Short-term rentals have been required to register their properties since 2015 with the passing of Ordinance 15-012. In March 2025, City Council moved the responsibility of short-term rental registration and HOT collection to the City of Galveston, effective October 1, 2025.
Short-term rental property owners and/or property management companies are also required to display the GVR number on any and all advertisements, according to Ordinance 21-021. This includes all booking platforms, management company websites and any private listings (i.e. Facebook, Instagram.) It is the owner's responsibility to make sure that their individual property(s) are in compliance. Failure to do so will result in the listing being removed.
Failure to comply with the STR registration or HOT payment requirements as outlined in Ordinance 15-012 is a Class C misdemeanor offense and is punishable upon conviction by a fine not to exceed $500 per offense. Each day shall constitute a separate offense. Delinquent, non-registered, non-complying properties are subject to legal action.
Short-term Rental Ordinance Approved by City Council November 2025
Summary of Ordinance