Myrtle Beach is one of the East Coast’s top beach vacation destinations. The licensing process here is more straightforward than many coastal cities, but there’s one critical rule: STRs are prohibited in R (residential) zoning districts. Only RMV (resort multifamily vacation) and commercial zones are eligible. If you’re buying a property here for short-term rental purposes, confirming the zoning before purchase is absolutely essential.
📋 Myrtle Beach STR Permit — 2026 At a Glance
| Permit Name | City of Myrtle Beach Business License |
| Application Fee | Based on gross rental revenue (percentage-based sliding scale) |
| Annual Renewal | Annual by April 30 |
| Processing Time | 1–2 weeks |
| Primary Residence Only? | Yes |
| Licensing Difficulty | Moderate |
Do You Need a License to Short-Term Rent in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach does not have a separate “short-term rental permit” category — instead, STR operators must hold a City Business License, which is calculated as a percentage of gross annual rental revenue. The license must be renewed by April 30 each year. In addition to the city business license, operators need a South Carolina Retail License from the SC Department of Revenue to collect and remit state accommodations tax. Properties must be in RMV (Resort Multifamily Vacation) or eligible commercial zones; standard R residential zones do not permit STR activity.
How to Get a Myrtle Beach Short-Term Rental Permit: Step by Step
- Confirm your property’s zoning is RMV or a permitted commercial zone using the City of Myrtle Beach GIS portal.
- Register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a Retail License (SC Business One Stop portal at sc.gov/businessonestop) — this enables you to collect state accommodations tax.
- Apply for your City of Myrtle Beach Business License at myrtlebeachsc.gov or in person at City Hall. Provide proof of ownership and estimated annual gross revenue.
- Pay the business license fee (percentage of projected gross revenue — typically 1–2% of annual rental income).
- Display the business license number on your listing and in the property.
- Renew each year before April 30 — late renewals trigger additional fees.
Myrtle Beach Short-Term Rental Fees (2026)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Business License | % of gross revenue | Annual (by April 30) |
| SC Retail License | $50 | Annual (SC DOR) |
| Late renewal penalty | 5–25% surcharge | If not renewed by April 30 |
The City of Myrtle Beach uses a gross-revenue tiered schedule for business license fees. Most small STR operators fall in the 0.1–0.2% range of annual gross revenue. Contact City Hall for the current rate schedule.
Key Rules & Restrictions for Myrtle Beach Hosts
- STRs are prohibited in R (residential) zoning districts — RMV and commercial zones only.
- A South Carolina Retail License is required to collect and remit state accommodations tax.
- Business license must be renewed annually before April 30.
- Maximum occupancy must be posted inside the property.
- Noise ordinance: quiet hours enforced under the city’s general ordinances.
- Permit/license number must appear on all listing platforms.
Taxes Short-Term Rental Hosts Owe in Myrtle Beach
South Carolina state accommodations tax: 7%. Myrtle Beach local accommodations tax: 3%. Myrtle Beach hospitality tax: 1.5%. Total: approximately 11.5%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit SC state and most local taxes automatically. Hosts should verify direct remittance requirements for any locally-collected portions.
Penalties for Operating Without a Permit in Myrtle Beach
Operating in a prohibited R zone: $500/day and mandatory cessation. Operating without a business license: $500/day. Late renewal of business license: 5–25% surcharge on the license fee. Failure to collect and remit accommodations tax: SC DOR penalties apply (interest + 25% penalty on unpaid tax).
How HostStarter Handles Myrtle Beach STR Compliance
Keeping pace with Myrtle Beach’s permit requirements — renewals, inspections, tax remittance, and ordinance updates — is a significant ongoing commitment. HostStarter’s full-service property management includes complete compliance handling: we track deadlines, coordinate inspections, ensure your listing always displays a valid permit number, and alert you to regulatory changes before they impact your revenue.
Get a free Myrtle Beach revenue estimate from HostStarter →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Myrtle Beach?
Yes. Myrtle Beach requires a City Business License for STR operators. You also need a South Carolina Retail License to collect and remit state accommodations tax. Critically, your property must be in an RMV or commercial zone — R residential zones prohibit STRs.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Myrtle Beach?
The City Business License fee is calculated as a percentage of your gross rental revenue — typically 0.1–0.2% for most small operators. The South Carolina Retail License costs $50/year.
How long does it take to get an STR license in Myrtle Beach?
Business license applications are typically processed within 1–2 weeks. The SC Retail License is issued promptly through the SC Business One Stop online portal.
What taxes do Airbnb hosts owe in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach hosts owe SC state accommodations tax (7%), city local accommodations tax (3%), and city hospitality tax (1.5%) — totaling approximately 11.5%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit most of these automatically.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed Airbnb in Myrtle Beach?
Operating an STR in a prohibited R zone carries fines of $500/day and mandatory cessation of rental activity. Operating without a business license also triggers $500/day fines.