BY TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the PRESS
If you rent your place out for short stays here on the Island—or if you’re just planning a few nights away yourself—there’s something you need to know. South Padre has made big changes to its short-term rental rules, and they’re already in effect.
Any property being advertised or rented for fewer than 30 days now must be registered with the City. Whether you’re an owner, manager, host, or guest, these changes apply to you. And yes—Hotel Occupancy Tax has to be collected and sent in not just to the City, but also to Cameron County and the State of Texas. It’s not optional. If you’re not following the rules, you could get fined.
The new rules go beyond registration. Every short-term rental must meet updated standards of conduct. That includes keeping spaces clean—no trash left in public or private areas, period. If you’re in District A or E, sound rules get stricter at night: no loud music or amplified noise outside after 10 p.m. on weekdays or 11 p.m. on weekends. The quiet hours last until 7 a.m. And the City will enforce it.
Noise limits change depending on where the rental is located, and parking overnight in city-owned lots isn’t allowed anymore. Basically, if you’re hosting people or visiting for a weekend getaway, it’s worth checking your zone and understanding what’s allowed—and what’s not.
You can check whether a property is properly registered, get help with registration, or learn how to remit your hotel tax by visiting www.myspi.org or calling the City of South Padre Island at (956) 761-8109. Staff can also assist in determining your zoning district or guiding you through the new ordinance.
Short-term rentals help keep this island vibrant. But they also come with responsibility. So whether you’re handing over the keys or picking them up, make sure you’re doing it the right way.
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