Myrtle Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-04-06
TL;DR
Myrtle Beach requires Business License (Gross receipts-based (fee schedule required)). Combined tax rate is 10%. No annual day limit, but each stay must be less than 90 days.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Business License (Gross receipts-based (fee schedule required))
Primary Residence Not required
Annual Day Limit No limit — less than 90 days
Tax Rate 10%
Max Penalty $500 and/or 30 days per violation
Insurance Not required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Business License

FeeAmount
Initial costGross receipts-based (fee schedule required)
RenewalGross receipts-based (fee schedule required) / 1 year

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Most traditional residential neighborhoods are NOT zoned for short-term rentals. R-zoned (residential) districts do not allow STRs except RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor).

Application Process

Online application available; also by mail or in-person at City Services Building, 921 North Oak Street

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
Local Accommodations Tax 3% City of Myrtle Beach
Sales Tax 5% South Carolina Department of Revenue
Accommodations Tax 2% South Carolina Department of Revenue

Combined rate: 10% of gross rental income.

Collection: Host self-remits; collected from guests

Filing: Monthly

Rental Limits

Myrtle Beach does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be less than 90 days.

Zoning & Restrictions

Fewer than 30 houses in traditional residential zones are grandfathered for STRs if consistently used for that purpose since prior to existing zoning; RMV zones allow STRs; other R-zoned areas prohibit STRs

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Maximum penalty: $500 and/or 30 days per violation.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Myrtle Beach:

  1. Apply for Business License. Submit application + Gross receipts-based (fee schedule required) fee.
  2. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with South Carolina Department of Revenue / City of Myrtle Beach Business License Division.
  3. Collect and remit taxes. 10% on all bookings.
  4. Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.

Official Sources

  1. Short-Term Rental Information - City of Myrtle Beach
  2. Appendix A - Zoning | Code of Ordinances | Myrtle Beach, SC - Municode Library
  3. Accommodations | South Carolina Department of Revenue