COLUMBIA, SC  — South Carolina boat owners who pay some of the highest boat property taxes in the nation could soon see relief. This week, State senators led by Senator Stephen Goldfinch (R-Georgetown) introduced S. 317 in the South Carolina Senate. The bill, which is similar to H. 3858 introduced in the House last week with 40 bipartisan sponsors, will provide a 50% tax cut on watercraft in the state. The bill will have its first committee hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Gressette Building Room 308 on the Statehouse grounds (1101 Pendleton St., Columbia, SC 29201).

All boaters and anglers are encouraged to attend.

“South Carolina is a top destination for boating and fishing, and S. 317 ensures we remain competitive by cutting the tax burden on taxpaying boat owners by 50%. This legislation keeps more boats and jobs right here in our state,” said Sen. Goldfinch. “By aligning our tax structure with neighboring states, we’re supporting our marine businesses, strengthening our economy, and making boat ownership more accessible for South Carolinians. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill across the finish line.”

S.317 and H. 3858 represent a bipartisan effort to make South Carolina a more affordable and attractive destination for boaters. SCBFA urges swift passage of this important legislation.

“When we make it more affordable to own and register boats in South Carolina, we’re opening the door for more boaters to call our state home,” said South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance President & CEO Gettys Brannon. “This isn’t just good for the taxpaying citizens of South Carolina — it’s good for our marine industry, creating jobs and boosting local businesses that serve boaters and anglers.”

317 is currently sponsored by Sens. Goldfinch, Fernandez, Stubbs, Cash, Grooms, Gambrell, Davis, Leber, and Johnson.

The Senate Finance Property Tax Subcommittee will be Sens. Verdin, Gambrell, Martin, Williams, Allen, and Hembree.

To learn more about S. 317 and H. 3858 or to contact your legislators to express your support for these critical bills, visit the South Carolina Statehouse legislator search tool:
Find Your Legislators