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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Surfside Beach, TX

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Property owners must obtain a permit/registration before listing on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. A total of 11% Hotel Occupancy Tax (5% local, 6% state) applies. Registrations expire annually on December 31 and must be renewed; the city utilizes Host Compliance for monitoring.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register through the Surfside STR & HOT online portal. 2) Pay the annual $200 registration fee and submit the required application details. 3) Renew the registration annually by December 31 and file quarterly HOT returns through the same portal.

Official Resources

Official Surfside Beach STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Surfside Beach, TX?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Surfside Beach, TX, but with restrictions. Property owners must obtain a permit/registration before listing on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. A total of 11% Hotel Occupancy Tax (5% local, 6% state) applies. Registrations expire annually on December 31 and must be renewed; the city utilizes Host Compliance for monitoring. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Surfside Beach, TX?
Property owners must obtain a permit/registration before listing on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. A total of 11% Hotel Occupancy Tax (5% local, 6% state) applies. Registrations expire annually on December 31 and must be renewed; the city utilizes Host Compliance for monitoring.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Surfside Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Surfside Beach. 1) Register through the Surfside STR & HOT online portal. 2) Pay the annual $200 registration fee and submit the required application details. 3) Renew the registration annually by December 31 and file quarterly HOT returns through the same portal.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Surfside Beach?
1) Register through the Surfside STR & HOT online portal. 2) Pay the annual $200 registration fee and submit the required application details. 3) Renew the registration annually by December 31 and file quarterly HOT returns through the same portal.
Is Vrbo legal in Surfside Beach, TX?
Vrbo is permitted in Surfside Beach, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Surfside Beach?
Short-term rental hosts in Surfside Beach 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Surfside Beach?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Surfside Beach. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction