LicensedRental

Texas county rules

Matagorda County, TX vacation rental rules and taxes

Most Matagorda County rentals are on the beach in Sargent and Matagorda, outside any city. Since May 2026 the County Fire Marshal requires a $40 yearly operational permit for short-term rentals. The county doesn’t report a county hotel tax.

Checked against official sources November 8, 2026
County permit
Fire Marshal permit, $40 a year
For stays under 30 days.Source
County hotel tax
None reported

What to do

  1. Then pick your city

    Texas counties can’t zone, so rental permits and the local hotel tax are set by each city. Pick your city, or the unincorporated page if you’re outside city limits.Source

Towns

Full guide

Bay City

Bay City charges its own hotel tax; stays owe 6% state + 7% city hotel tax. We didn’t check the city’s code for short-term rental rules, so ask the city whether you need a permit.

Full guide

Palacios

Palacios charges its own hotel tax; stays owe 6% state + 7% city hotel tax. We didn’t check the city’s code for short-term rental rules, so ask the city whether you need a permit.

Full guide

Unincorporated Matagorda County

Outside city limits, including Sargent and Matagorda, short-term rentals need a $40 yearly operational permit from the County Fire Marshal. Stays owe the 6% state hotel tax; we found no county hotel tax.

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.