Florence, South Carolina is emerging as a compelling market for short-term rental investors and Airbnb hosts. Located in the heart of the Pee Dee region, this mid-sized city draws a steady mix of business travelers, university visitors, and regional tourists to neighborhoods like the revitalized downtown Bravo! District, the tree-lined streets of Timrod Park, and the family-friendly Highland Park area. Whether your property sits near Francis Marion University or within walking distance of the Florence County Museum, working with the right airbnb management company can make the difference between a thriving rental and a stressful side project. This guide reviews the best 5 vacation rental management companies serving Florence, SC property owners in 2026.
The Florence Short-Term Rental Market
Florence occupies a unique position in the South Carolina STR landscape. Unlike the state’s coastal markets in Myrtle Beach or Charleston, Florence generates demand year-round from multiple stable sources: healthcare professionals and patients visiting the McLeod Regional Medical Center corridor, students and families connected to Francis Marion University, and business travelers passing through this major I-95 crossroads city. The annual SC Pecan Music and Food Festival draws approximately 50,000 attendees each November, delivering a concentrated spike in short-term rental demand, while events at the Francis Marion Performing Arts Center and the Florence Rail Trail attract leisure visitors during warmer months. The Parkwood and Woodmont neighborhoods appeal to guests seeking quiet residential stays, while the downtown Bravo! District has evolved into a walkable entertainment corridor with easy access to dining and the arts.
For property owners, this diversity of demand profiles means that local airbnb managers who understand both the business traveler and the leisure guest segment can deliver stronger, more consistent occupancy than a generic national platform alone. Short-term rental management in Florence requires navigating the city’s specific permitting rules (detailed below) alongside savvy pricing strategies that capture event-driven peaks without leaving the shoulder season underperforming.
Best 5 Airbnb Management Companies in Florence, South Carolina
1. One Fine BnB
One Fine BnB is a full-service airbnb property management company founded in 2010 with over 16 years of experience managing vacation rentals across the United States. The company charges a flat 10% management fee with no hidden costs and no long-term contracts — a significant advantage over competitors who typically charge 25–50% of rental income. One Fine BnB backs its performance with verified metrics: a 4.9/5 average guest rating, a 92% owner retention rate, and occupancy rates the company reports as 51% higher than the market average.
- Professional listing creation with photography, 3D virtual tours, and SEO-optimized descriptions
- AI-driven pricing that analyzes market trends, seasonal demand, and local events to optimize rates dynamically
- Multi-channel distribution across 50+ booking platforms including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia, and Marriott Bonvoy Homes & Villas
- 24/7 guest support and dedicated reservation agents
- Post-stay walkthroughs with photo documentation after every guest stay
- Flexible owner date blocking with no long-term contract requirement; free to get started with no sign-up or listing fees
2. Checkmate Rentals
Checkmate Rentals is a full-service short-term rental management company operating across 25+ states, including South Carolina. Their co-host model is distinctive: property owners retain full control of their Airbnb and Vrbo accounts while Checkmate handles day-to-day operations. This approach appeals to owners who want professional management without surrendering ownership of their listing history and reviews.
- Co-host model — owners keep account ownership and accumulated review history
- Listing optimization and multi-platform distribution (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Google Vacation Rentals, Agoda)
- Dynamic pricing management and revenue optimization
- Professional cleaning, housekeeping coordination, and maintenance scheduling
- Guest screening and damage coverage up to $3,000
3. Surge
Surge focuses exclusively on short-term rental management and positions itself as a selective, quality-first platform. Rather than accepting every property that applies, Surge evaluates each home carefully — a model they say allows them to deliver more attentive, localized service than high-volume competitors. They serve South Carolina markets and offer a full operations stack for Airbnb hosts. For Florence property owners navigating the city’s owner-occupancy requirements and two-bedroom cap, Surge’s selective onboarding process can work in your favor: they tend to focus on properties with strong revenue potential rather than building volume for its own sake.
- Selective intake process — thorough property evaluation before onboarding
- Full operations management including cleaning, laundry, restocking, and turnovers
- Guest response within 10 minutes, 24 hours a day
- Dynamic pricing and calendar management across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Google Vacation Rentals
- Owner and guest portal access; interior design and furnishing services available
- Brokerage services for buying and selling investment properties
4. Awning
Awning provides full-service vacation rental and Airbnb management in Florence, South Carolina, and publishes market-specific data for Florence hosts to help property owners make informed decisions. As a technology-forward national platform, Awning emphasizes data-driven listing optimization, broad marketing reach, and flexible contract terms that allow owners to exit with 90 days’ notice. Their service bundle is particularly well-suited to owners who want comprehensive management without being locked into multi-year agreements. Awning’s approach to licensing assistance can be particularly useful in Florence, where the permitting process involves zoning verification and owner-residency documentation.
- Listing optimization and SEO across 50+ booking channels
- Cleaning, linen service, supply restocking, and lawn care coordination
- 24/7 guest support and check-in/check-out management
- Dynamic pricing and monthly owner reporting
- Home automation setup and insurance coverage for each reservation
- Licensing assistance and regulatory guidance for new hosts
5. Evolve
Evolve is a national vacation rental management platform serving property owners across the United States, including South Carolina markets. Evolve operates a hybrid model: they handle listing management, marketing, booking, and guest communication, while owners coordinate their own cleaning and maintenance using Evolve’s network of vetted local service providers. This flexible approach keeps fees lower while still providing professional booking and guest services. For a Florence property owner who already has a trusted local cleaner and wants to focus on optimizing marketing reach and booking volume, Evolve’s model can offer a cost-effective path to professional short-term rental property management without full operational handoff.
