Kemah, Texas

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Galveston County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $450Tax: 7%
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/10/2026
$450License Cost
7%Tax Rate

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$450
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT7%

Official Sources

Data confidence: 97%Last updated: June 10, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Kemah, Texas

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Kemah, Texas are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $450). A lodging/occupancy tax of 7% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kemah, Texas?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Kemah, Texas.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Kemah?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $450.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Kemah?

Short-term rentals in Kemah are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 7%.

Where do these Kemah short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Kemah's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Kemah, Galveston County, or Texas authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.