Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Galveston?

Yes. Galveston requires Short-Term Rental License / Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) registration number, and the fee is $250. Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) are legal in Galveston in every zoning district except R-0 Restricted Residential, but each unit must hold a non-transferable annual city STR license — the Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) registration — costing $250 per unit per year, renewed by December 31, with the GVR number displayed in all advertising. A November 2025 ordinance overhaul (Ord. 25-060) created an STR Licensing Board with a three-strikes revocation rule and requires a 24/7 local contact who can respond to complaints within one hour; hosts also owe 15% in hotel occupancy taxes (6% state + 9% city), which Airbnb and Vrbo collect on platform bookings while owners remain ultimately responsible and must still file reports. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Galveston?

The Short-Term Rental License / Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) registration number fee in Galveston is $250, renewed annual. $250 per rental unit per year (new and renewal), non-refundable with no pro-rata reduction; each unit must be licensed separately. A $500 late fee applies to registrations submitted after December 31 (waived if the property was acquired after the deadline). Online ACH/credit-card payments add convenience fees.

How to get a short-term rental permit in Galveston, TX (2026)

Galveston requires Short-Term Rental License / Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) registration number — the fee is $250, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.

Permit at a glance

Permit required	Yes
Permit name	Short-Term Rental License / Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) registration number
Permit fee	$250
Renewal	Annual

Step by step

1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. STRs are allowed in every zoning district on the island except R-0 (Restricted Residential), a district created specifically to exclude STRs; neighborhoods such as Denver Court and Lafitte's Point (320+ homes) have been rezoned R-0 by petition, with additional rezonings continuing through 2025. STRs established before a zoning change are legal nonconformities that may continue, but the nonconforming status is lost if registration lapses more than 365 consecutive days or use is discontinued for 365 days. RVs, mobile homes, campers, trailers and similar shelters may not be registered as STRs (RVs in permanent RV parks exempt). The ordinance does not override private deed restrictions or HOA covenants that prohibit STRs.
2
Apply for the Short-Term Rental License / Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) registration number
Submit the Short-Term Rental License / Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) registration number application to Galveston and pay the $250 fee. $250 per rental unit per year (new and renewal), non-refundable with no pro-rata reduction; each unit must be licensed separately. A $500 late fee applies to registrations submitted after December 31 (waived if the property was acquired after the deadline). Online ACH/credit-card payments add convenience fees.
3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Galveston. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.

STR rules change without warning.

Get an email the moment Galveston changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.

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Verified July 10, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Galveston before applying.

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