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Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Folly Beach, SC
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Folly Beach, SC or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
- Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
- What is Medicare?
- The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
- Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Folly Beach, SC
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Folly Beach, SC
- How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
- Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
- Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
- The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Folly Beach, SC
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Folly Beach, SC is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Folly Beach, SC
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Folly Beach, SC. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
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Latest News in Folly Beach, SC
D.J. Rich wins Folly Beach city council seat in special election
Anna Sharpehttps://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_sc/rich-folly-beach-city-council-election/article_c02f618a-492d-4a72-9646-2e7955dde216.html
FOLLY BEACH — This island community elected a new face to city council on Feb. 17 — one that looks familiar.Folly Beach chose D.J. Rich to serve on city council, unofficial election night results show. Rich has previously served on council for a combined 14 years.Rich secured 58 percent of votes cast on Feb. 17. John McFarland trailed behind, earning 41.6 percent of votes cast, unofficial results show.Rich’s victory marked the end of a long-lasting election cycle for Folly Beach, where Charleston County...
FOLLY BEACH — This island community elected a new face to city council on Feb. 17 — one that looks familiar.
Folly Beach chose D.J. Rich to serve on city council, unofficial election night results show. Rich has previously served on council for a combined 14 years.
Rich secured 58 percent of votes cast on Feb. 17. John McFarland trailed behind, earning 41.6 percent of votes cast, unofficial results show.
Rich’s victory marked the end of a long-lasting election cycle for Folly Beach, where Charleston County’s Board of Voter Registrations and Elections has hosted three elections on the island since last November.
Chris Bizzell was elected as mayor in a runoff election in November which left a vacant spot on council, triggering a special election to fill the seat.
In the days leading up to the election, Rich encouraged Folly Beach voters to turn out to the polls on Tuesday. In a message shared to Facebook on Feb. 16, he wrote that he ran for city council once more to “help our new administration move Folly forward responsibly.”
“I’m not a one trick pony,” Rich wrote. “I have full experience after 14 years on council and 4 as mayor pro-tem helping navigate us through a full range of issues.”
Rich ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Folly Beach last fall. He earned the third-most votes on Nov. 4, trailing behind candidates Elton Culpepper and Bizzell, failing to make the runoff. Bizzell was sworn in as mayor on Nov. 21, 2025.
But this time, Rich found success.
McFarland, a long-time property owner on the island, moved to Folly Beach full-time in 2025. Shortly after, he filed to run for city council, but fell short of winning a seat. The founder of Save Folly’s Future could often be found stumping outside the community’s sole post office on East Indian Avenue.
This Charming South Carolina Town Is a Less-Visited Lowcountry Escape—With Quaint Inns, Scenic Views, and Literary Ties
Lydia Manselhttps://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-beaufort-south-carolina-11916654
Charleston may get most of the attention when it comes to South Carolina’s many cities, but the history, culture, and (of course) Southern charm that make it so special can also be found in smaller and less expensive places in the region. If you’ve ever watched “Forrest Gump” or read anything by the late author Pat Conroy, you may be familiar with Beaufort, a harbor town on Port Royal Island. While its narrow streets, oak trees, and historic district that pre-dates the Civil War are similar to those in Charleston, Bea...
Charleston may get most of the attention when it comes to South Carolina’s many cities, but the history, culture, and (of course) Southern charm that make it so special can also be found in smaller and less expensive places in the region. If you’ve ever watched “Forrest Gump” or read anything by the late author Pat Conroy, you may be familiar with Beaufort, a harbor town on Port Royal Island. While its narrow streets, oak trees, and historic district that pre-dates the Civil War are similar to those in Charleston, Beaufort is remarkable and magical in its own right. Plus, it doesn’t draw the same crowds that tend to flock to notable Holy City hangouts like King Street, Folly Beach, and the Battery.
Before you read any further, though, you need to know how to properly pronounce the name. Not to be confused with Beaufort, North Carolina (said like “bow-fert”), the coastal town has a pronunciation more akin to “bew-fert.” Mistaking the two will immediately identify you as a tourist—and it won’t sit too well with the locals. Once you have that squared away, you can start planning your trip to Beaufort, the second-oldest city in South Carolina.
