Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Drone Laws

Overview

Myrtle Beach is located in South Carolina. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

South Carolina drone law is governed by S.C. Code §§ 55-1-200 through 55-1-270, the South Carolina Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act. S.C. Code § 55-1-220 prohibits using a drone to conduct surveillance of a person on private property. S.C. Code § 55-1-230 prohibits weapons attachment. South Carolina preempts most local drone regulations, limiting municipalities to governing takeoff and landing on city-owned property. Myrtle Beach International Airport (KMYR) creates Class D airspace directly over the resort city. The Grand Strand beachfront — the primary appeal of Myrtle Beach for drone photographers — involves airspace and property considerations: the beach is a mix of private resort property and public beach access areas. Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park (both South Carolina State Parks) prohibit drone operations without special use permits. Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• S.C. Code § 55-1-220 — SC UAS Act: prohibits drone surveillance of persons on private property without consent
• S.C. Code § 55-1-230 — Weaponization prohibition
• S.C. Code § 55-1-240 — South Carolina preempts local drone regulations; municipalities limited to governing city-owned property
• Myrtle Beach International Airport (KMYR) — Class D airspace: LAANC authorization required for flights near the airport; covers much of the resort area
• Myrtle Beach State Park — SC State Parks: drone operations prohibited without special use permit
• Huntington Beach State Park (~17 mi south) — SC State Parks: drone operations prohibited without special use permit; critical shorebird nesting habitat
• 14 CFR Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations

Permits & Registration

Commercial operators require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. South Carolina State Parks special use permit required for drone operations in Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park — contact South Carolina State Parks at (803) 734-0156 or southcarolinaparks.com. LAANC authorization for KMYR Class D available via FAA DroneZone. City of Myrtle Beach commercial filming permit required for work on City-owned property — contact City Clerk's Office at (843) 918-1000. For private resort beach properties, explicit written permission from the property owner or resort management is required.

Official Statute Links

• https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t55c001.php
• https://southcarolinaparks.com/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Local Ordinances

The City of Myrtle Beach has regulations regarding drone operations on City-owned property, including public beach access areas managed by the City. The City's beach management rules restrict activities that interfere with beach recreation, which can include drone operations over crowded beaches. The resort corridor along Kings Highway (US-17 Business) is primarily private property where resort authorization is needed for commercial work. Conway/Horry County has additional considerations for drone pilots working outside the immediate city. The city's beach is within KMYR Class D airspace, meaning virtually all coastal drone photography near the resort core requires LAANC authorization.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Myrtle Beach State Park — SC State Parks: drone permit required
• Huntington Beach State Park — SC State Parks: drone permit required; nesting shorebird habitat (spring closures possible)
• Myrtle Beach International Airport (KMYR) Class D — covers the resort strip: LAANC required for beachfront flying
• Private resort properties (hotels, condos on the strand) — owner/management authorization required for commercial work
• Public beach areas during peak hours — City of Myrtle Beach beach management rules; avoid flying over crowds
• SkyWheel and amusement park areas — private property with dense crowds; owner authorization required

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: City of Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation — (843) 918-2300, cityofmyrtlebeach.com/parks

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Pawleys Island area (~25 mi south, outside KMYR Class D) — South Carolina State beaches with LAANC verification; check for state park boundaries
• Conway/Horry County rural areas west of the Grand Strand (~15 mi inland, outside Class D) — agricultural and forested land with private landowner permission
• North Myrtle Beach public beach areas (outside KMYR Class D) — verify with LAANC; North Myrtle Beach has its own city filming rules

Areas to Avoid

• Myrtle Beach State Park — SC State Parks: permit required
• Huntington Beach State Park — SC State Parks: permit required; especially restricted during shorebird nesting (April–August)
• Myrtle Beach International Airport (KMYR) Class D — covers entire resort corridor: LAANC required
• Private resort beach strip — property owner authorization required for commercial work
• Crowded public beaches during summer season — city safety regulations apply

Weather Considerations

Myrtle Beach has a humid subtropical climate. Summer is hot and humid (85–95°F with high humidity), and afternoon sea breeze thunderstorms develop frequently May through September. Hurricane season (June 1–November 30) is a serious consideration — the South Carolina coast is vulnerable to tropical storms and direct hurricane hits. The Bermuda High weather pattern in summer creates persistent onshore winds. Winter is mild (40–60°F) with occasional northeaster storms bringing strong northeast winds and rough conditions. Spring and fall offer the best combination of mild temperatures and lower storm risk. Check NWS Wilmington (weather.gov/ilm) for Myrtle Beach-area forecasts.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: April–May and September–October — shoulder seasons with mild temperatures, reduced crowds, lower storm risk, and excellent morning light on the Atlantic. AVOID: June–September hurricane season during active tropical systems. AVOID: afternoon thunderstorms June–August (typically 2–6 PM). Early morning beach flights (sunrise to 9 AM) offer the calmest winds and most dramatic coastal light year-round.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ South Carolina state regulations
• ✓ Myrtle Beach local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety