Port Aransas Short-Term Rental Regulations

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

Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental (STR) registration and permit

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Submit registration to the Administrator with owner/operator info, designated 24/7 local contact, property details, and sleeping room/occupancy count; property is inspected at registration and at each renewal

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 13% of gross rental income.

Collection: Self-remit — hotel/operator collects the tax from the occupant at time of payment and remits it to the city

Filing: Monthly, due on or before the 20th day of the month following each reporting period

Rental Limits

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

Occupancy & Density Limits

2 persons per sleeping room plus 4 additional per dwelling; for residences over 3,250 sq ft of conditioned living space, 2 persons per sleeping room plus 6 additional

Zoning & Restrictions

Check with local government

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Port Aransas 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.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Minimum one Class 2A:10B:C (5 lb.) fire extinguisher required on every floor with an enclosed space
• All building and fire-related construction must conform to the city's adopted building code
• Exterior sign (min. 8" x 18") required near the primary entrance displaying the registration number, maximum occupancy, and 24/7 contact information

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 per offense; each day a violation continues is a separate offense

Compliance Checklist

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

1. Meet safety requirements. Minimum one Class 2A:10B:C (5 lb.) fire extinguisher required on every floor with an enclosed space. All building and fire-related construction must conform to the city's adopted building code. Exterior sign (min. 8" x 18") required near the primary entrance displaying the registration number, maximum occupancy, and 24/7 contact information.
2. Apply for Short-Term Rental (STR) registration and permit. Submit application. Contact city for fee details.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Port Aransas Finance Department (local); Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (state).
4. Collect and remit taxes. 13% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Port Aransas?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Port Aransas requires a Short-Term Rental (STR) registration and permit.

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

No. Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas?

Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas?

Short-term rental stays in Port Aransas are subject to a combined 13% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax + 7% City of Port Aransas Hotel, Motel Occupancy Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

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

Violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 per offense; each day a violation continues is a separate offense.