Surfside Beach Local service guide

Business license rules in Surfside Beach, SC

The short answer

Every person who performs paid work within Surfside Beach town limits must hold a town business license. [Town source]
The town treats a home office and every real estate rental as a business. [Town source]

Last verified August 13, 2026 · Source: Town of Surfside Beach business licensing

Who needs a Surfside Beach business license

Every person who performs paid work within town limits must pay the annual license fee and hold a town business license. [Town source]

The town treats a home office as a business. [Town source]

The town also treats every real estate rental as a business. [Town source]

Town of Surfside Beach business licensing

Business license year and renewal deadline

The standard business license year runs from May 1 through April 30. [State law]

A standard business license expires on April 30. [State law]

Renewals are due no later than April 30. [Town source]

The town states that license processing takes 7 to 10 business days. [Town source]

Town of Surfside Beach business licensing · South Carolina Code, Section 6-1-400

How Surfside Beach bases the license fee

The town bases the license fee on gross receipts reported for federal tax purposes. [Town FAQ]

Each place of business requires a separate license. [Town FAQ]

Each business classification also requires a separate license. [Town FAQ]

Town of Surfside Beach business license FAQ

Business license rules for contractors

A contractor with a South Carolina license or specialty card must file a copy with the town. [Town FAQ]

A license issued for a construction contract expires when the contract is complete. [State law]

Work without a town business license can carry a fine of up to $500. [Town FAQ]

Town of Surfside Beach business license FAQ · South Carolina Code, Section 6-1-400

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