Attention Short-Term Rental Owners - Updated Jan 24, 2024

Jamaica Beach recently updated the Short-Term Rental Ordinance on October 26, 2023, and December 14, 2023.

Please refer to the Short-Term Rental Owners section on the City of Jamaica Beach Official Website for all the details.

REMINDER Beginning February 9, 2024, all Short Term Rentals Owners/Operators:

Must post the City-issued Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate inside the Short Term Rental property in a location visible to all guests.
Any advertisement, in any form, must list the Registration Number and Maximum Occupancy assigned by the City of Jamaica Beach and listed on the Short Term Rental Registration Certificate for the property.
Instructions on how to add Registration Number and Maximum Occupancy to VRBO and AirBNB Listings

Summary of Ordinances for Short-Term Rental

Each short-term rental must register with the City.
It is unlawful to operate a short-term rental without a valid Registration Number issued by the City.
Registration expires upon change of ownership.
Effective October 26, 2023, the registration process has changed:
- Navigate to Register A Short-Term Rental to complete the registration.
- Print the Application Form and follow the instructions.
- Effective October 26, 2023, Ordinance 2023-11 requires a $250 non-refundable Application Fee and updated Application Form to be completed by Owner.
- The owner must sign and initial the application form (digital signatures accepted).
- Mail, Email (bclement@jamaicabeachtx.gov), or drop off completed Application Form at City Hall with $250 non-refundable Application Fee.
- The City will review the Application Form.
- Once approved, a $250 Annual Operation Fee must be paid by the Owner.
- Once the $250 Annual Operation Fee is paid, the City will issue a Registration Certificate, including the Registration Number to the Owner.
- The city will assign the Maximum Occupancy for the Short-Term Rental property based on Ordinance 2023-16 that passed City Council on December 14, 2023. The calculation for Maximum Occupancy is whichever is less, Either:

A) Two persons per Galveston County Appraisal District qualified bedroom(s) plus four additional persons OR

B) Galveston County Appraisal District Living Area Square Footage divided by 150 square feet rounded up.

All short-term rental advertisements or listings shall include a valid registration number and maximum occupancy assigned by the City.
Must provide short-term rental guests with specific information in written format.
- As part of Ordinance 2023-11, this information will be included in the Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate provided to the Owner by the City of Jamaica Beach.
- The Registration Certificate must be displayed in a location visible to all guests.
- The Registration Certificate also contains a QR code that will guide guests to the City of Jamaica Beach website for VISITORS.
Violation of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance is a Class C Misdemeanor offense, and upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred ($500) per offense. Each day shall constitute a separate offense.

Information for Existing Registered City of Jamaica Beach Short-Term Rentals

Submit the new Short-Term Rental Registration Application Form by January 12, 2024.
The City will issue the required Short-term Rental Registration Certificate once the new Short-Term Rental Application Form has been submitted and approved.
Beginning February 9, 2024, all Short-Term Rentals:
- Must post the City-issued Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate inside the Short-Term Rental Property in a location visible to all guests.
- Must list the Registration Number and Maximum Occupancy in any advertisement or listings.
The $250 non-refundable Application Fee is not required for existing owners with a valid registration number.
Beginning in January 2025, previously registered Short-Term Rental owners are required to pay the Annual Operation fee of $250.

Summary of Hotel Occupancy Tax for Short-Term Rentals

Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) of 9% is due to the City of Jamaica Beach quarterly on the 15th of the month following the quarter end (April, July, October and January).
The City Administrator shall have the power to effectively collect the tax levied hereby and shall upon notice of 15 days have access to books and records necessary to enable him to determine the correctness of any report filed as required by this ordinance, and the amount of taxes due under the provisions of this article.
The City is hereby authorized to take legal action and bring suit against any person required to collect the tax imposed hereby and pay the collection over to the City and who has failed to file a report, or filed a false report, or failed to pay the tax when due.
Violation of this Ordinance is a Class C Misdemeanor offense, and upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred ($500) per offense. Each day shall constitute a separate offense.

Important Links:

Short-Term Rental Overview for Owners

Government