Business License Applications 

A company's initial business license is valid from the time it begins operations through the following April 30. Every year thereafter, the license requires annual renewal by April 30 of that year. The exceptions are for a Group Event Business Licenses or a  Temporary Business License. 

Renewals

As a courtesy, annual business license renewal forms are sent to the business’ mailing address on file. These renewal forms are sent at the beginning of the business license renewal season (February-March). We also post reminders on our social media sites. The renewal deadline is April 30. You may also renew your busines license at the payment portal here: https://beaufort.munisselfservice.com/citizens/default.aspx#.

If a renewal form has not been received, has been misplaced, or assistance is needed calculating the renewal fee please call or email the Business Licensing Office for assistance at 843-525-7025 or email the business license office.

First step -- zoning approval

If your business is a brick-and-mortar location and you are a resident applicant, you must get zoning approval by submitting a Zoning (Safety) Application. 

If you are a home-based business, you will need to submit a Home Occupation Application. 

If you are a short-term rental business, you will need to submit a Short Term Rental Application.

Resident businesses

All resident applicants will be required to submit the following documents and complete applicable zoning requirements:

• Accommodations Fee Reporting Sheet (if applicable)
• Annual Business License Application
• Articles of Organization (if Applicable)
• Business Personal Property Tax Form
• Copy of Driver's License
• Hospitality Fee Form (if applicable)
• South Carolina Profession Occupation License (If Applicable)
• South Carolina Retail License (If Applicable)

Non-resident businesses

All non-resident applicants will be required to submit the following documents:

• Annual Business License Application (contingent to work volume)
• Articles of Organization (if Applicable)
• Copy of Driver's License
• South Carolina Profession Occupation License (If Applicable)
• South Carolina Retail License (If Applicable)
• Temporary Business License Application

Closing a business

Please fill out this form if you intend to close or move your business.

• Business Closure Form

Other requirements for specialized industries

• Group Event Business Licenses
• Food Truck Permit

Discounts

The City values its businesses and offers the following discounts:

• If you are a resident or non-resident business and your business license is renewed by March 15 (normal due date to renew is April 30) a 1.5% early bird discount is applied to your license fee.
• If you are resident business and have been in operation for five years or more, and remit your renewal fee by March 15, you are entitled to an additional 1.5% longevity discount.
• Businesses have a potential to receive a maximum 3% discount.

Delinquent fees

Business license renewals are due on or before April 30 of each year. Failure to pay your renewal fee by that date will result in delinquent penalty fees. A 5% penalty fee will be added to all business licenses on the 1st of every month until the business license is paid.