Short-term rental rules · Galveston, Texas
Short-term rentals in Galveston, explained properly.
The City of Galveston allows short-term rentals with annual registration. A 2025 ordinance, in force from January 2026, sets a $250 registration fee due by December 31 (with a $500 late fee), requires a local contact who is available 24/7 and can respond within an hour, and requires occupancy, parking and noise rules to be posted for guests. Violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $500 per offense — up to $2,000 for health, sanitation, zoning or fire-safety violations — and three violations in 12 months can lead to revocation. Guests pay 15% hotel occupancy tax (6% state plus 9% city).
Draft. These rules were compiled from the sources listed below — official where available, with fields that rely on secondary sources marked for review — and have not yet been checked line by line. Confirm with the city before making decisions.
At a glance
What you need to know before you buy or list
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Annual registration with the city | The City of Galveston receives hotel occupancy tax payments and short-term rental registrations; registration forms are online[1] |
| $250 a year, $500 late fee | The latest ordinance sets a $250 annual registration fee due by December 31, with a $500 late fee[2]Confirming |
| Local contact within one hour, 24/7 | Operators must designate a local contact who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can respond to complaints within one hour[2]Confirming |
| Occupancy, parking and noise rules posted | Hosts must post information for guests inside the property on occupancy, parking and noise rules[2]Confirming |
| Class C misdemeanor; three strikes in 12 months | Violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $500 per offense, or up to $2,000 for health, sanitation, zoning or fire-safety violations; each day is a separate offense, and three violations within 12 months can lead to a revocation recommendation[2]Confirming |
| 15% hotel occupancy tax | A secondary source cites 6% state and 9% city hotel occupancy tax (15% combined) on gross rental revenue including cleaning and pet fees; unincorporated areas such as Crystal Beach pay only the 6% state rate[3]Confirming |
| Last researched | September 25, 2026 |
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Watch the City of Galveston STR pages (including the map of neighborhoods with STR restrictions) and City Council agendas. Ordinance details come from secondary summaries; confirm the ordinance number, effective date and any occupancy formula in the city code.
Sources
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This page is general information compiled from public sources, not legal or tax advice. HOA rules, deed restrictions and zoning for a specific property can be stricter. Confirm with the local permitting office and a qualified professional before buying or listing a property.