Short-term rental rules · Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Short-term rentals in Myrtle Beach, explained properly.
In the City of Myrtle Beach, rentals under 90 days are allowed only in zones mapped for them — mostly the oceanfront and visitor-accommodation districts. Every residential zone starting with 'R' prohibits them except RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor), and fewer than 30 houses in traditional neighborhoods are grandfathered. A city business license is required. In the core tourist area east of Kings Highway, a 2024 overlay also stops hotels and multi-unit rental buildings from converting to long-term rentals. Violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $500. Guests pay roughly 10–13% in combined accommodations taxes.
Draft. These rules were compiled from the sources listed below — official where available, with fields that rely on secondary sources marked for review — and have not yet been checked line by line. Confirm with the city before making decisions.
At a glance
What you need to know before you buy or list
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Banned in 'R' residential zones except RMV | Most traditional residential neighborhoods are not zoned for short-term rentals; every residential zone beginning with 'R' prohibits rentals under 90 days except RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor). The city's zoning map shows where they are allowed[1] |
| Fewer than 30 grandfathered houses | Fewer than 30 houses in traditional residential zones are grandfathered because they were used as short-term rentals before the current zoning[1] |
| Business license required | Short-term rentals (under 90 days) need a city business license. A secondary source notes the license year runs June 1 to May 31, is based on gross receipts, and does not transfer to a new owner[1][2] |
| Misdemeanor, fines up to $500 | Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines of up to $500 and/or 30 days on conviction[1] |
| Tourist-area overlay blocks conversion to long-term rentals | A zoning overlay adopted in late 2024 covers 114 blocks east of Kings Highway to the ocean and bars hotels and rental buildings of more than two units built for or historically used as rentals under 90 days from converting to long-term rentals[3]Confirming |
| Combined tax roughly 10–13% | A secondary source cites about 7% state sales and accommodations tax, a 3% city accommodations tax plus hospitality fee, and Horry County's local accommodations tax, for roughly 10–13% combined[2]Confirming |
| Last researched | September 25, 2026 |
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Watch the city zoning map and City Council agendas. North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and unincorporated Horry County are separate jurisdictions with their own rules and are not covered here.
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This page is general information compiled from public sources, not legal or tax advice. HOA rules, deed restrictions and zoning for a specific property can be stricter. Confirm with the local permitting office and a qualified professional before buying or listing a property.