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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in South Padre Island, TX

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are defined as residential dwellings rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Owners must provide a 24-hour local contact who can respond in person within one hour, list the number of bedrooms and occupancy limits, and include the registration number in all advertisements. Monthly Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) reports are required even if the unit was not rented.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Complete the online application via the City's STR License portal (Deckard) providing the property Geo-ID, Avenu account number, and Texas Taxpayer ID. 2. Provide contact information for the owner and a 24-hour local contact. 3. Pay the $125 annual license fee. Licenses must be renewed annually and any information changes updated within 30 days.

Regulatory Updates — South Padre Island

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2023

STR Registration and Hotel Occupancy Tax Program Active

South Padre Island requires all short-term rental operators to hold a city business license, designate a 24/7 local contact, and register for city and state hotel occupancy tax collection. Annual renewal is required and the registration number must appear in all online listings.

PassedMarch 2024

Spring Break Noise and Occupancy Enforcement

The city increases code enforcement staffing during spring break (March–April) to address occupancy and noise violations at vacation rental properties. Operators with repeat violations face license suspension. Some condominium complexes on the island impose their own spring break restrictions through HOA rules.

FailedMay 2025

Texas Legislature Rejects STR Preemption Bill

Proposed Texas legislation that would have created a state preemption framework for STR regulations failed to advance, leaving cities including South Padre Island with full municipal authority over vacation rental policy.

Official Resources

Official South Padre Island STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Texas Vacation Rental AllianceStatewide

Statewide advocacy group monitoring Texas coastal city regulations and lobbying the legislature for preemption protections affecting South Padre Island operators.

South Padre Island Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Destination marketing organization that tracks tourism and hospitality regulations including STR requirements. Provides compliance resources for vacation rental operators.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in South Padre Island, TX?
STRs are defined as residential dwellings rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Owners must provide a 24-hour local contact who can respond in person within one hour, list the number of bedrooms and occupancy limits, and include the registration number in all advertisements. Monthly Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) reports are required even if the unit was not rented.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in South Padre Island?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in South Padre Island. 1. Complete the online application via the City's STR License portal (Deckard) providing the property Geo-ID, Avenu account number, and Texas Taxpayer ID. 2. Provide contact information for the owner and a 24-hour local contact. 3. Pay the $125 annual license fee. Licenses must be renewed annually and any information changes updated within 30 days.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in South Padre Island?
1. Complete the online application via the City's STR License portal (Deckard) providing the property Geo-ID, Avenu account number, and Texas Taxpayer ID. 2. Provide contact information for the owner and a 24-hour local contact. 3. Pay the $125 annual license fee. Licenses must be renewed annually and any information changes updated within 30 days.
What permits are needed for a South Padre Island vacation rental?
Operators need a City of South Padre Island business license with STR endorsement, a 24/7 local contact designation, and must register with the Texas Comptroller for state hotel occupancy tax (6%) and the city for municipal hotel occupancy tax. Cameron County may also impose a lodging tax. Properties in condo buildings or HOA communities must also comply with any association rules governing short-term rentals.
What taxes apply to South Padre Island short-term rental income?
Operators collect Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%), City of South Padre Island hotel occupancy tax (7%), and applicable Cameron County hotel occupancy tax. The combined rate is typically 13–15%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and most local taxes on behalf of hosts in South Padre Island. Operators booking directly must register and remit independently with the Texas Comptroller and city.
Does South Padre Island have spring break restrictions on vacation rentals?
South Padre Island does not ban vacation rentals during spring break, but the city significantly increases code enforcement presence during March and April. Noise, occupancy, and parking violations are aggressively cited during this period. Some beachfront condo associations impose their own spring break restrictions — including minimum age requirements for renters and maximum occupancy rules that may be stricter than city code. Operators should review their building's HOA rules before accepting spring break bookings.
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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