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Apply for a Business License

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All businesses conducting business within the Town of Hilton Head Island, including home based businesses, are required to obtain a business license.

Business License Applications

Business License Application

Property Rental Business License Application


Business Application Process

If the physical address of your business is located within the Town of Hilton Head Island limits

We will coordinate with other town departments to review and approve your business license application. This also includes home based businesses.

  • The Town will verify your physical address with our 911 addressing technician to ensure public safety.
  • Community Development will review your application for Land Management Ordinance (LMO) zoning compliance.
    • We suggest you verify your zoning for your business prior to signing a commercial lease or starting a home based business.

      To verify zoning for your business contact Community Development at 843-341-4757 or email cdic@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

      View the Zoning Map

  • If you are not a home based business, the Town will request a fire inspection of your location to ensure public safety.

If the physical address of your business is located outside the Town of Hilton Head Island limits

Your business license application will not typically require Town department reviews. However, we may request Community Development or other Town departments to review your application under special circumstances.

New Business License Fees

  • A $10 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of application submittal.
  • Your business license tax is calculated on projected gross revenue for the first year of operation and a pro-rated percentage of annual fee based on month of opening.
  • Fees for new businesses are paid at the time the business opens.
  • Depending upon the type of business you start, purchase or where you locate the business, other permits and related fees may be required.

Business License Application

Property Rental Business License Application

Questions?

We are eager to assist you in getting your business established in the Town of Hilton Head Island. If you are just getting started, have general questions or encounter obstacles, we are here to help.

Contact Revenue Services at RS@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-341-4677