What Can a Handyman Do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?

In Myrtle Beach (Horry County), most “handyman”/home-improvement work can be done without a South Carolina contractor license only if each job stays under the state’s contractor licensing threshold (commonly applied as $5,000 total contract value including labor and materials) and you do not perform work in licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas). Even when you’re exempt from a state contractor license, you typically still need (1) a City of Myrtle Beach business license (and possibly a county business license if working outside city limits) and (2) building permits for many repair/alteration tasks.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Jobs under $5,000 total contract value (labor + materials) that do NOT involve licensed trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas) (threshold: researched, verify with SC LLR for your exact scope/classification)
• Interior/exterior painting (non-lead regulated practices still must follow EPA RRP rules if pre-1978 and you disturb paint)
• Minor drywall patching and trim repair (non-structural)
• Door hardware replacement (knobs/locks/deadbolts) and interior door replacement like-for-like where no structural framing changes are required
• Cabinet hardware replacement and minor cabinet repairs (not moving plumbing/electrical)
• Pressure washing and basic exterior cleaning (subject to local stormwater/environmental rules)
• Minor carpentry (baseboards, crown molding, shelving) that does not alter structural members
• Caulking, grouting, and minor tile repair where no waterproofing system or plumbing changes are involved

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any electrical contracting beyond minor like-for-like device/fixture swaps where allowed by local code/inspector; new circuits, panel work, service changes, rewiring, generator interconnects require licensed electrical contractor
• Plumbing contracting (running/altering supply/drain/vent lines), gas piping, many water heater installs/replacements if the jurisdiction requires a permit and licensed plumber for the scope
• HVAC/mechanical contracting: installing or replacing HVAC equipment, refrigerant work, significant duct/system modifications
• Contracting work at/above the $5,000 licensing threshold (labor + materials) in categories regulated by SC LLR (commercial contractor licensing and/or residential specialty/builder licensing depending on scope)
• Roofing or structural repairs that trigger permitting/engineering review (local building department may require licensed contractors and inspections)
• Any work requiring a building permit where the permitting authority requires a licensed contractor to pull the permit (policy varies by jurisdiction and scope)

State Licensing Rules (SC)

The $5,000 figure is a licensing trigger commonly enforced by SC LLR for contractor licensure/registration categories; however, permits and local codes can still require inspections. Also, trade licensing is separate—doing electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas work without the proper state trade license is not covered by any handyman exemption. General contractor licensing rules differ for residential vs. commercial and for specialty classifications.

Business License — Myrtle Beach

Required. City of Myrtle Beach Business License

Permit vs. Contractor License — What's the Difference?

A license is your legal authorization to offer/perform certain types of contracting (issued by the state or local government). A permit is project-specific approval from the building department to perform work at a particular address, with required inspections. Even if you’re under the contractor-license threshold, many jobs still require permits, and trade work almost always requires both a permit and a licensed trade contractor.

Important Notes for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Handymen

• Insurance: South Carolina does not issue a “handyman license,” but customers and GCs commonly require general liability (often $1,000,000 per occurrence) and workers’ compensation if you have employees. If you subcontract, ensure subs are properly licensed and insured.
• Multi-jurisdiction licensing: On the Grand Strand, each municipality can require its own business license based on gross receipts earned in that municipality (not just where your office is). Track revenue by jurisdiction.
• Advertising compliance: If you are not properly licensed for regulated trades, do not advertise those services (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas).
• Permitting: If you work inside Myrtle Beach city limits vs. unincorporated Horry County, permit offices/inspection processes can differ. Always confirm who has jurisdiction over the jobsite address.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Myrtle Beach

1. Step 1: Form your business (LLC optional) with SC Secretary of State ($110 filing fee) and get an EIN from IRS (free).
2. Step 2: Apply for a City of Myrtle Beach business license (fee based on classification and gross receipts) and, if working outside city limits, confirm Horry County business license requirements.
3. Step 3: Get general liability insurance (typical small handyman policies start around a few hundred dollars/year depending on revenue and services).
4. Step 4: If any job will hit $5,000+ or includes regulated scopes, confirm with SC LLR whether you must hold a contractor license/registration and obtain the correct credential before bidding.

Research generated by AI. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.