Best Things to Do
In 1969, Beaufort became one of the few U.S. cities with an entire downtown designated as a historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, so exploring the neighborhoods filled with Victorian, Greek Revival, Neoclassical, and Federal-style homes is at the top of most travelers’ lists. At Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, you’ll spot Woods Memorial Bridge, recognizable from the aforementioned Tom Hanks blockbuster. Stretching your legs is also encouraged along the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10.2-mile greenway that weaves by Beaufort’s marshes and through trees draped in Spanish moss. Given its waterfront location, Beaufort should also be experienced by boat; book a Dolphin & History Boat Cruise with Coastal Expeditions or an ecology tour with Beaufort Kayak Tours. Paddleboarding is another option, with rental equipment available through Higher Ground Outfitters.
Beaufort’s ties to the literary world are strong; visiting the Pat Conroy Literary Center (this was Conroy’s adopted hometown) or one of the three independent bookstores in town—NeverMore Books, McIntosh Book Shoppe, or Beaufort Books—is a must for book lovers. For those interested in local art, there's the Rhett Gallery, Thibault Gallery, or Atelier Off Bay.
Many of the best things to do in Beaufort are found outside downtown. About 17 miles east is Hunting Island State Park, with its pristine beaches, marshes, maritime forest, and saltwater lagoon. It's also home to the Hunting Island Lighthouse, which was destroyed during the Civil War and rebuilt in 1875. St. Helena Island (a 15-minute drive away) is home to the Penn Center—one of the United States’ first schools for formerly enslaved individuals—as well as the family-owned Dempsey Farms, where you can pick in-season fruits and vegetables. Local produce can also be acquired on Saturdays at the nearby Port Royal Farmers Market.
Best Hotels
Enhance your visit to Beaufort with a stay in one of the town’s upscale inns. Slow Southern mornings paired with a home-cooked breakfast can be enjoyed on the expansive wooden porch at The Rhett House Inn. Guests can also book the more modern Rhett House Inn Cottages, which sit across the street from the main building. Once a Union Army hospital, Anchorage 1770 overlooks the Beaufort River and offers a fine dining experience at The Ribaut Social Club. The Beaufort Inn first opened its doors in 1897, and the property’s modern-day chapter features several fully renovated buildings within the town’s historic district.
Where to Eat and Drink
As with most Southern cities and towns, food is a major part of the local culture. If you’re a traveler who plans their vacations around meals, you’ll want to start your day at Blackstone’s Cafe or Herban Market and Cafe. For a quick lunch while exploring Beaufort, stop by Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe to get a fried chicken sandwich or po’boy. Chapman’s Grocer also has grab-and-go treats, wine, and craft beer. Old Bull Tavern is a lively gastropub open only for dinner, Saltus River Grill is great for indulging in seafood, and those craving Italian should dine at Griffin Market. On St. Helena Island, The Gullah Grub Restaurant is one of the area’s most famous eateries (it appeared on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations); order the shrimp gumbo.
Best Time to Visit
When considering the best time to visit South Carolina, there are a few things to keep in mind. Summers here are hot and humid—there’s no getting around that. To explore Beaufort in the most comfortable climate, your best bet is to go in either early spring or late fall. April and October are ideal—you'll find plenty to do (winter is far from bustling) while simultaneously avoiding the sweltering weather that's synonymous with the South.
Getting There
Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) are both about an hour's drive away. You’ll need to rent a car to fully experience Beaufort and its surrounding area. Charleston International Airport (CHS) is also an option, although it’ll take about 90 minutes to drive to Beaufort.
8 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in South Carolina
WorldAtlashttps://www.worldatlas.com/cities/8-perfect-destinations-for-a-long-weekend-in-south-carolina-52665.html
South Carolina delivers some of the South’s best trips, from barrier island beaches and salt marshes to local markets in historic districts. Edisto Island, a quiet and lightly developed sea island, is worth the trip for the 1.7-mile Spanish Mount Trail, which leads to a 4,000-year-old shell midden. Beaufort, with its antebellum character and live oak-lined streets, stands out for Cypress Wetlands, where visitors can spot alligators and river otters. And Newberry is especially memorable for the Wells Japanese Garden, with its moon bridg...
