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Myrtle Beach vs. North Myrtle Beach: short-term-rental rules
Both are in South Carolina, but the rules differ. North Myrtle Beach is currently the more permissive of the two for short-term rentals (Allowed with registration), while Myrtle Beach is tighter (Restricted).
| Rule | Myrtle Beach | North Myrtle Beach |
|---|---|---|
| STR status | Restricted | Allowed with registration |
| City license / registration | City of Myrtle Beach Business License; Business registration / application prior to operation; Property must lie in a zoning district where Visitor Accommodations (short-term rental) is a permitted use; Guest register, photo identification and guest vehicle record (Code Sec. 14-220); City Hospitality Fee / Local Accommodations Tax account and monthly reporting | City of North Myrtle Beach Business License (STR subclass 9.94, NAICS 721199); City Local Accommodations Fee remittance (monthly return); Reporting of compliant on-site parking spaces to guests and the City; Compliance with trash, parking, noise and occupancy ordinances |
| Primary residence | Not required | Not required |
| Minimum stay | No set minimum | No set minimum |
| Lodging tax | ~21.0% total | ~12.0% total |
| Enforcement | Active | Active |
For most hosts, North Myrtle Beach is the easier of the two to operate in today, but confirm the specifics — rules change, and the "Restricted" status in Myrtle Beach may still allow rentals under the right conditions. Open each full record for the cited, dated details.
Full Myrtle Beach rules Full North Myrtle Beach rules
Frequently asked questions
Is short-term renting easier in Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach?
North Myrtle Beach is currently the more permissive (Allowed with registration) versus Myrtle Beach (Restricted). Verify against each city's full record, since rules change.
Do both Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach require a license or registration?
Myrtle Beach: yes — City of Myrtle Beach Business License; Business registration / application prior to operation; Property must lie in a zoning district where Visitor Accommodations (short-term rental) is a permitted use; Guest register, photo identification and guest vehicle record (Code Sec. 14-220); City Hospitality Fee / Local Accommodations Tax account and monthly reporting. North Myrtle Beach: yes — City of North Myrtle Beach Business License (STR subclass 9.94, NAICS 721199); City Local Accommodations Fee remittance (monthly return); Reporting of compliant on-site parking spaces to guests and the City; Compliance with trash, parking, noise and occupancy ordinances.
Which has lower lodging taxes, Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach?
North Myrtle Beach is lower at ~12.0% total. Combined lodging tax stacks state + local rates; see each record for the breakdown and who remits.
Informational summary of publicly available sources; not legal advice. Verify against each jurisdiction's official sources.