Myrtle Beach Short Term Rental Regulations: What Investors Need to Know

Before you buy a short term rental in Myrtle Beach, you need to understand the regulatory landscape. The good news: Myrtle Beach and Horry County are generally STR-friendly compared to many other popular vacation markets. The area’s economy depends heavily on tourism, and short term rentals are a well-established part of that ecosystem.

That said, there are rules. Licensing requirements, tax obligations, zoning considerations, and HOA restrictions all play a role. This guide covers everything you need to know about operating a short term rental legally in the Myrtle Beach area.

For a broader overview of the investment opportunity, start with Is Myrtle Beach a Good Short Term Rental Investment? and our guide on how to buy a short term rental.

The Regulatory Landscape: STR-Friendly Territory

Myrtle Beach has been a vacation rental market for decades. Unlike cities that have recently cracked down on Airbnb-style rentals (think New York, Nashville, or various California markets), the Grand Strand area has a long history of accommodating short term rentals. Tourism is the economic engine here, generating billions in annual revenue for the region.

This does not mean there are no regulations. It means the regulations are designed to organize the industry, not eliminate it. That is an important distinction for investors.

Business Licensing Requirements

City of Myrtle Beach Business License

If your property is within the Myrtle Beach city limits, you need a City of Myrtle Beach business license to operate a short term rental. Here is what is involved:

 

• • Application: Submit through the City of Myrtle Beach business license office

• • Fee: Based on gross rental income. The city uses a tiered rate schedule.

• • Renewal: Annual, typically due by April 30

• • Requirement: You must have this license before you begin renting

Horry County Business License

Properties outside Myrtle Beach city limits but within Horry County (including North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and unincorporated areas) need a Horry County business license.

 

• • Application: Through the Horry County Business License office

• • Fee: Based on gross revenue

• • Renewal: Annual

North Myrtle Beach Business License

North Myrtle Beach is a separate municipality with its own licensing requirements. If your property is in North Myrtle Beach (including Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, or Windy Hill), you need a North Myrtle Beach business license.

Surfside Beach and Other Municipalities

Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, and other municipalities along the Grand Strand each have their own business license requirements. Always verify which jurisdiction your property falls under and obtain the correct license.

Pro tip: Your property address determines your jurisdiction. The Grand Strand includes multiple overlapping municipalities and unincorporated areas. Confirm your exact jurisdiction before applying for licenses.

Zoning and Land Use

Where Are Short Term Rentals Allowed?

In the Myrtle Beach area, short term rentals are generally permitted in:

 

• • Resort/commercial zones: These are designed for tourist accommodations and have the fewest restrictions

• • Residential zones: Many residential areas along the Grand Strand allow short term rentals, but specific zoning districts may have limitations

• • Mixed-use areas: Typically STR-friendly

Zoning Considerations by Area

City of Myrtle Beach: The city allows short term rentals in most areas that have historically been used for vacation rentals. The primary tourist corridor along Ocean Boulevard and the surrounding blocks has well-established STR zoning.

North Myrtle Beach: Generally permissive toward short term rentals. The city recognizes vacation rentals as a core part of its economy.

Surfside Beach: Also STR-friendly, though the town has specific ordinances regarding noise, parking, and occupancy.

Horry County (unincorporated): Areas outside municipal boundaries follow county zoning. Most areas along the coast permit short term rentals.

What to Check Before Buying

 

1. 1. Verify the zoning designation of the specific property

1. 1. Confirm STRs are a permitted use in that zoning district

1. 1. Check for any pending zoning changes or moratoriums

1. 1. Review the property’s rental history to confirm it has been used as an STR

HOA and Condo Association Rules

This is where many Myrtle Beach investors encounter their most impactful restrictions. While the government is generally STR-friendly, individual HOAs and condo associations can impose their own rules.

Common HOA Restrictions

 

• • Minimum stay requirements: Some buildings require minimum stays of 3, 7, or even 30 days. A 30-day minimum effectively eliminates traditional short term rental use.

• • Rental caps: Some associations limit the number of units that can be rented at any given time.

• • Mandatory management companies: Certain buildings require all rentals to go through a specific property management company or the building’s own rental program.

• • Rental season restrictions: A few buildings limit rentals to certain months.

• • Guest policies: Rules about maximum occupancy, parking, pool access, and guest behavior.

Why This Matters

A building with a 7-day minimum stay will generate less revenue than one with no minimum stay requirement. A building that forces you to use their in-house management company at 40% commission will destroy your margins. These restrictions can make or break an investment.

How to Evaluate HOA Rules

Before purchasing any condo in Myrtle Beach:

 

1. 1. Request the HOA’s governing documents (CC&Rs, bylaws, rules and regulations)

1. 1. Specifically ask about rental restrictions including minimum stays, caps, and required management

1. 1. Talk to current owners who are renting their units

1. 1. Ask about proposed rule changes. HOA boards can change rental policies. Ask if any changes are under discussion.

1. 1. Work with an agent who knows the buildings. This is where experience matters enormously. The Short Term Shop’s Myrtle Beach agents know which buildings are investor-friendly and which have problematic restrictions.

Tax Registration and Collection

Short term rental operators in South Carolina must register for and collect several taxes. For a complete breakdown, see our Myrtle Beach short term rental taxes guide.

Taxes You Must Collect and Remit

 

1. 1. South Carolina Sales Tax (6%): Applies to accommodations rentals

1. 1. Local Accommodations Tax (varies): Horry County and individual municipalities levy additional accommodations taxes. Rates vary by jurisdiction.

