Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Hilton Head Island?

Yes. Hilton Head Island requires Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit, and the fee is $150. Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) are legal throughout Hilton Head Island in condos, villas, and single-family homes, but every rental property needs an annual Town Short-Term Rental Permit — now $150 per bedroom per year (permit year May 1–April 30) — plus a separate Town business license. There is no owner-occupancy rule, night cap, or zoning ban, but under rules effective May 1, 2026 owners must apply in a person's (not an LLC's) name, list the permit number in all ads, provide an HOA approval letter where applicable, and meet new fire/propane-safety and six-vehicle parking limits; violations carry escalating $250/$500/$1,000 civil fines with permit revocation after three citations in 12 months. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Hilton Head Island?

The Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit fee in Hilton Head Island is $150, renewed annual. Fee is $150 PER BEDROOM per year (not flat), effective with the 2026 renewal cycle; the Town transitioned from the previous flat $250-per-property fee. A $250 late fee applies to renewals submitted after May 15, 2026 (April 30 annually thereafter). Permits are non-transferrable and non-refundable, must be issued to a person (not a business entity), and a separate annual Town business license is also required.

How to get a short-term rental permit in Hilton Head Island, SC (2026)

Hilton Head Island requires Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit — the fee is $150, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.

Permit at a glance

Permit required	Yes
Permit name	Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit
Permit fee	$150
Renewal	Annual

Step by step

1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. STRs are permitted island-wide with no zoning-district restrictions or town-wide caps: the ordinance applies to all privately owned residential property (condominiums, villas, and single-family dwellings) rented for periods of fewer than 30 days anywhere within town limits. Private communities and HOAs (e.g., Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes) may impose their own restrictions, and as of the May 1, 2026 rules an owner in an HOA must provide a letter from the HOA confirming the property is allowed to operate as an STR. Single-family dwellings must submit a site plan showing trash storage and designated 9'x18' parking spots (maximum of six vehicles in the driveway).
2
Apply for the Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit
Submit the Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit application to Hilton Head Island and pay the $150 fee. Fee is $150 PER BEDROOM per year (not flat), effective with the 2026 renewal cycle; the Town transitioned from the previous flat $250-per-property fee. A $250 late fee applies to renewals submitted after May 15, 2026 (April 30 annually thereafter). Permits are non-transferrable and non-refundable, must be issued to a person (not a business entity), and a separate annual Town business license is also required.
3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Hilton Head Island. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.

STR rules change without warning.

Get an email the moment Hilton Head Island changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.

Watch Hilton Head Island for changes →

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Verified July 12, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Hilton Head Island before applying.

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