May 1st is the start date for many Myrtle Beach rules that are seasonal. Some of our rules are year-round, while others are only in effect during the crowded summer months at the beach. 

Below, we will review the rules on the beach during the summer months as well as Myrtle Beach’s year-round rules, including:

• The rules for dogs on the beach,
• The rules for umbrellas and tents on the beach, 
• When and how to surf fish in Myrtle Beach, and
• Local criminal laws that could result in an arrest. 

Seasonal Myrtle Beach Rules

Many of the Myrtle Beach rules begin on May 1st each year and end on Labor Day (Monday, September 4 in 2023). These rules, as well as the year-round rules below, can be found in the Myrtle Beach Code of Ordinances online if you want additional details. 

Myrtle Beach Rules for Dogs on the Beach

Dogs (and other animals) are not allowed on the beach between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm from May 1st through Labor Day. 

When dogs are allowed on the beach, they must be on a leash that is no longer than seven feet, under the direct control of the owner, and the owner must clean up their dog’s poop. 

What are the Rules for Umbrellas, Tents, and Canopies on the Beach?

From Memorial Day (May 29th in 2023) through Labor Day, circular umbrellas up to seven and one-half feet in diameter are permitted on the beach but they must be in line with or behind the lifeguard’s line of umbrellas and above the high-tide line. 

Tents and canopies up to 12-foot square are permitted in the off-season, but they must be located 10 feet behind the umbrella line (and sleeping is prohibited after 9 pm). 

Is Surf Fishing Allowed in Myrtle Beach?

Surf fishing is allowed but may not be practical during the peak season. You cannot “fish in a manner that presents an unsafe condition to any beach goers, sun bathers, swimmers, or any other person,” you must maintain a minimum distance of 50 feet from any person in the water, and people in the water have the right-of-way. 

You cannot bait for or fish for sharks or other dangerous animals within one mile of the beach, and commercial fishing is illegal. 

Bicycles on the Beach

The use of bicycles, tricycles, or any human-powered, gas, or electric vehicles is prohibited from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 1st through Labor Day on public beaches.  

Surfboards and Kayaks on the Beach

Kayaks and surfboards are prohibited from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 1st through Labor Day on public beaches except in designated areas that include:

• From 710 feet of the center line of 29th Avenue South street-end to the south city limits, 
• From 34th Avenue North to 47th Avenue North,
• From 78th Avenue North to 81st Avenue North,
• From 87th Avenue North to the north city limits, and 
• From 62nd Avenue North to 68th Avenue North. 

Jet Skis and Motorboats on the Beach

It is illegal to launch jet skis or motorboats from the beach or to land them on the beach, with exceptions for licensed operators in certain areas and emergency personnel. 

Year-Round Rules in Myrtle Beach, SC

Year-round Myrtle Beach rules that can result in a ticket or an arrest include:

• No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the beach,
• Fires are not permitted on the beach – it is illegal “for any person to build, start, ignite, or maintain any fire or open flame, including sky lanterns, or use any propane fired grill, cooker, or heating device heated by fire on any public beach, public beach access, street end adjacent to the beach, or any government land immediately adjacent to the beach,”
• You cannot have any glass containers, bottles, or glassware on the beach at any time,
• Fireworks are prohibited on the beach,
• It’s illegal to climb on, jump from, or dive from a pier, 
• No aquatic activity is permitted within 75 yards of any pier, 
• It’s illegal to sleep on the beach at night from 9:00 pm through 8;00 am,
• Solicitation or any commercial activity is prohibited on the beach, 
• Horses are prohibited “on any public beach, public beach access, street end adjacent to the beach, or any government land immediately adjacent to the beach,”
• Vehicles are prohibited on the beach including the operation of “any motorized vehicle of any kind or nature upon the public beach or within public marsh areas within the county limits” or the parking of “any wheeled conveyance, including but not limited to any motor vehicles, motorcycles, golf carts, or similar type vehicles on the beach or beach access,” 
• Changing clothes is illegal “on any public beach, public beach access, street end adjacent to the beach, or any government land immediately adjacent to the beach, or in the waters adjacent to the public beach, or in any public lavatory or toilet room in the city without obtaining permission or consent from the owner or proprietor,” and
• Nudity is prohibited, including wearing “G-strings, T-Backs, “dental floss” style… thongs… [b]ody paint, body dyes, tattoos, and liquid latex or similar materials.” 

SC Criminal Defense Lawyers in Myrtle Beach

If you have been ticketed for violating the rules, or arrested and charged with a crime in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, call the Horry County criminal defense attorneys at Coastal Law now at (843) 488-5000 or send an email to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.