1. 1. State Accommodations Tax (2%): Additional state-level tax on accommodations

1. 1. Local Hospitality Tax: Some jurisdictions impose this on certain rentals

Registration Process

 

• • Register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a retail license to collect and remit sales tax

• • Register with the appropriate local jurisdiction for accommodations tax purposes

• • If using platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, verify which taxes the platform collects on your behalf (most now collect state and some local taxes automatically)

Platform Tax Collection

Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit South Carolina state sales tax and state accommodations tax on behalf of hosts. However, local taxes may or may not be collected by the platform depending on the jurisdiction. Verify what your platform handles and what you are responsible for collecting separately.

Safety and Building Code Requirements

Fire Safety

 

• • Working smoke detectors in every bedroom and common area

• • Carbon monoxide detectors (if gas appliances are present)

• • Fire extinguisher (recommended, required in some jurisdictions)

• • Posted evacuation routes (required in some buildings)

Pool Safety

If your property has a private pool:

 

• • Fencing requirements per local code

• • Self-closing and self-latching gates

• • Proper drain covers (Virginia Graeme Baker Act compliance)

• • Posted pool rules and emergency information

Occupancy Limits

Most jurisdictions base maximum occupancy on:

 

• • Number of bedrooms (typically 2 persons per bedroom plus 2)

• • Septic system capacity (for properties on septic)

• • Building code limitations

Exceeding occupancy limits can result in fines and is a common source of neighbor complaints.

Noise and Nuisance Ordinances

The Grand Strand area takes noise complaints seriously, particularly in areas where STRs are adjacent to full-time residents.

Common Rules

 

• • Quiet hours: Typically 10 PM to 7 AM or 11 PM to 8 AM depending on jurisdiction

• • Noise levels: Must not exceed levels that disturb neighbors

• • Outdoor music/speakers: Often restricted or prohibited during quiet hours

• • Fireworks: Generally prohibited without a permit

How to Stay Compliant

 

• • Install noise monitoring devices (like NoiseAware) that alert you to noise issues in real time

• • Include clear noise policies in your house rules and guest communications

• • Provide indoor entertainment options to reduce outdoor noise

• • Respond quickly to any noise complaints

Parking Requirements

Parking is a real consideration along the Grand Strand, especially for properties near the beach.

 

• • Most condo buildings include designated parking spaces

• • Verify how many spaces come with the unit

• • Some buildings restrict the number of vehicles per unit

• • Street parking regulations vary by area

• • Properties without adequate parking may struggle with guest satisfaction and neighbor relations

Short Term Rental Permits and Registration

Some jurisdictions in the Myrtle Beach area are moving toward or have implemented STR-specific registration systems beyond the standard business license. This is a trend nationally, and the Grand Strand may see more formalized registration requirements over time.

What to Watch

 

• • Registration databases: Some cities are creating STR registries

• • Annual inspections: A few jurisdictions require periodic safety inspections

• • Occupancy tax audits: The state and local jurisdictions periodically audit STR operators for proper tax collection

Stay current on regulatory changes. Subscribe to local government notifications and work with a property manager or agent who stays informed about regulatory developments.

Enforcement and Penalties

Operating without proper licenses or in violation of regulations can result in:

 

• • Fines (varying by jurisdiction and violation type)

• • Revocation of business license

• • Back taxes plus interest and penalties

• • Legal action from HOAs (for covenant violations)

• • Listing removal from platforms (if reported)

The penalties are avoidable. Get your licenses, collect your taxes, follow your HOA rules, and operate professionally.

How Myrtle Beach Compares to Other Markets

Compared to many popular STR markets, Myrtle Beach is notably regulation-friendly:

 

• • No citywide STR bans or caps (unlike many urban markets)

• • No primary residence requirements (unlike markets that require you to live in the property)

• • Long history of vacation rental acceptance (unlike markets where STRs are a recent phenomenon)

• • Tourism-dependent economy that incentivizes the government to support the rental industry

This is a significant advantage. In markets like Destin and 30A or Gulf Shores, you will find similarly tourism-friendly regulatory environments. These beach markets understand that vacation rentals are part of the fabric, not an intrusion.

Compare that to markets where investors face constant regulatory uncertainty, and you can see why the Grand Strand remains attractive.

Staying Compliant: A Checklist

Before your first guest arrives:

 

• • Obtain the correct business license for your jurisdiction

• • Register with the SC Department of Revenue for tax collection

• • Register for local accommodations tax

• • Verify your property’s zoning allows STRs

• • Review and comply with all HOA/condo association rules

• • Obtain proper insurance (with STR coverage)

• • Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, CO detectors)

• • Post any required safety information

• • Set up proper tax collection on your booking platforms

• • Create house rules that comply with local noise and occupancy ordinances

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Need help navigating Myrtle Beach STR regulations?

📞 Call us: 800-898-1498 🌐 Visit: theshorttermshop.com

Our Myrtle Beach team guides investors through every step of the compliance process.

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Disclaimer

The Short Term Shop is a real estate brokerage, not a certified public accounting firm, tax advisory firm, or financial planning service. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as tax advice, financial advice, or a guarantee of investment performance. Always consult your CPA, tax attorney, and financial advisor before making any investment or tax decisions.

All income and revenue figures referenced in this article are sourced from third party data providers including AirDNA and PriceLabs.co. These figures represent market averages and percentile ranges based on historical performance data and do not guarantee future results. Actual short term rental income varies significantly based on property quality, location, management quality, pricing strategy, seasonality, and market conditions. Your results may differ.