Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Aransas County, TX

Airbnb listings are allowed in Aransas County, TX, but with restrictions. In unincorporated Aransas County, regulations apply specifically to 'Rental Communities' (manufactured homes/RVs) requiring site development plans and infrastructure permits. Within the city of Port Aransas, STRs must have a 24/7 local contact, adhere to occupancy limits (2 adults per bedroom plus 4), and undergo inspections every 24 months. Rockport requires all STRs to register through an online portal. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

In unincorporated Aransas County, regulations apply specifically to 'Rental Communities' (manufactured homes/RVs) requiring site development plans and infrastructure permits. Within the city of Port Aransas, STRs must have a 24/7 local contact, adhere to occupancy limits (2 adults per bedroom plus 4), and undergo inspections every 24 months. Rockport requires all STRs to register through an online portal.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Aransas County. In Port Aransas: 1) Create an account on the city's STR portal, 2) Register properties and pay the non-refundable fee, 3) Schedule an inspection (required every 24 months). In Rockport: Register via the online Deckard portal. In unincorporated Aransas County: Submit a Site Development Plan to the County Engineer for 'Rental Communities'.

In Port Aransas: 1) Create an account on the city's STR portal, 2) Register properties and pay the non-refundable fee, 3) Schedule an inspection (required every 24 months). In Rockport: Register via the online Deckard portal. In unincorporated Aransas County: Submit a Site Development Plan to the County Engineer for 'Rental Communities'.

Vrbo is permitted in Aransas County, TX under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Aransas County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Aransas County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.