South Carolina delivers some of the South’s best trips, from barrier island beaches and salt marshes to local markets in historic districts. Edisto Island, a quiet and lightly developed sea island, is worth the trip for the 1.7-mile Spanish Mount Trail, which leads to a 4,000-year-old shell midden. Beaufort, with its antebellum character and live oak-lined streets, stands out for Cypress Wetlands, where visitors can spot alligators and river otters. And Newberry is especially memorable for the Wells Japanese Garden, with its moon bridge and Torii gate, as well as the historic Newberry Opera House downtown. There is plenty of history and natural beauty waiting to be discovered across the state, and the eight towns below show just how rewarding a long weekend in South Carolina can be.
Edisto Island
Edisto Island is quiet and largely uninhabited, making it the perfect destination for those wanting to disconnect and unwind. The island's highlight is Edisto Beach State Park, featuring a maritime forest with palmetto trees and rich salt marshes. One of the park's most popular trails, the Spanish Mount Trail, is a 1.7-mile path leading to a 4,000-year-old shell midden that has gradually eroded over time. For those who want to stay immersed in the island’s natural beauty, Edisto Beach State Park also offers rustic cabins tucked among the palmettos and live oaks. The cozy, no-frills cabins sit just steps from the shoreline, allowing visitors to wake up to ocean breezes, spend the day exploring the park’s trails and beaches, and end the evening listening to the sound of waves under a sky full of stars.
Folly Beach
Just a short 25-minute drive from Charleston, Folly Beach is a lovely escape with a population of just over 2,000. Stroll along the historic Folly Pier, built in the 1930s, and take in the breathtaking ocean views. Folly Beach County Park is perfect for those looking to swim, sunbathe, or walk along the shore, with lifeguards present during the summer months.
For a taste of fresh, home-cooked seafood, visit Coconut Joe's, conveniently located just a block from the beach. The town also offers a variety of charming inns and hotels, including the Regatta Inn, which features a waterfront view, a sunset terrace, and complimentary golf cart shuttles for added convenience.
Bluffton
Bluffton offers a waterside escape of its own, centered around the scenic May River rather than the Atlantic. Here, visitors can enjoy numerous recreational activities along the river, including dolphin tours, fishing charters, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The town also highlights local artisans and vendors through markets like the Lowcountry Made Artisan Market, an open-air venue showcasing handmade goods, and the Bluffton Farmer’s Market, where you can find fresh produce, spices, barbecue, and honey. If you're searching for a true Southern-style place to stay, consider May River Manor, which boasts 5.5 acres of lush greenery, a pool, and an outdoor patio for a relaxing getaway.
Beaufort
The town of Beaufort sits on Port Royal Island, surrounded by marshy estuaries and shaded by streets lined with live oak trees. The area is home to over 100 bird species, and the nearby Cypress Wetlands, just a ten-minute drive away, are an excellent spot for exploring the wetland ecosystem. Here, you can see diverse wildlife, including minks, river otters, marsh rabbits, and alligators. Beaufort's downtown area is filled with charming local shops, with highlights such as Beaufort River Glass, Monkey’s Uncle toy shop, and the Oyster Cay Collection antiques store. For a picturesque and historic stay, Anchorage 1770 is a heritage boutique inn on the waterfront.
Aiken
Heading over to the western side of South Carolina, Aiken is renowned for its rich equestrian heritage, while also embodying the best of Southern charm and hospitality. Visitors can tour and meet the horses at Aiken Equine Rescue, the southeastern US’s largest equine rescue center. Those interested in racing can visit the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, which has a large collection of photographs and trophies from some of the country’s best equestrian riders.
The nature around Aiken is priceless as well. The Aiken Arboretum Trail in town, for example, features one of the country’s most diverse tree collections within a municipal landscape. Regarding a unique lodging option in town, The Carriage House Inn, dating back to 1872, is located in Aiken’s historic downtown district and provides a delicious complimentary breakfast and chocolate chip cookies to its guests.
Newberry
Visitors cannot go wrong with a weekend trip away in Newberry. Its downtown historic district is a particular highlight, with landmarks like the Newberry Opera House and the Newberry Museum offering important insights into the town’s history. The Wells Japanese Garden is also on the National Registry of Historic Places, featuring a temple, moon bridge, Torri gate, and tea room.
Wine lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Newberry, with Enoree River Vineyards & Winery offering the perfect spot to spend an afternoon, surrounded by scenic views of the vineyard. For a quaint stay, the historic, family-run Newberry Manor, located just a block away from the Wells Japanese Garden, is a great option.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is a relaxed, two-and-a-half-mile-long island home to a little over 2,000 residents, making for a quiet escape. After a leisurely morning stroll along its 2.5-mile shoreline, visitors can enjoy lunch at one of the town's coastal cuisine spots, like Sullivan’s Fish Camp. The town also has an involved artist presence, with visitors able to appreciate local art at galleries such as Sandpiper Gallery and Adele’s Pottery.
