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When deciding whether to become an Airbnb Host, it is important for you to understand the laws in the city of Galveston, Texas. As a platform and marketplace, we do not provide legal advice, but we want to give you some useful links and information that may help you get familiar with the new rules. If you have more questions after reviewing these resources, we recommend visiting the Galveston Park Board of Trustees’ Short-Term Rental website, contacting the Board's office directly at ​​(409) 797-5132, and/or consulting a local lawyer or tax professional.

Short-term rental regulations

Short-term rental regulations apply to dwelling units that are used for overnight lodging accommodations that are provided to guests for no longer than 30 days for compensation.

Hotel Occupancy Tax

The Hotel Occupancy Tax rate for Galveston is 9%, which should be charged on gross revenues which include the nightly rental rate, cleaning fee, pet fee, smoking fee, rental damages, etc. Property owners/operators are responsible for collecting and remitting this local tax to the Galveston Park Board of Trustees.

Registration required: How to register

In order to operate a short-term rental in Galveston and collect and remit the local Hotel Occupancy Tax to the city, you must first register your property with the Galveston Park Board of Trustees. You can create an online account and register your property here.

You will need the following information to register:

• Property ID Number: This number is found on the Galveston Central Appraisal website. Go to galvestoncad.org to look up the property by address or owner’s name. The property number is the 6-digit number at the far left of the search results page.
• Min/Max Occupancy: How many can sleep at the listing at night, and how many can gather there during the day.
• Date Property Became a Rental: Date of the first reservation.
• 3rd Party Account Numbers and/or Marketing Names: Airbnb
• Local Contact: Person available 24/7 who can respond to

Fees and reporting

There is a one-time $50 fee to register.

The Park Board provides an online system for reporting and paying taxes on a monthly or quarterly basis. Logon credentials can be requested by sending an email to hottax@galvestonparkboard.org or by calling (409) 797-5132. Already registered? You can log in here.

Reports are due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period. Properties that do not generate more than $500 per month in taxes or $1,500 per quarter in taxes can report on a quarterly basis. Those due dates are April 20th, July 20th, October 20th and January 20th. A report must be filed on time even if there is no revenue. Failure to do so will result in a $25 fine.

Feel free to reach out to the City or a local legal or tax expert for additional details.

Add your registration number to your listing

Lastly, you’ll want to add your city-issued registration number to your Airbnb listing. In accordance with the City’s regulations, you must display your registration number on all advertisements for your short-term rental, including your listing page.

Other contracts and rules

It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

Contact the Galveston Park Board of Trustees at (409) 797-5132 or (409) 797-5000 for additional help.