Short-Term Rental Laws in Galveston, Texas

Galveston is among the most STR-friendly major Texas markets — the island's economy is overwhelmingly tourism-driven and the ordinance reflects that posture. STR is permitted by right in nearly all residential and commercial zones subject to a city STR permit + Galveston Park Board HOT registration + state HOT registration. Beachfront condominium towers, historic East End rentals, and West End beach houses all operate as STR by default. HOA covenants (especially in master-planned beach communities) can restrict — confirm at the HOA level separately.

Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.

Galveston requires an STR permit (annual renewal) + designated local responsible-party contact within Galveston County + life-safety self-certification + parking plan. The Galveston Park Board collects the 2% Park Board HOT separately from the city's 7% — register with both. Code Enforcement focuses on noise + occupancy + trash complaints rather than zoning eligibility. Operating without a permit: $500+ per violation + back-tax assessment.

Combined short-term lodging tax in Galveston is approximately 15.000% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).

Texas State HOT 6% + Galveston Park Board HOT 2% + Galveston city HOT 7% — combined ~15.0% on transient lodging

Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.