One of the island’s iconic landmarks is Fort Moultrie, the site of a pivotal nine-hour battle with the British during the Revolutionary War in 1776. The Palms Oceanfront Hotel is one of the nearest and most recommended lodging options, including spectacular views of the ocean, a newly renovated pool deck, and stylish, modern rooms.
Pendleton
If you're interested in South Carolina's history and culture, Pendleton is a must. The town boasts more than 50 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, numerous art galleries featuring works from local artists, and a vibrant bluegrass music scene. Notable historic sites include Timms Mill, a gristmill originally built along the Six and Twenty Creek in 1784 and relocated in 1898, as well as St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, established in 1822 and still featuring a Jardine pipe organ that has been playing for over 170 years.
To dive into the bluegrass scene, head to Breazeale’s Grocery Bluegrass on the weekends, where you can enjoy jam sessions and occasionally catch performances by nationally recognized artists. For lodging, Liberty Hall Bed & Breakfast, a beautifully restored home built in 1849, offers a charming accommodation option.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a native-born South Carolinian or hail from another state, each of these towns offers unique and diverse attractions that will appeal to every member of the family. With everything from fresh seafood to art galleries and bird tours, these towns offer a wide variety of experiences that defy simple categorization. So get out your calendar, mark your dates, and start planning your next adventure in one of these amazing towns.
Folly Beach keeps 800 short-term rental permit cap after court upholds policy
Jane Caroline Fuscohttps://wpde.com/newsletter-daily/folly-beach-keeps-800-short-term-rental-permit-cap-after-court-upholds-policy
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — A South Carolina appeals court has upheld Folly Beach’s limit on short-term rental licenses, allowing the city to keep its cap of 800 vacation rental permits.City leaders say the cap was approved by voters in 2023 with the goal of maintaining a balance between tourism and full-time residents on the island.The decision comes after some property owners challenged the policy in court, arguing the cap prevented them from renting their homes short-term. However, the court sided with the city, r...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — A South Carolina appeals court has upheld Folly Beach’s limit on short-term rental licenses, allowing the city to keep its cap of 800 vacation rental permits.
City leaders say the cap was approved by voters in 2023 with the goal of maintaining a balance between tourism and full-time residents on the island.
The decision comes after some property owners challenged the policy in court, arguing the cap prevented them from renting their homes short-term. However, the court sided with the city, ruling the policy regulates business licenses rather than zoning. That distinction was central to the legal challenge.
Mayor Chris Bizzell said the ruling reinforces the city’s approach to managing growth while protecting the community.
“The tourism numbers are basically the same,” Bizzell said. “What I have seen is we have a lot of people moving in that are now long-term residents, as opposed to looking at the community as an investment, which is great to have new families moving onto the island.”
The cap was created amid concerns that a growing number of homes were being used as vacation rentals instead of primary residences. At one point, nearly half of the homes on the island were operating as short-term rentals.
City leaders say the goal was to place guardrails around that growth and preserve Folly Beach’s residential character while still allowing tourism.
Bizzell said from the city’s perspective, the policy has not hurt the overall economy.
“Our hospitality tax numbers and our accommodations taxes are at or above historic levels,” he said.
Still, some local business owners say they are concerned about how limiting vacation rentals could affect spending on the island.
Perry Freeman, president of Perry Hospitality, said visitors staying in short-term rentals often spend several days dining, shopping, and supporting local businesses.
“It’s not necessarily just a cap on the rentals — it’s a cap on tourists,” Freeman said, explaining that visitors staying on the island typically spend money every day during their trip.
Freeman said he believes there are fewer people staying on the island compared to previous years, something he says businesses are starting to feel.
“You see less people out there’s definitely been an impact on our business,” he said.
While the court decision keeps the cap in place for now, the legal fight may not be over.
The property owners who filed the lawsuit say they may ask the court for a rehearing and could ultimately try to take the case to the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, city leaders say they plan to continue reviewing the policy as part of long-term strategic planning to ensure it maintains the balance between tourism and residents that voters supported.
SC Appeals Court rules Folly Beach’s short-term rental cap is not a zoning change
Teri Errico Griffishttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/real_estate/folly-beach-short-term-rental-cap-island-appeal/article_814a3666-7ee8-4117-ae6b-7f64217e140c.html
FOLLY BEACH — Two owners of several island properties lost their court appeal that sought to declare the local short-term rental cap illegal by arguing it was a change in zoning laws that deprived them of renting a new property.Folly East Indian Co., which has five short-term rental licenses for properties along Folly Beach Road, filed suit and sought an injunction in January 2023 to stop enforcement of the cap that limits island short-term rental licenses to 800.The landlord and real estate development company, owned by ...
FOLLY BEACH — Two owners of several island properties lost their court appeal that sought to declare the local short-term rental cap illegal by arguing it was a change in zoning laws that deprived them of renting a new property.
Folly East Indian Co., which has five short-term rental licenses for properties along Folly Beach Road, filed suit and sought an injunction in January 2023 to stop enforcement of the cap that limits island short-term rental licenses to 800.
The landlord and real estate development company, owned by Folly Beach residents Richard D. Brendel and Michael J. Riffert, argued that the new limit changed the zoning of properties by not allowing owners to rent them.
The city has long maintained the referendum, which was written by a citizen and voted into law by 53 percent of island residents in 2023, was a business license change, not a zoning one. The S.C. Supreme Court previously ruled that zoning provisions cannot be enacted by the referendum process.
The lawsuit stemmed from the plaintiffs’ inability to rent one property in particular. Prior to the moratorium the city permitted them to build a house they intended to operate as an income-producing short-term rental. Because of pandemic-related delays, construction took longer than expected and the owners missed their window to get a short-term license before the cap was enacted.
The plaintiffs argued the cap took away their vested rights, which by state law protects a property owner from changes in zoning ordinances for two years and would have grandfathered in their ability to rent the property.
A Charleston County court disagreed. In an April 2024 ruling, Circuit Judge Paul Burch affirmed the referendum is not a zoning ordinance. As such, it does not infringe on property rights because it is a modification of business licenses.
A business license is not a vested right, the judge said.
The following month, Folly East Indian Co. filed an appeal with the S.C. Court of Appeals, which on Feb. 18 sided with the lower court.
The court’s unpublished opinion, which means it has no precedential value, said the ordinance “at issue only amended City’s business regulations to impose a cap on the number of issued short-term rental business licenses” and that it “did not amend City’s zoning ordinance, did not rezone any properties … and did not determine where any specific activities may occur.”
Island wide, rentals are still legal in every district and every residential unit is allowed to become a rental. The referendum solely regulates how many can get a business license to operate as such.
The plaintiffs argued the cap deprives them of the “economically viable use” of their property, “infringes upon its vested rights, and will interfere with Plaintiff’s reasonable, investment-backed expectations.”
Since the referendum was enacted limiting the coveted permits, homeowners who bought properties to rent short-term for income or as a way to pay for a beach home are now unable to do that. There’s no revenue to supplement mortgages, some involving multi-million-dollar purchases with high interest rates. Many have struggled to sell off their homes since.
The 800-unit cap applies exclusively to second homes, not primary residences. At the time of the vote, there were 1,125 rental properties on Folly Beach, which accounted for 43 percent of its housing stock. About 200 entries remain on the waiting list and, as of October, no one has made it off the waitlist.
Bijan Ghom with Saxton & Stump, who represented the plaintiffs, told The Post and Courier the opinion didn’t offer much analysis or directly address “several legal arguments” made on behalf of the plaintiffs.
“Since the Court did not select this matter for oral argument, it is even more difficult to read between the tea leaves, so to speak,” he said. “In any event, my client intends to file a petition for rehearing this week. If that is denied, we plan to petition the Supreme Court for review.”
Ghom noted there is another case at the trial level that also challenges the short-term cap from another legal argument.
“So, all in all, we are still hopeful we will prevail,” he said.
The city had no additional comment.
Mayor Chris Bizzell previously told The Post and Courier fine-tuning the referendum is part of the city’s 2026 strategic plan.
“I think the biggest thing that's happening is a couple of people have asked us to maybe look at the different proposals that were in the initial short-term rental language that was proposed by (previous) Mayor (Tim) Goodwin, and then go back through that, discuss why or why not we adopted some of those provisions,” Bizzell said.
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