SC Lawmakers Push to Cut Boat Taxes in Half
Keith Lusher 02.26.25
Good news for boat owners in South Carolina. Two new bills making their way through the state legislature (House Bill 3858 and Senate Bill 317)
The proposed laws are receiving strong support from both Republicans and Democrats. If passed, they would not only slash boat taxes in half but also eliminate the paperwork hassle of outboard engine titles.
“We have the highest boat taxes in the country at 10.5%,” says Gettys Brannon from the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance. “This change would finally bring us in line with our neighboring states and make owning a boat more affordable for South Carolina families.”
Trent Smith is a boat owner in SC and recognizes the double taxation employed by the state. “Right now, you get hit twice – first with the sales tax when you buy the boat, then every year with property tax,” he explains. “This change would make a real difference for folks who love being on the water.”
The boating industry is huge in South Carolina, bringing in $6.5 billion and providing jobs for over 27,000 people. With more than 75,000 boats registered just in the Lowcountry, it’s clear South Carolinians love their time on the water. Chris Butler, who owns Butler Marine, thinks the tax cut could boost boat sales by 5-10% and keep more boats registered in the state instead of folks trying to register them elsewhere to avoid our high taxes.
Senator Stephen Goldfinch, who’s helping lead the charge for these changes, believes this is exactly what South Carolina needs to stay competitive with nearby states. The change would kick in starting January 1, 2026, giving boat owners something to look forward to. This tax relief couldn’t come at a better time.
With prices rising on everything from groceries to gas, cutting boat taxes in half (or any taxes for that matter) would help ensure South Carolina Sportsmen can still enjoy the state’s beautiful waterways without being taxed as much.
For those thinking about buying their first boat or upgrading to a bigger one, this change could make those dreams a reality. As Brannon puts it, “It’s already expensive enough to get into boating – this will help ensure the yearly tax bill doesn’t force anyone off the water.”
Lawmakers are still reviewing the bills, but with strong support from both parties, things are looking promising for South Carolina’s boating community.
