Port Bolivar, Texas Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Port Bolivar?

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Port Bolivar. Port Bolivar is an unincorporated community within Galveston County and is subject to Galveston City regulations (as the primary local framework for STRs on the county’s coastal areas). The City of Galveston maintains a formal short-term rental program, including registration, advertising requirements, tax remittance, and a 24/7 complaint hotline. State-level requirements (Hotel Occupancy Tax) also apply in Texas.

Bottom line: To operate legally, you must register with the City of Galveston (if hosting guests in Port Bolivar), follow the city’s rules, and comply with state tax laws.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Port Bolivar?

Port Bolivar hosts earn a median $37,177/year with $353 ADR and 44% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $61,773+ per year.

See the full Port Bolivar market breakdown →

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Port Bolivar

Choose a compliant property: ensure zoning and HOA rules allow STRs.
Register with the City of Galveston STR program and obtain your Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) number.
Set up tax compliance: collect and remit the 6% state Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and 9% city HOT, or confirm the platform is remitting state HOT on your behalf.
Prepare the property: install safety equipment (smoke alarms, etc.) and set a maximum occupancy that complies with local limits.
Establish a local contact available 24/7 to respond to issues within one hour.
Create listings with your GVR number on all platforms and marketing channels.
Enroll guests and operate: implement check-in/out processes, housekeeping, and guest communications.
Monitor compliance and renew your registration annually by December 31.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City registration (GVR number) through the Galveston STR program
$250 registration fee (new and annual renewal)
Annual renewal deadline: December 31
Display of GVR number in all advertisements (platforms, websites, private listings)
Maximum occupancy limit: 10 adults per STR (typical city guidance)
Local contact person available 24/7 with one-hour response capability
Taxes: collect and remit 6% state HOT and 9% city HOT (or rely on platform remittance for state HOT)
HOA compliance (if applicable)
Maintain a “Good Neighbor” approach per City’s brochure

Specific Regulations (City of Galveston for Port Bolivar; State of Texas)

City of Galveston STR Program

Registration required; obtain a Galveston Vacation Rental (GVR) number
Registration fee: $250 (new and renewals)
Annual renewal: by December 31
Advertising: GVR number must be shown on all ads and listings
Occupancy: up to 10 adults per unit (standard city limit)
Local contact: 24/7 availability; respond to issues within one hour
Taxes:
- 6% Texas state HOT
- 9% Galveston city HOT
- If a platform collects and remits state HOT, you may not need to register or file state returns
Enforcement:
- Violations can be Class C misdemeanors (up to $500 per offense)
- Delinquent properties face legal action and late penalties
Complaint and reporting:
- 24/7 STR hotline for noise, trash, and code violations
- Online reporting and payment portal available
Neighborhood restrictions:
- Certain areas may have additional limits (City provides a map layer for neighborhoods with STR restrictions)
HOA rules:
- Properties within HOAs must also follow HOA rules and restrictions

State of Texas

Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) of 6% applies to short-term rentals
If a hosting platform collects and remits state HOT, hosts may not need to register or file state returns for that tax
Taxes are generally remitted monthly or quarterly

Contacts (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

City of Galveston – Short-Term Rental Program

Email: str@galvestontx.gov
Phone: 409-797-5195 (Dawn Robinson; Corrine Lawrence)
STR Hotline (24/7 concerns/complaints): 409-247-8160
City Address:
- City of Galveston, P.O. Box 779, 823 Rosenberg, Galveston, TX 77553
- Phone: 409-797-3500

Online Resources (City of Galveston)

Short-Term Rental Registration & Renewals
Online Reporting & Payment
Complaint Procedures
Ordinances, Authorization & Penalties
Good Neighbor Brochure
Registered STR Search Portal
STR Data
Neighborhoods with STR Restrictions Map

Note: Port Bolivar is unincorporated and the City of Galveston’s STR framework applies to STRs in this area.

Links to Source Pages

Short-term rental owner resources (City of Galveston): www.galvestontx.gov/1182/Short-term-rental-owner
Neighborhoods with STR restrictions map (City of Galveston): galveston.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e787b26eb1044c6a8ea1a07525295981
Good Neighbor Brochure (City of Galveston): galvestontx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/21168/Good-Neighbor-Brochure-2026

If you are targeting Port Bolivar investors or operators, treat this as a “low-regulation” market compared to many other Texas coastal cities. That flexibility, combined with strong seasonal demand, typically supports attractive revenue potential. Ensure you maintain the city registration, advertising and occupancy rules, and tax compliance.

Next step

Found a property in Port Bolivar?

Paste any address and get estimated revenue, cash-on-cash return, and comparable STR performance in under 5 minutes. 3 free analyses per day.

Ask the AI Advisor about Port Bolivar →

Port Bolivar is a small, scenic community located on the Bolivar Peninsula along the Texas Gulf Coast. It has a population of approximately 2,417 residents. Situated about 90 miles southeast of Houston, Port Bolivar provides both a serene coastal getaway and proximity to metropolitan amenities.

The area is known for its picturesque beaches and rich maritime history. Notable landmarks include the historic Bolivar Point Lighthouse, which dates back to 1872 and was instrumental in guiding ships through the treacherous waters of Galveston Bay. The lighthouse is a significant attraction and offers a glimpse into the region's past. More information about this landmark can be found at the Bolivar Peninsula Lighthouse Foundation.

Port Bolivar is also adjacent to the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, an important site for birdwatching enthusiasts due to its diverse bird species. Managed by the Houston Audubon Society, more details can be gleaned from their official site.

The Galveston-Bolivar Ferry connects Port Bolivar to the city of Galveston, offering both a utilitarian transport route and a scenic ride across the bay. This ferry service is crucial for residents and visitors, facilitating easy access to the larger city of Galveston, which is about a 20-30 minute ferry ride away and offers additional attractions, dining, and shopping opportunities.

Given its location, historical significance, and natural attractions, Port Bolivar serves as an appealing destination for short-term rentals, catering to tourists seeking a tranquil beachside experience with convenient access to larger nearby cities.