Short-term rentals
Short-Term Rental Registration in Rockport and Port Aransas
Rockport and Port Aransas both require short-term rental owners to register with the city and collect local taxes. This applies even if you list on a third-party platform.
In Rockport, Ordinance 1928 says all short-term rentals must register before they open. The city has an online portal to sign up. Call Rockport's Building Department at (361) 790-1125 to ask about fees, zoning, and any new changes.
Port Aransas is on Mustang Island. It is at the south end of Aransas County. It runs its own rental rules under Ordinance No. 2022-02. You need a city permit to rent short-term there. Call 361-749-4111 or check the City of Port Aransas Development Services page for current rules on permit steps and local contact duties.
Land outside both cities is unincorporated Aransas County. The rules there are different. If your home is outside Rockport or Port Aransas, call Aransas County directly. Ask about what you need to register and what taxes to collect. Short-term rental rules change often. Always check with the right office before you list.
Source to confirm: City of Rockport — Short-Term Rentals