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Is Airbnb legal in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina?

Legal with a town STR permit at $150 per bedroom. Hilton Head Island runs one of the clearest STR programs in the Southeast. Every rental needs a Town STR permit on top of a Town business license. The permit fee is $150 per bedroom per year, permits renew by April 30, and the permit number must appear in every listing. Permits do not transfer when the property sells.

Showing the researched rules for Hilton Head Island, SC below. Type your Hilton Head Island address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

Legal with a town STR permit at $150 per bedroom

Hilton Head Island runs one of the clearest STR programs in the Southeast. Every rental needs a Town STR permit on top of a Town business license. The permit fee is $150 per bedroom per year, permits renew by April 30, and the permit number must appear in every listing. Permits do not transfer when the property sells.

Permit and costs

Permit
Short-Term Rental Permit
Issued by
Town of Hilton Head Island
Cost
$150 per bedroom / year, $250 late fee
Renewal
Annual, by April 30

Key limits

Night cap
None
Parking
Capped at six vehicles per rental
Fire safety
Homes of 3,600 sq ft or more need approved fire safety systems and smoke detection throughout
Transfer
Permits end when the property sells, the buyer applies fresh

Taxes

SC accommodations tax
7%
Local accommodations tax
Set by Beaufort County, check the current rate

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Get the Town business license
    Obtain or renew a Town of Hilton Head Island business license, one license can cover multiple properties.
  2. 2
    Apply for the STR permit
    File the STR permit application in GovOS, pay $150 per bedroom, and display the permit number in every listing.
  3. 3
    Set up the accommodations tax
    Register to collect and remit the 7% SC accommodations tax, platforms collect it on platform bookings.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
Plantation and resort community covenants set their own rental rules and access policies.
Permits do not transfer
Do not price a deal on the seller's permit, it ends at closing and you apply under the rules in effect that day.

Sources

Town of Hilton Head Island STR permit renewal page (official) · Town news release on 2026 STR program changes (official)

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

Want this verified for your exact address?

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  • Night caps, occupancy rules, and key limits
  • Tax rates and a step-by-step checklist

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Also check

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.