Is Airbnb legal in Myrtle Beach, SC?
RestrictedThese rules are changing or in active litigation. Verify the current status directly before you rely on it.
Airbnb is restricted in Myrtle Beach, SC
STRs are prohibited in traditional residential districts except the multifamily-visitor district, and are permitted in commercial, mixed-use, and tourist overlay areas; only about 30 residential homes are grandfathered. A city business license is required, and a 2024 conversion overlay bars certain multi-unit STR buildings from switching to long-term rentals.
Verified July 2026. Not legal advice. Rules change and may be enforced differently than written. Confirm with the city before you list.
Key rules at a glance
Permit or registration
Required
Primary residence only
No
Annual night cap
Not confirmed
Registration fee
See ordinance
How short-term rentals work in Myrtle Beach
STRs are prohibited in traditional residential districts except the multifamily-visitor district, and are permitted in commercial, mixed-use, and tourist overlay areas; only about 30 residential homes are grandfathered. A city business license is required, and a 2024 conversion overlay bars certain multi-unit STR buildings from switching to long-term rentals.
Non-owner investors can operate in Myrtle Beach, but within the city's limits above. Read the ordinance closely before you buy, because permits, caps, or zoning can make a specific property ineligible.
At the state level, South Carolina leaves short-term rental rules to cities and counties.
What it means for investors
An STR can still work in Myrtle Beach, but the limits shrink the pool of eligible properties and add compliance cost. Underwrite conservatively and confirm the specific address qualifies before you commit.
Short-term rental rules elsewhere in South Carolina
Last reviewed July 2026. Informational and educational only, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Rules change and may be enforced differently than written. Verify the current ordinance with your local jurisdiction or counsel before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airbnb legal in Myrtle Beach?
STRs are prohibited in traditional residential districts except the multifamily-visitor district, and are permitted in commercial, mixed-use, and tourist overlay areas; only about 30 residential homes are grandfathered. A city business license is required, and a 2024 conversion overlay bars certain multi-unit STR buildings from switching to long-term rentals. This reflects the rules as of July 2026; confirm the current ordinance with the city before you list.
Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Myrtle Beach?
Yes. Myrtle Beach requires a permit or registration to operate a short-term rental, and platforms increasingly require the permit number on the listing.
Can I run a non-owner-occupied Airbnb in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, Myrtle Beach does not require you to live in the property, though other limits such as caps, zoning, or licensing may still apply.
Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent in Myrtle Beach?
No specific annual night cap was confirmed for Myrtle Beach, though minimum-stay rules or license caps may effectively limit operations. Check the ordinance.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Myrtle Beach?
Short-term rentals in Myrtle Beach are generally subject to state and local lodging or occupancy taxes on top of income tax. Airbnb and VRBO collect some of these automatically, but not always all of them, so confirm the current rate and who remits it with South Carolina and the city.