR marketplaces.

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