Short Term Rental Galveston, Texas

[Leslie Lawrence]

Hello Everyone! 

I am looking to invest in a STR in Galveston, Texas. I have been reading many of the current forums on here and have been able to answer many of my own question by reading and following along. However, I was not able to find out what type of (if any) licenses' I will need to obtain in order to operate a STR business in Galveston. I read that Texas does not require a General Business License. Do I need to obtain a Short Term Rental License? Obtain any sort of certificates to appease the county and state? Any help and or guidance would be truly appreciated. Thank you!

[Timothy Church]

In Galveston, you are not required to hold a license or certificate. They do require that every STR be registered with the city and that you have a contact person that is available who is within and hour of the property. It is fairly easy to register on the City Park Board website. They like them registered so the can easily keep track of the local hotel tax of 9% (6% to the city & 3% to the conference center). If you have any specific questions in regard to city regulations, the park board is who handles that down here and they are happy to help!