Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Florence, SC?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Florence, South Carolina (both the City of Florence and unincorporated Florence County), subject to a permitting regime, business licensing, and ongoing compliance with lodging taxes and operational rules. Explicitly: STRs are permissible in Florence if the operator obtains the required permits, licenses, and remits applicable taxes.

• Source links:
  • City of Florence STR Conditions (PDF): www.cityofflorence.com/sites/default/files/uploads/How-Do-I/short_term_rental_conditions.pdf
  • Florence County STR page (tools, links, contacts): www.florenceco.org/Departments/Planning-Department/Short-Term-Rentals

Market entry: How to start a short-term rental business in Florence, SC

Florence requires a two-step process for both the City and unincorporated County.

1. Confirm zoning eligibility.

• City of Florence: STRs are an allowed use subject to conditions and permitting; they are prohibited in certain zoning districts. Check the City zoning map and contact Planning for site-specific eligibility.
• Florence County (unincorporated areas): Verify zoning eligibility with the County Planning Department.
• Sources:
  • City of Florence STR Conditions (PDF) — zoning overview and use categories
  • Florence County STR overview

2. Obtain the lodging permit and business license.

• City of Florence: Apply at the City Business License Department and pay applicable fees. Permit renewal is annual.
• Florence County (unincorporated): Apply through Florence County; you will also need a local business license and proof of General Liability Insurance ($1,000,000).
• Sources:
  • City of Florence STR Conditions (PDF) — permit/licensing steps and requirements
  • Florence County STR page — application links and contacts

3. Set up tax compliance.

• Collect and remit local accommodations tax and any additional taxes as applicable. The City and County typically collect these via their licensing portals; confirm collection cadence, reporting forms, and rates directly with the Business License Office and County Finance.
• Source:
  • City of Florence STR Conditions (PDF) — lodging tax references and compliance obligations

4. Operational readiness.

• Post required notices inside the STR unit, confirm occupancy limits, designate a local contact, and be prepared for inspections. Meet life-safety expectations (smoke/CO detectors, egress, etc.) per City/County guidance.
• Sources:
  • City of Florence STR Conditions (PDF) — posting and operational requirements
  • Florence County STR page — general guidelines

Timeline insight: From application to approval can be immediate for a straightforward zoning eligibility determination and completed application; expect longer if a life-safety inspection or business license review is required.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

City of Florence (applies within city limits)

• Short-Term Rental Permit
• Business License (City)
• Proof of General Liability Insurance ($1,000,000) — common requirement
• Life-safety compliance (smoke detectors, CO detectors, and egress routes)
• Agent/Legal Contact form and written consent from property owner if applicable
• Posting requirements inside unit (contact numbers, rules)
• Annual renewal required
• Source:
  • City of Florence STR Conditions (PDF) — permit, insurance, inspection/operational requirements

Florence County (unincorporated areas)

• County STR Permit/Lodging License (annual)
• County Business License
• Proof of General Liability Insurance ($1,000,000) — as stated on County materials
• Written consent from property owner if operator is not the owner
• Contact information and compliance with local health/safety rules
• Annual renewal
• Sources:
  • Florence County STR page — overview and application materials
  • Florence County Short-Term Rental Forms (PDF): www.florenceco.org/home/showpublisheddocument/10659/638593769077062679

Common operational standards (as reflected in City/County guidance)

• Occupancy: City rules reference “maximum occupancy not to exceed 16” and emphasize life-safety compliance; County materials indicate similar intent.
• Noise and quiet hours: Quiet enjoyment standards apply; public disturbances are prohibited.
• Trash and recycling: Proper disposal schedules must be provided to guests.
• Parking: Off-street parking standards must be met; event parking is not permitted.
• Local contact: 24/7 local contact required; respond to complaints within one hour.
• Events and commercial activity: STR use is residential in nature; parties/events exceeding occupancy are prohibited.
• Sources:
  • City of Florence STR Conditions (PDF) — occupancy, parking, noise/operations
  • Florence County STR page — local contact, community standards

State-level obligations (South Carolina) that STR operators in Florence must satisfy

• Business License Tax: Each municipality/county collects an annual business license tax on gross receipts. Florence County administers County and City of Florence business licenses.

• State and local sales/accommodations tax: STR operators are responsible for collecting and remitting sales/use tax and local accommodations tax as required. Flo-DOR (Florence County Treasurer) processes local accommodations tax; the City Business License Office also processes local accommodations tax for STRs. State filings are submitted to the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR).

• Platforms/OTAs: Online platforms facilitating bookings in South Carolina may have separate collection/remittance obligations for state and local taxes. If you list on a platform, confirm whether the platform will collect and remit, and whether you must file returns as well.

• Recording statutes: Ensure you are not impermissibly using recording statutes to prevent local regulation; do not create or share documents that appear to illegally restrict municipal zoning authority.

