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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Galveston, TX

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

All short-term rental owners must register each unit and obtain a unique Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) number to be displayed in all listings. Owners must provide bedroom counts, sleeping capacity, and the contact information for a 24-hour local representative living within one hour of the property.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register online via the City's registration portal providing property details and 24-hour local contact info. 2) Pay the $250 registration fee to receive a unique GVR number. 3) Renew the registration annually by December 31.

Regulatory Updates — Galveston

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJune 2023

STR Registration Ordinance in Effect

Galveston requires all short-term rental operators to register with the city, obtain a business license, and collect and remit applicable hotel occupancy taxes. Registration requires a designated local contact person and proof of compliance with city noise and occupancy standards.

PassedMay 2024

Party House Nuisance Ordinance Strengthened

Following complaints about noise and nuisance activity at large beach house rentals, Galveston amended its nuisance ordinance to include STR-specific provisions with tiered fines. Three violations within 12 months can trigger license suspension or revocation.

FailedMay 2025

Texas Legislature Rejects STR Preemption Bill

Texas state preemption legislation that would have limited Galveston's and other cities' authority to regulate STRs failed to advance in the legislature, preserving municipal control over vacation rental regulations.

Official Resources

Official Galveston STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Texas Vacation Rental AllianceStatewide

Statewide advocacy group representing Texas STR operators and property managers. Monitors Galveston ordinance changes and lobbies the Texas legislature for state preemption protections.

Galveston Island Tourism & Visitors BureauLocal

Destination marketing organization that tracks tourism and hospitality regulations. Provides resources for vacation rental operators on registration and hotel occupancy tax compliance.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing compliance resources and advocacy for vacation rental managers in Texas Gulf Coast markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Galveston, TX?
All short-term rental owners must register each unit and obtain a unique Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) number to be displayed in all listings. Owners must provide bedroom counts, sleeping capacity, and the contact information for a 24-hour local representative living within one hour of the property.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Galveston?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Galveston. 1) Register online via the City's registration portal providing property details and 24-hour local contact info. 2) Pay the $250 registration fee to receive a unique GVR number. 3) Renew the registration annually by December 31.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Galveston?
1) Register online via the City's registration portal providing property details and 24-hour local contact info. 2) Pay the $250 registration fee to receive a unique GVR number. 3) Renew the registration annually by December 31.
What licenses are needed to operate a vacation rental in Galveston?
Operators need a City of Galveston business license with an STR registration endorsement, which requires a designated 24/7 local contact and compliance with occupancy and noise standards. Operators must also register with the Texas Comptroller for state hotel occupancy tax (6%) and with the city for Galveston's municipal hotel occupancy tax. Galveston Island is also in Galveston County, which may impose additional lodging tax requirements.
What taxes apply to Galveston short-term rental income?
Operators collect Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%), City of Galveston hotel occupancy tax (7%), and Galveston County hotel occupancy tax (2%), for a combined rate of approximately 15% on gross rental receipts. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and most local hotel occupancy taxes on behalf of hosts in Galveston. Operators using direct booking channels must register with all three taxing authorities independently.
Are there areas of Galveston Island where STRs are not permitted?
Galveston's STR restrictions are primarily enforced through nuisance and noise ordinances rather than blanket zoning prohibitions. Most of the island — including beachfront, mid-island, and historic East End neighborhoods — allows vacation rental operation with a valid registration. Operators should review deed restrictions on their specific property, as some neighborhoods and condo associations may impose independent restrictions on short-term rentals that go beyond city requirements.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction