VaultSTRThe rules at a glance
License required
Yes. Annual Business License and STR registration from the City of Myrtle Beach.
Owner-occupancy requirement
None. Investment properties (non-owner-occupied STRs) are allowed.
License renewal
Annual renewal required. License does not automatically transfer if property sells; new owner must register separately.
Residential restrictions
No ban on non-owner-occupied STRs in residential zones. STRs are allowed throughout the city.
Taxes
2% SC state accommodations tax + 1.5% local accommodations tax + Horry County tax + City of Myrtle Beach tax = approximately 10-12% combined of nightly revenue.
Business License and registration
Myrtle Beach requires all STR operators to obtain an annual Business License and STR registration. The application is straightforward and the process is designed to be investor-friendly. Registration is a compliance step, not a gatekeeping mechanism.
No residential ban
Unlike Charleston or Nashville, Myrtle Beach does not restrict non-owner-occupied properties to commercial zones. Investment STRs are allowed throughout the city, including in residential neighborhoods. This makes Myrtle Beach a more accessible market for investors.
Taxes
Myrtle Beach STRs owe South Carolina's 2% state accommodations tax plus 1.5% local accommodations tax, plus Horry County tax, plus City of Myrtle Beach tax. Combined, this ranges from approximately 10-12% of gross nightly revenue. Platforms collect some but not all of these. Model the full tax stack and verify current rates with the City of Myrtle Beach before publishing deal analyses.
What this means for your client's underwrite
Myrtle Beach is a high-volume, competitive tourism market. Regulatory risk is low, and the Business License is a straightforward compliance step. Three checks before the pro forma:
- Confirm the property is in the City of Myrtle Beach and verify zoning allows residential rental use.
- Obtain the annual Business License cost and renewal requirements from the city.
- Model the full tax stack, not just the Airbnb-collected portion. Budget for Horry County and city-specific taxes.
The VaultSTR Pro Forma builds the full Myrtle Beach tax stack into every deal analysis.
Sources
- City of Myrtle Beach: Business license and STR requirements
- Horry County: STR and accommodations tax requirements
This is general information, not legal advice. Verify current rules with the City of Myrtle Beach before advising a client.
Myrtle Beach STR questions
Can an investor buy a house in Myrtle Beach and run it as an Airbnb?
Yes. Myrtle Beach allows investment STRs throughout the city, including residential neighborhoods. No owner-occupancy requirement or residential ban exists.
What is the cost of the annual Business License?
Business License fees vary annually. Contact the City of Myrtle Beach for current rates.
Does the Business License transfer if I sell the property?
No. The license is tied to the owner and business. The new owner must register separately and apply for a new Business License.
What happens if I operate without a Business License?
The city enforces via fines. Unlicensed operations can also affect your ability to use DSCR loans if the property claims rental income.
Underwrite a Myrtle Beach deal the right way.
The VaultSTR Pro Forma builds the full Myrtle Beach tax stack into every deal analysis before your client writes the offer.
Free to use. No credit card required.