• Sources:

  • Florence County STR page — business license reference and local accommodations tax administration
  • City of Florence STR Conditions (PDF) — accommodations tax references
  • City of Florence Business License page: www.cityofflorence.com/departments/business-license/
  • SC Department of Revenue (business tax guidance): dor.sc.gov

Specific regulations (City of Florence, Florence County, State of SC)

City of Florence — key STR rules

• Zoning: STRs are an allowed use subject to conditions and permitting; prohibited in certain zoning districts. Confirm eligibility via zoning map and Planning.

• Permitting: STR Permit required; proof of General Liability Insurance ($1,000,000).

• Occupancy: Maximum occupancy must not exceed 16.

• Parking: Off-street parking required; event parking is prohibited.

• Noise/quiet hours and disturbance: Prohibited; property must not create public disturbances.

• Local contact: 24/7 local contact required; response to complaints within one hour.

• Posting: Post required information inside the STR.

• Taxes: Collect and remit local accommodations tax and any applicable additional taxes; state sales/use tax also applies to STR receipts.

• Inspections: Life-safety compliance (smoke/CO, egress); penalties for violations.

• Source:

  • City of Florence STR Conditions (PDF): www.cityofflorence.com/sites/default/files/uploads/How-Do-I/short_term_rental_conditions.pdf

Florence County (unincorporated areas) — key STR rules

• Permit and license: County STR permit/lodging license and County business license required annually.

• Insurance: General Liability Insurance coverage ($1,000,000).

• Zoning eligibility: Confirm with Planning; use must be consistent with zoning.

• Operational standards: Local contact, occupancy limits consistent with life-safety, trash/disposal, and community standards.

• Taxes: Local accommodations tax (handled through Flo-DOR or County licensing portal), and state sales/use tax.

• Inspections/recordkeeping: Operators should be prepared for compliance reviews and maintain records.

• Sources:

  • Florence County STR page: www.florenceco.org/Departments/Planning-Department/Short-Term-Rentals
  • Florence County STR Forms (PDF): www.florenceco.org/home/showpublisheddocument/10659/638593769077062679

State of South Carolina — relevant obligations

• State and local tax collection/remittance: Sales/use tax and local accommodations tax must be collected and remitted. The City Business License Office handles local accommodations tax for STRs; Flo-DOR processes local accommodations tax remittances for the County. State filings go to SCDOR.

• Business License Tax: Collected by municipalities/counties based on gross receipts.

• Platform/OTA compliance: State-level rules may require platforms to collect and remit taxes; confirm and coordinate filings with your listing platform.

• Zoning/home-rule authority: Local governments regulate STR use and standards; do not rely on recording statutes or similar mechanisms to evade local zoning authority.

• Sources:

  • City of Florence Business License page: www.cityofflorence.com/departments/business-license/
  • SC Department of Revenue (business tax guidance): dor.sc.gov

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

City of Florence

• Business License Office
  • Phone: (843) 665-3111
  • Website: www.cityofflorence.com/departments/business-license/
• Planning Department
  • Phone: (843) 665-2048
  • Website: www.cityofflorence.com/departments/planning/
• City STR Conditions (PDF): www.cityofflorence.com/sites/default/files/uploads/How-Do-I/short_term_rental_conditions.pdf

Florence County (unincorporated areas)

• Florence County Planning Department (STR overview, applications)
  • Website: www.florenceco.org/Departments/Planning-Department/Short-Term-Rentals
  • Phone: (843) 665-3111 (General; ask for Planning)
• Florence County Treasurer (Flo-DOR) — Local accommodations tax
  • Phone: (843) 665-3004
  • Website: www.florenceco.org/Departments/Treasurer

Links to source pages (directly relevant to Florence, SC)

• City of Florence STR Conditions (PDF): www.cityofflorence.com/sites/default/files/uploads/How-Do-I/short_term_rental_conditions.pdf
• City of Florence Business License Department: www.cityofflorence.com/departments/business-license/
• City of Florence Planning Department: www.cityofflorence.com/departments/planning/
• Florence County Planning Department — STR page: www.florenceco.org/Departments/Planning-Department/Short-Term-Rentals
• Florence County Short-Term Rental Forms (PDF): www.florenceco.org/home/showpublisheddocument/10659/638593769077062679
• Florence County Treasurer (Flo-DOR): www.florenceco.org/Departments/Treasurer
• SC Department of Revenue (state-level tax info): dor.sc.gov

Notes for investors

• Always confirm current fees, taxes, and forms directly with the Business License Office or County Planning, as rates and processes can change.
• If you plan to operate in multiple jurisdictions (e.g., City vs. County), verify whether you must obtain separate licenses and permits for each area.
• Maintain guest logs, incident reports, and all tax records for audit readiness.