Myrtle Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Business License

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

Combined rate: 13% 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

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Myrtle Beach does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Misdemeanor violation of zoning code
• Misdemeanor violation of business license ordinance
• 5% monthly penalty on late renewals (if submitted May 1 or later)

Market Snapshot

Demand context for Myrtle Beach from official government and tourism statistics — the latest published annual figures, not a projection of rental income.

Major annual events: Myrtle Beach Marathon (March) · World Famous Blue Crab Festival (May) · Carolina Country Music Fest (June) · Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival (October)

Figures are the latest annual statistics published by the linked official sources (retrieved 2026-07-13). Visitor counts cover the geography stated by each source, which can be wider than the city itself. Regulations above — not market conditions — determine whether and how you may operate.

Compliance Checklist

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

1. Apply for Business License. Submit application.
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. 13% on all bookings.
4. Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Myrtle Beach?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Myrtle Beach requires a Business License.

Does Myrtle Beach require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Myrtle Beach allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Myrtle Beach?

Short-term rental stays in Myrtle Beach are subject to a combined 13% in lodging taxes. This combines 5% South Carolina State Sales Tax + 2% South Carolina State Accommodations Tax + 1% Education Capital Improvement Tax (Horry County) + 1% Transportation Tax (Horry County) + 1% Tourism Development Fee + 0.5% City Local Accommodations Tax + 1% City Hospitality Fee + 1.5% County Hospitality Fee. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What are the penalties for short-term rental violations in Myrtle Beach?

Penalties run up to $500 and/or 30 days.