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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Port Aransas, TX

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are defined as rentals under 30 consecutive days. Operators must designate a 24/7 local contact reachable within one hour, and maximum occupancy is generally limited to two adults per sleeping room plus four additional persons. All advertisements must include the unique permit number, and a placard must be displayed at the primary entrance.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Create an account on the City STR registration portal and complete the registration form with operator, local contact, and property details. 2) Pay the non-refundable registration fee (currently $50 for two years) to receive a unique permit number. 3) Schedule and pass a life/safety inspection, which is required every 24 months.

Regulatory Updates — Port Aransas

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2023

Vacation Rental Permit Program Active

Port Aransas requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a city vacation rental permit, designate a local contact, and register for city and state hotel occupancy tax collection. Annual renewal is required. The permit number must appear in all online listings.

PassedJune 2023

Post-Hurricane Harvey Recovery Impact on STR Market

Hurricane Harvey (2017) caused widespread property damage in Port Aransas. Rebuilding and STR market recovery has been substantial, with city inspections now verifying that all permitted vacation rentals meet current storm-resilient construction standards before permits are issued or renewed.

PassedJuly 2024

Hotel Occupancy Tax Compliance Campaign

Port Aransas increased outreach and enforcement to ensure all vacation rental operators — particularly those using direct booking channels — are registered with the city and Texas Comptroller for hotel occupancy tax collection.

Official Resources

Official Port Aransas STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Texas Vacation Rental AllianceStatewide

Statewide advocacy group monitoring Texas coastal market regulations and lobbying the legislature for preemption protections. Tracks Port Aransas and other Gulf Coast city ordinance developments.

Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce & Tourism BureauLocal

Represents the local tourism and hospitality industry including vacation rental operators. Provides compliance resources on permit and hotel occupancy tax requirements.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association with member companies managing vacation rental portfolios in Texas Gulf Coast beach markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Port Aransas, TX?
STRs are defined as rentals under 30 consecutive days. Operators must designate a 24/7 local contact reachable within one hour, and maximum occupancy is generally limited to two adults per sleeping room plus four additional persons. All advertisements must include the unique permit number, and a placard must be displayed at the primary entrance.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Port Aransas?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Port Aransas. 1) Create an account on the City STR registration portal and complete the registration form with operator, local contact, and property details. 2) Pay the non-refundable registration fee (currently $50 for two years) to receive a unique permit number. 3) Schedule and pass a life/safety inspection, which is required every 24 months.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Port Aransas?
1) Create an account on the City STR registration portal and complete the registration form with operator, local contact, and property details. 2) Pay the non-refundable registration fee (currently $50 for two years) to receive a unique permit number. 3) Schedule and pass a life/safety inspection, which is required every 24 months.
What permits are needed to operate a vacation rental in Port Aransas?
Operators need a City of Port Aransas vacation rental permit (annual renewal with 24/7 local contact designation) and must register with the Texas Comptroller for state hotel occupancy tax (6%) and the city for Port Aransas municipal hotel occupancy tax. Properties must meet current building code standards — which for Port Aransas means compliance with post-Hurricane Harvey construction requirements for coastal storm resilience.
What taxes apply to Port Aransas vacation rental income?
Operators collect Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%), City of Port Aransas hotel occupancy tax (7%), and any applicable Nueces County or San Patricio County hotel occupancy tax. The combined rate on rental receipts is typically 13–15%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and city hotel occupancy taxes on behalf of hosts in most cases. Operators using direct booking channels must register and remit independently.
How did Hurricane Harvey affect Port Aransas vacation rentals?
Hurricane Harvey (August 2017) was catastrophic for Port Aransas, destroying or severely damaging a large percentage of the island's housing stock including many vacation rental properties. The rebuild took several years and substantially updated much of the island's housing inventory. Most of the rebuilt vacation rentals now meet higher storm-resilient construction standards required by the city for permit issuance. The market has recovered strongly and Port Aransas remains one of Texas's most popular beach vacation destinations.
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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