The Palmetto State, in plain English

South Carolina's rules, checked and explained

Plain answers for South Carolina: the best of the Palmetto State, plus the money, legal and health rules that shape everyday life here.

Read the newest guide How we check facts
  • Sources cited on every page
  • Updated November 5, 2026
  • No paid rankings

South Carolina by the numbers

$7.25 Minimum wage in 2026: SC has no state law, so the federal rate applies $7,500 Most you can sue for in magistrates court 3 years Time to sue on most debts; any partial payment can restart it $75,000 2026 homestead exemption for owners 65+, disabled or blind ($50,000 + temporary $25,000)

Figures checked October 25, 2026 against state sources. Tap one for the full guide and citations.

Latest guides

Written for people who live here, with the law and the numbers cited.

Living

Moving to South Carolina: License, Registration, the $250 Road Fee, Car Taxes and Voting

New to South Carolina? You have 45 days to switch your driver's license and register your car, and you'll pay a one-time $250 infrastructure maintenance fee plus local vehicle property tax first. Insurance minimums, the 4% home tax rate, and the 30-day voter registration deadline.

Updated November 5, 2026 Legal

South Carolina Eviction Process: The 5-Day Rule, the 10-Day Rule to Vacate, and the 24-Hour Writ

How eviction works in South Carolina: rent is late after 5 days, the magistrate's Rule to Vacate or Show Cause gives 10 days to ask for a hearing, and a writ of ejectment gives 24 hours to leave. Appeals, paying rent to stay, and tenant protections.

Updated November 5, 2026 Money

South Carolina Homestead Exemption: $50,000 Off (Temporarily $75,000) for 65+, Disabled and Blind Owners, Plus the 4% Rate

South Carolina exempts the first $50,000 of a home's value from property tax for owners who are 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind, and a 2026 budget proviso adds $25,000 more. How the 4% legal residence rate works, the July 15 and January 15 deadlines, and how to apply with your county.

Updated November 5, 2026

Best of South Carolina

Coming soon. We publish only after we've checked it ourselves.

Health

Coming soon. We publish only after we've checked it ourselves.

How we work

Every number on BestSouthCarolina links to the law, the agency or the official report it came from. Best-of lists come from our own visits, and no business can pay to be on one.

  • Checked sources. Statutes, state agencies and court rules, linked on the page.
  • Dated. Each guide shows when we last checked it, and we update it when the law or the numbers change.
  • Upfront about money. If a page mentions a company we work with, it says so. See how we make money.