Short-Term Rental Rules in Galveston, TX (2026): Permits, Taxes and Limits

Name: Rentology
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2026-10-18

Short-term renting is allowed in Galveston, Texas, and requires a city-issued license before operation. Hosts must register and pay annual fees while ensuring compliance with city regulations for short-term rentals (STRs).

Do you need a permit or license?

Yes, a license from the City of Galveston is required to operate a short-term rental. The license must be renewed annually from January to December and is non-transferable. If ownership changes, the new owner must obtain a new license before operating [2][3][4]. The annual fee is $250 with an additional $500 late fee for late registrations [3][4]. Each unit must have a unique Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) number that must be displayed in all property listings [4]. Failure to renew will result in removal from listing platforms and fines [3][4].

Taxes

Short-term rental owners are responsible for collecting and remitting hotel occupancy taxes. Monthly reports must be submitted, and properties with less than $500 monthly tax or $1,500 quarterly may report quarterly [3]. The Park Board of Trustees initially managed these duties, but the city assumed responsibility as of October 1, 2025 [3].

Limits and restrictions

STRs include residential dwellings rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days [1][2]. The registration number must be included in all advertisements [3]. STRs cannot include RVs, campers, or similar structures, unless in a permanent RV park [2]. Owners must comply with city ordinances, including parking and noise regulations, and provide emergency and contact information to guests. A 24/7 local contact must respond to complaints within one hour [3][4].

Penalties

Violations include failure to pay taxes, register timely, or comply with city ordinances. Each violation is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $500, or up to $2,000 for issues related to health, zoning, or sanitation [1][3]. The STR Licensing (STRL) Board may revoke licenses after three violations within 12 months; first revocations can last up to six months [3].

How to apply

Registrations can be completed online or in person on the City of Galveston’s website. Information required includes property details, owner and local contact information, and payment method [4]. GVR numbers are assigned upon registration and are necessary for listings [4].

At a glance

Topic	What the rules say
License requirement	License needed before operation; renewed annually [2][3][4].
Fees	$250 annual fee; $500 late fee [3][4].
Taxes	Must collect and remit hotel occupancy taxes [3].
Property types	No RVs or campers unless in permanent RV park [2].
Contact requirement	24/7 local contact must respond within an hour [3][4].
Penalties	Fines up to $2,000; potential license revocation after three violations [1][3].

FAQ

Are short-term rentals allowed in specific types of properties?

The published rules do not state this; ask the city.

What happens if the owner sells the property?

The new owner must obtain a new short-term rental license prior to operation [2][3].

How are complaints handled?

Complaints must be addressed by a local contact who must respond within one hour [3][4].

Short-term rental rules elsewhere in TX

Running a rental in Galveston

Permits, taxes and stays are easier to keep straight in one place. Rentology runs short, mid and long-term rentals in one system.

Sources

Last checked: October 18, 2026. This page summarizes rules the government has published. It is not legal advice, and rules change: confirm with the local authority before you list a property.