Is Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals Legal in South Carolina? (2026)
Yes — Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal in South Carolina as of 2026.
Law changed in 2026: In March 2026, a court upheld Folly Beach's cap on STR permits. Hilton Head Island introduced new rules and fines in late 2025 and early 2026. State-level bills (H.442, H.3861) to create a more uniform definition and regulation of STRs were introduce...
Quick Answer
Short-term rentals are legal in South Carolina. In March 2026, a court upheld Folly Beach's cap on STR permits. Hosts should verify local ordinances and tax requirements before listing.
What the Law Says
South Carolina state law requires short-term rental operators to collect a 7% state accommodations tax, in addition to any local taxes. All other regulations are handled at the city and county level, with many coastal communities having robust licensing and enforcement systems.
— S.C. Code Ann. § 27-50-210
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State-Level Rules | Legal; check local ordinances |
| Local Permit Requirements | Legal; may need business license |
| Violation Penalties | Must collect and remit applicable lodging/occupancy taxes. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
In March 2026, a court upheld Folly Beach's cap on STR permits. Hilton Head Island introduced new rules and fines in late 2025 and early 2026. State-level bills (H.442, H.3861) to create a more uniform definition and regulation of STRs were introduced in the 2025-2026 session.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement is handled at the local level, with cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Hilton Head Island having specific permit, licensing, and enforcement systems, including dedicated complaint lines and escalating fines for violations.
A common violation is operating without the required local business license and short-term rental permit. Another is failing to include the permit number in advertisements, which is a requirement in many jurisdictions like Hilton Head Island.
Local Exceptions
State law sets the baseline. These cities or counties have additional rules that may differ:
Bottom Line
Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal in South Carolina. You can operating a short-term rental without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
South Carolina vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, operating a short-term rental is fully legal in 35 states, restricted in 15, and illegal in 0. South Carolina falls in the LEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is operating a short-term rental legal in South Carolina?
Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in South Carolina?
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Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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