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Galveston short-term rental rules (2026)

Texas · United States
Restricted
These rules apply inside Galveston city limits only. Properties outside them follow county or neighboring-town rules.
Rules last checked  ·  Region: US

Market overview

RESTRICTEDStays under 30 nights

Allowed, with material limits.

Every Galveston short-term rental unit needs an annual City license and GVR number ($250, due by December 31), shown in every listing.

Why do places restrict rentals?

Property eligibility: Not assessed A market overview can't tell whether a specific home qualifies (zoning, permits, HOA).

License
Required
Primary residence
Not required
Tax on stays
15%
total, on our records
Night cap
None
Fines
Up to $500

Work for Galveston? Claim this page to confirm or correct the rules.

ALLOWEDStays of 30+ nights

Longer stays (30+ days)

Stays of 30 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals.

Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

Not legal advice. The legal framework, notes and sources are in the full report.

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The full Galveston rules

17 rules on record for Galveston, 11 of them from government sources. Every rule traced to its official source. How we research

Free account includes full rules for one place, with change alerts. Full report $39 · See a sample. For a lender or insurer: rules summary for one address, $29, free with the report. Already have an account? Sign in.

Source: galvestontx.gov (official), checked 5 Nov 2026. Official links, citations and how to apply come with a paid plan.

Quick answers

Is Airbnb legal in Galveston?

Yes, with material limits. Every Galveston short-term rental unit needs an annual City license and GVR number ($250, due by December 31), shown in every listing.

Do you need a permit for a short-term rental in Galveston?

Yes, a license or registration is required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Galveston?

15% in total on stays, on our records.

Is there a limit on rental nights in Galveston?

No night cap is on record.

What are the penalties in Galveston?

Fines of up to $500 are on record.

Can I rent for longer stays in Galveston?

Stays of 30 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals. Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

When were the Galveston rules last checked?

We last checked the short-term rental rules for Galveston on 5 Nov 2026.

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