- Listing creation and optimization across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and other platforms
- Professional photography for new listings
- Dynamic pricing and revenue management
- 24/7 guest communication and booking support
- Access to a vetted network of local cleaning and maintenance providers
- Owner retains control of cleaning and maintenance scheduling
How to Choose an Airbnb Manager in Florence
Selecting the right airbnb property manager in Florence means going beyond the fee percentage. Florence’s regulatory environment, mixed demand profile, and relatively modest active rental inventory all shape what good management looks like here. When comparing short-term rental management companies in the area, ask about their experience with owner-occupied STR properties (given Florence’s permitting requirements), their approach to mid-week vs. weekend pricing, and how they handle local maintenance calls.
- Local market knowledge: Florence’s STR demand comes from business travel, healthcare visitors, and university events — not just weekend leisure. Your manager should understand this demand mix and price accordingly.
- Fee transparency: Look for a clear, published fee structure with no hidden charges. The industry standard runs 25–50% of revenue; competitive options run 10–20%.
- Regulatory compliance: Florence requires an STR permit, owner-occupancy, and adherence to bedroom and zoning limits. Confirm your manager is familiar with City of Florence permitting rules and will help you maintain compliance.
- Communication and responsiveness: Ask about average guest response time and how maintenance issues are escalated. In a city with business travelers, a slow response can directly hurt your reviews.
- Contract flexibility: Avoid long-term lock-in until you have confidence in the manager’s performance. Opt for month-to-month or 90-day cancellation terms where possible.
- Technology and reporting: Owner portals, dynamic pricing tools, and monthly financial reports are now table stakes. A company without these tools is operating behind the curve.
Short-Term Rental Regulations in Florence, South Carolina
Florence has established a formal regulatory framework for short-term rentals that property owners must understand before listing on Airbnb or similar platforms. These rules apply within the municipal limits of the City of Florence.
- STR permit required: A valid short-term rental permit from the City of Florence must be obtained before operating. A business license is also required.
- Owner-occupancy requirement: The property must be operated by the owner who is a full-time resident, with the property serving as the owner’s primary address (voting address and driver’s license address). Investment properties where the owner does not reside are not eligible for STR permits under current rules.
- Two-bedroom maximum: STR operations are limited to a maximum of two bedrooms per property.
- Approved zoning districts: Properties must be located in RE (Residential Estate), RS (Residential Single-Family), RG (Residential General), RU (Residential Urban), or NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zones.
- Events prohibited: Commercial events such as weddings, parties, or conferences are explicitly prohibited at STR properties.
- Guest registry: Hosts must maintain a detailed guest registry including guest information, party size, vehicle details, and arrival/departure times, available for city inspection upon request.
- Parking restrictions: Motor vehicles may only park in driveways or improved surfaces; total parking area cannot exceed 25% of front and side yard space.
For the most current permit application forms and fee schedule, contact the City of Florence Planning Department directly. Regulations can change, and working with a management company familiar with local compliance will help you stay on the right side of the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Florence, SC?
Yes. The City of Florence requires a valid short-term rental permit before you can legally operate an Airbnb. You must also hold a business license. Current rules require owner-occupancy — meaning the property must be your primary residence — and limit STR operations to a maximum of two bedrooms.
What is the average Airbnb management fee in Florence, South Carolina?
Management fees range from roughly 10% to 25% of rental revenue depending on the company and service level. One Fine BnB charges a flat 10% with no hidden costs. The industry average across all management models runs 25–50% of rental income.
What drives short-term rental demand in Florence, SC?
Florence generates year-round STR demand from healthcare visitors connected to the McLeod Regional Medical Center corridor, students and families at Francis Marion University, business travelers on the I-95 corridor, and leisure visitors attending events like the annual SC Pecan Music and Food Festival, which draws approximately 50,000 attendees each November.
Can a non-resident owner list an investment property on Airbnb in Florence?
Under current City of Florence regulations, STR permits are limited to owner-occupied properties where the owner is a full-time resident. Investment properties where the owner does not reside are not eligible for an STR permit. Check with the City of Florence Planning Department for any updates to this policy.
Which neighborhoods in Florence, SC are best for Airbnb rentals?
The downtown Bravo! District attracts leisure visitors and arts-focused travelers. Timrod Park and Highland Park offer residential settings that appeal to families and business travelers. Parkwood and Woodmont are well-positioned near the Florence Rail Trail. All properties must be in an approved zoning district (RE, RS, RG, RU, or NC) to qualify for an STR permit.
What should I look for when hiring an Airbnb manager in Florence?
Prioritize familiarity with Florence’s STR permitting requirements, transparent fee structures, local knowledge of the city’s business and university demand cycles, 24/7 guest communication capability, and flexible contract terms. Ask prospective managers specifically about experience with owner-occupied STR properties, since Florence’s rules differ from many other South Carolina markets.
Final Thoughts
Florence, South Carolina may not have the beachfront profile of Myrtle Beach or the historic cachet of Charleston, but it offers something increasingly valuable for STR investors: stable, diversified demand from healthcare, education, business travel, and a growing arts and food scene. The city’s owner-occupancy permitting rules do narrow the eligible property pool compared to other South Carolina markets, but for qualifying homeowners in the right neighborhoods, this regulatory environment can actually reduce competition and support stronger per-listing revenue.
If you own a qualifying property in the Timrod Park, Highland Park, or downtown Bravo! District areas, pairing with the right airbnb management companies can turn that asset into a consistently performing income stream. The companies reviewed above offer a range of fee structures, service levels, and contract terms — from the flat 10% model of One Fine BnB to the hybrid approach of Evolve — so there is a fit for most owner profiles and goals. Explore your options across our all markets directory or browse nearby South Carolina pages like Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach to compare management options across the state.
