Is Florence, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Florence, South Carolina combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a growing opportunity due to the city's strategic location and developing tourism appeal.
• Florence serves as a key stopover for travelers on I-95 and I-20, attracting both leisure and business visitors, which creates a consistent demand for short-term rentals.
• While property values in Florence are generally more affordable compared to major metropolitan areas, they have shown steady appreciation.
• The city's ongoing revitalization efforts, coupled with local events and its role as a regional healthcare and retail hub.

$800–$1,800 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and rental analytics platforms, Airbnb hosts in Florence, South Carolina typically earn between $800 to $1,800 per month.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during spring and fall months when tourism increases by approximately 25-30%.
• Properties located near downtown Florence, medical facilities, or Francis Marion University command premium rates of $85-120 per night, while suburban listings average $60-85 nightly.
• Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to major attractions like the Florence Regional Airport, medical centers, and interstate highways, property amenities such as parking and WiFi, professional photography.
• Occupancy rates in the market typically range from 45-65% annually, with successful hosts achieving higher occupancy through competitive pricing strategies and maintaining superhost status.
• Revenue data is compiled from rental analytics platforms including AirDNA, Mashvisor, and local property management insights, though specific earnings can vary significantly based on property type, management quality.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and location proximity to downtown or McLeod Regional Medical Center.
• The payback period for initial investment generally spans 7-10 years, factoring in property acquisition costs averaging $150,000-250,000 for suitable rental properties and renovation expenses of $15,000-30,000.
• Occupancy rates hover around 60-70% annually due to Florence's steady flow of medical tourists, business travelers, and visitors to Francis Marion University.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals yielding 6-8% ROI with monthly rents of $800-1,200, short-term rentals can generate 25-40% higher revenue but require significantly more active management.

Florence, South Carolina averages 55–60% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Florence, South Carolina Airbnb properties typically maintain an average occupancy rate of approximately 55-60% annually.
• Fall occupancy generally ranges from 50-55%, with winter months dropping to the lowest levels at 40-45% occupancy from December through February.
• Florence's occupancy rates tend to run slightly below South Carolina's statewide average of approximately 62-65%, which benefits from coastal tourism markets like Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
• The city's performance is influenced by its position as a regional healthcare and transportation hub rather than a primary tourist destination.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The downtown Florence Historic District offers the strongest Airbnb potential with its proximity to the Florence Regional Arts Center, antique shops, and walkable restaurants.
• The Medical District near McLeod Regional Medical Center provides consistent demand from medical professionals, patients' families, and pharmaceutical representatives.
• West Florence residential areas near Francis Marion University capture the parent and visitor market during academic events, graduation, and sports seasons.
• The Timmonsville Highway corridor benefits from its proximity to major employers like Honda and other manufacturing facilities.
• East Florence neighborhoods near Florence Country Club appeal to golf tourists and upscale visitors, supporting higher pricing power of $90-130 per night during peak seasons.
• The South Florence area around Magnolia Mall and restaurant clusters serves budget-conscious travelers and families, maintaining solid occupancy at $50-75 per night with good highway access.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Florence, South Carolina requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license through the city's licensing department and register their properties with the planning and development services department.
• Properties are generally limited to a maximum occupancy of two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, with total occupancy not exceeding 10 people regardless of bedroom count.
• Owner-occupancy is not required for short-term rentals, allowing for non-resident ownership and management.
• Zoning restrictions permit short-term rentals in most residential districts including R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones.
• The registration process involves submitting a completed application with property details, proof of insurance, emergency contact information, and a site plan showing parking arrangements.
• Recent regulatory changes implemented in 2022-2023 include stricter noise ordinance enforcement with potential immediate permit revocation for violations, mandatory posting of city contact information and house rules.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Florence, South Carolina are subject to several fees and taxes including the state accommodations tax of 2% on gross rental receipts.
• Property owners must obtain a business license from the City of Florence costing around $50-75 annually.
• Tourism or hospitality taxes may apply at an estimated 1-2% rate depending on local ordinances.
• Additional costs include potential zoning permits or conditional use permits ranging from $100-300, fire safety inspections costing approximately $75-150, and possible homeowners association fees if applicable.
• Property owners are also responsible for collecting and remitting state sales tax of 6% plus local sales tax of 1-2% on rental income.