Galveston Short-Term Rental Regulations

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Short-term rental registration

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Certain neighborhoods have short-term rental restrictions.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 15% of gross rental income.

Collection: Self-remit — hotel owners, operators or managers must collect the tax from guests and remit it

Filing: Monthly or quarterly (if qualified), due the 20th day of the month following the reporting period; filed via Webfile or Form 12-100

Rental Limits

Galveston does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Zoning & Restrictions

Certain neighborhoods have short-term rental restrictions

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Galveston does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with STR registration or HOT payment is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 per offense, with each day a separate offense; failure to display the GVR number or to register/renew results in listing removal; delinquent hotel occupancy tax accrues interest at 10% per annum plus a 15% penalty if delinquent for at least one municipal fiscal quarter, and a tax lien may attach to the property.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Galveston:

1. Apply for Short-term rental registration. Submit application + $250 fee.
2. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
3. Collect and remit taxes. 15% on all bookings.
4. Renew annually. $250 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Galveston?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Galveston requires a Short-term rental registration.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Galveston?

A Short-term rental registration in Galveston costs $250 per year.

Does Galveston require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Galveston allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Galveston?

Galveston does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Galveston?

Short-term rental stays in Galveston are subject to a combined 15% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax + 9% City of Galveston Hotel Occupancy Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Galveston?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $500 per offense.