Pawleys Island, South Carolina Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Pawleys Island, SC?

Based on the provided content, short-term rentals appear to be permitted in Pawleys Island, SC, though with important caveats and limited specific regulatory information available.

The town has not issued a permanent ban on short-term rentals. The only prohibition documented in the provided content was a temporary COVID-19 emergency ordinance passed on March 28, 2020, which prohibited short-term rentals from March 28 through May 14, 2020. This was explicitly an emergency measure during the pandemic and does not represent permanent STR policy.

Important Note: The provided content does not contain specific current STR regulations for Pawleys Island. Investors should verify current regulations directly with local authorities, as STR regulations can change frequently.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Pawleys Island?

Pawleys Island hosts earn a median $37,764/year with $254 ADR and 56% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $60,710+ per year.

See the full Pawleys Island market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pawleys Island

Based on South Carolina's general framework (as Pawleys Island-specific information is limited in the provided content):

Step 1: Business License

Obtain a South Carolina business license from local authorities
Business licenses are typically valid for one year
Fees are calculated based on gross revenue from rental activities

Step 2: Tax Registration

Register for tax collection and remittance at state, county, and city levels
Apply for required tax identification numbers

Step 3: Zoning Compliance

Verify that your property is located in an area where STRs are permitted
Contact the Town of Pawleys Island Building Department for zoning verification
Use the GIS mapping system provided by Georgetown County for parcel identification

Step 4: Property Preparation

Ensure property meets safety requirements (smoke detectors, fire safety equipment)
Obtain adequate insurance coverage for commercial STR operations
Prepare site and floor plans for permit applications

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents for South Carolina STR Operations:

Driver's License (owner/operator identification)
Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Proof of Ownership and/or residence documentation
Site Plan (property layout and dimensions)
Floor Plans (complete building layout)
Insurance Documentation (comprehensive coverage for STR operations)
Business License Application (local requirements)

Permit Requirements:

Business License (mandatory for all STR operations)
Short-Term Rental Permit (if required by local regulations - verification needed)
Fire Safety Inspection (common requirement in SC jurisdictions)

Specific Regulations for Pawleys Island, Georgetown County, and South Carolina

Town of Pawleys Island:

Temporary COVID-19 Prohibition: The only documented STR prohibition was an emergency ordinance passed March 28, 2020, extending through May 14, 2020
No Current Permanent Ban: No evidence of permanent STR prohibitions in the provided content
Limited Current Information: The provided content does not contain specific current STR regulations

Georgetown County (Pawleys Island falls within Georgetown County):

County-Level Regulations: The provided content does not specify county-level STR regulations
Tax Requirements: County accommodations taxes may apply (verification needed)

South Carolina State Requirements:

Business License: Required for all commercial STR operations
Tax Obligations: Multiple tax requirements including:
- State Sales Tax: 5.0%
- State Accommodations Tax: 2.0%
- Local taxes vary by jurisdiction

State Definition:

South Carolina defines short-term rentals as properties offered for less than 30 consecutive days
Applies to single-family homes, dwelling units, condominiums, co-ops, timeshares, and individual rooms

General Operating Guidelines:

Safety Compliance: Properties must have working fire safety devices
Insurance Requirements: Comprehensive coverage recommended for commercial operations
Zoning Compliance: STRs must operate in accordance with local zoning ordinances

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Primary Contact - Town of Pawleys Island:

Town Hall

Address: 323 Myrtle Avenue, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Phone: 843-237-1698
Fax: 843-237-7083
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website: www.townofpawleysisland.com

Key Departments for STR Inquiries:

Building Department

Contact through main town number: 843-237-1698
Handles zoning verifications and building permits
GIS mapping available through Georgetown County

Planning Commission

Reviews zoning and development applications
Meeting schedules available through town website

Town Council

Makes final decisions on ordinance changes
Contact information and meeting schedules available on town website

Municipal Court

Handles violations and enforcement issues
Contact through main town number

State and County Resources:

South Carolina Department of Revenue (tax registration)
Georgetown County (county-level regulations and permits)

Important Notes and Recommendations

Critical Due Diligence Required:

Verify Current Regulations: The provided content does not contain current STR regulations for Pawleys Island
Direct Contact: Contact the Town of Pawleys Island directly to confirm current requirements
Zoning Verification: Confirm STR permissions for specific properties before purchase
Professional Consultation: Consider hiring a local real estate attorney familiar with Pawleys Island regulations

Investment Considerations:

Limited Information Available: The provided content suggests Pawleys Island has minimal published STR-specific regulations
Potential Restrictions: Past temporary prohibition demonstrates regulatory flexibility
Market Research: Limited market performance data provided for Pawleys Island specifically
Professional Guidance: Engage local real estate professionals and legal counsel

Source Links

Disclaimer: This guide is based solely on the provided content and may not reflect the most current regulations. Investors should verify all information with local authorities before making investment decisions.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island is a small, low-key barrier island community in Georgetown County, South Carolina, with only a few hundred year-round residents despite being a well-known destination along the state's coast. Long favored for its quiet, unhurried atmosphere, the island is celebrated for its weathered, historic inns, its wide, unspoiled beaches, and as the namesake home of the iconic Pawleys Island rope hammock. It sits along the Waccamaw Neck, a stretch of coastal land between the bustle of the Grand Strand and the Lowcountry's marshy inlets, and serves as a relaxed counterpoint to the high-rise resorts farther north. The nearest major city is Myrtle Beach, located about 25 miles to the north, roughly a 30- to 40-minute drive up US-17.

Just inland from Pawleys Island, Brookgreen Gardens is one of the area's marquee draws, set on a former Lowcountry rice plantation a short drive (about 10 minutes) from the beach. The property combines one of the largest collections of American figurative sculpture in the country with carefully designed themed gardens, a native wildlife park, and boat excursions through the tidal creeks, making it a full-day experience for couples and families alike. Its combination of art, horticulture, and Southern history gives the region a cultural depth that distinguishes it from typical beach destinations.

A few miles south of the island, Huntington Beach State Park draws visitors for its three miles of relatively uncrowded shoreline, a freshwater lagoon popular with kayakers and anglers, and well-marked nature trails winding through maritime forest. The park also preserves Atalaya, a striking 1930s-era Moorish-style winter home once occupied by sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband, which is open to visitors as a state historic site. Together, the beach, the marsh, and the ruins make this one of the most distinctive stops on the South Carolina coast.

To the north, the fishing village of Murrells Inlet is widely considered the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina," with its MarshWalk boardwalk threading through salt marsh and serving as the heart of a string of seafood restaurants, waterfront bars, and live-music venues. It's only about 10 to 15 minutes from Pawleys Island, making it a natural pairing for guests who want variety in their dining and evening plans. A bit farther south, the historic port town of Georgetown offers a walkable waterfront, antique shops, and antebellum architecture, all within roughly a 25-minute drive.

For short-term rental investors, Pawleys Island offers a compelling balance of authenticity and accessibility. Its slow-paced, residential beach character appeals to travelers seeking a more refined alternative to Myrtle Beach, while its proximity to Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, and Murrells Inlet gives guests a rich mix of nature, culture, and cuisine within a tight radius. The result is a market that draws a loyal mix of golfers, families, retirees, and Lowcountry vacationers year after year.