Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Follett, TX?

• Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Brazoria County, including the Follett area. The provided content does not show any city- or county-level short-term rental ordinance prohibiting STRs or mandating a local STR permit. County parks operate on a reservation basis with occupancy and use restrictions (see “Brazoria County Parks — Cabins & Camping” below), but these do not directly regulate private STRs.

Note: Follett is an unincorporated community in Brazoria County. If city-specific rules exist (none are evidenced in the provided content), they would typically be adopted by the City of Freeport (the nearest municipality). The default framework is Brazoria County zoning and state law.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

1. Confirm land use and zoning

• Brazoria County zoning and development rules apply; no specific STR permitting or license is evidenced in the provided sources.
• Action: Verify with the Brazoria County Development department whether STRs are a permitted use for your parcel (and any accessory structure rules) before listing.

2. Establish a business structure and insurance

• Form a legal entity for the rental (LLC or similar) and obtain adequate property and liability insurance appropriate for transient lodging.

3. Safety and habitability

• Ensure the property meets life-safety standards and local codes (e.g., egress, smoke/CO detectors, electrical, sanitation). As applicable, consider septic/well compliance (see Environmental Health section).

4. Reservation and payment processing

• Set up a reservation system (online platform or direct), house rules, and payment processing. Be aware of county parks’ specific requirements (e.g., deposit rules, seasonal parking fees, occupancy limits) if operating on county park property.

5. Collect state hotel occupancy tax (HOT)

• Texas HOT applies to most short-term rentals (generally defined as stays of 30 days or less).
• Action: Register with the Texas Comptroller to collect and remit HOT.

6. Assess county hotel tax

• Brazoria County references a 6% hotel/motel tax for cabin rentals. If the county levies hotel tax on STRs, register and remit accordingly.
• Action: Confirm applicability with the Brazoria County Tax Office.

7. Post key information

• Provide guests with occupancy limits, check-in/out times, parking rules, quiet hours, and contact information for local emergencies.

8. Prepare for operations

• Standardize cleaning and turnover, noise and trash policies, and 24/7 guest support. Publish accurate photos, occupancy caps, and clear policies to reduce disputes and nuisance complaints.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-level (Texas)

• Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) registration: Required if renting for fewer than 30 days. Register and file returns with the Texas Comptroller (see “Contact” section).

County-level (Brazoria County)

• No short-term rental-specific permit is evidenced in the provided sources. However, standard county approvals may apply to any development or changes to the property:
  • Building Permits: For new structures, additions, or significant changes. Confirm requirements with the Floodplain/Engineering and Fire Marshal as applicable.
    • Source: Brazoria County Floodplain – Building Permits
  • Onsite Sewage Facility (OSSF) and Septic/Well permits: May be required if the property uses septic/well. Obtain permits and approvals from Environmental Health.
    • Source: Environmental Health – Forms & Permit Applications
  • 911 Addressing: Ensure a proper address assignment for emergency response and guest directions.
    • Source: 911 Addressing
  • Outdoor burning/fireworks and fire access: Comply with Fire Marshal rules; confirm any additional fire access or safety requirements for transient lodging.
    • Sources: Fire Marshal – Outdoor Burning and Fireworks
  • Tax registration/remittance: If county hotel tax applies, coordinate with the Tax Office.

Park-specific rules (if your STR is in a county park setting)

• Reservation, deposits, and tax: First-night rental fee, refundable security deposit, and 6% hotel/motel tax required to hold cabin reservations.
• Occupancy: Single-family occupancy; parties and large gatherings not permitted.
• Check-in/out: 2–10 pm (no late check-in), check-out 11 am.
• Fees: 2-night minimum; 3 nights minimum on Memorial Day and Labor Day.
• Cancellation: 72-hour notice required.
• Parking: No parking fee if you have a cabin rented; guests pay $5/day Memorial Day–Labor Day. Certain vehicles (boats, utility trailers, golf carts) not permitted on weekends during peak season.
• Amenities/restrictions: No glass containers ($500 fine), no pets, non-smoking buildings, free Wi‑Fi, refundable clean-up deposit, security gate closes at dusk (code required), ADA-compliant boardwalks at specific cabins.
  • Source: Quintana Beach Cabins

Specific Regulations — Follett/Brazoria County/State

City (Follett)

• No city-specific STR rules are provided. Because Follett is unincorporated, operations generally follow county regulations and Texas law unless a municipal framework applies.

County (Brazoria County)

• No explicit STR ordinance is shown in the provided content. County rules that can affect STRs:
  • Floodplain/Building Permits: Development and construction must comply.
    • Source: Floodplain – Building Permits
  • Fire safety and outdoor burning: Comply with Fire Marshal policies.
    • Source: Fire Marshal – Outdoor Burning
  • Parks: Reservation, occupancy, and use rules apply to county-operated cabins and beaches.
    • Source: Quintana Beach Cabins

State (Texas)

• Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) generally applies to stays of 30 days or less. Registration and periodic filing required with the Texas Comptroller.
• Standard life-safety, building, and health codes apply; ensure septic/well compliance if applicable (County Environmental Health).
• For legal guidance on local restrictions or limits (e.g., if a county/municipal ordinance were to be adopted), consult Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 232. This is optional; confirm necessity with local counsel.
  • Source: Engineering – Local Government Code Chapter 232

Contact Information

• Brazoria County Courthouse
  • 111 E. Locust St., Angleton, TX 77515
  • Phone: 979-849-5711
  • Website: brazoriacountytx.gov

Key departments for STR setup (see detailed links below):

• Development/Engineering/Permits:
  • 911 Addressing – Brazoria County
  • Floodplain – Building Permits
  • Engineering – Development
• Environmental Health:
  • Environmental Health – Forms & Permit Applications (OSSF, food permitting, disaster resources)
• Tax Office:
  • Tax Office – Property Taxes, Motor Vehicle, Hotel/Motel Tax information
• Fire Marshal:
  • Fire Marshal – Outdoor Burning and Fireworks
• Parks:
  • Quintana Beach Cabins and reservation policy
• Reservations:
  • Click Here to Make a Reservation (Quintana Beach)

Links to Source Pages

• Brazoria County Home and Department Directory: www.brazoriacountytx.gov/
• Engineering – Local Government Code Chapter 232: www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/engineering/development/local-government-code-chapter-232
• Environmental Health – Forms & Permit Applications: www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/environmental-health/forms-permit-applications
• 911 Addressing – Brazoria County: www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/engineering/911-addressing
• Floodplain – Building Permits: www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/floodplain/building-permits
• Fire Marshal – Outdoor Burning: www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/fire-marshal/outdoor-burning
• Fire Marshal – Fireworks: www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/fire-marshal/fireworks
• Tax Office – Brazoria County: www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/tax-office
• Quintana Beach Cabins – Brazoria County Parks: www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/parks-department/quintana-beach/cabins
• Quintana Beach Cabin Reservation Policy (Click Here to Make a Reservation): www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/parks-department/quintana-beach/reservation-policy

Note: If your property is within an area governed by a municipal framework or additional overlays (e.g., coastal management or floodplain special requirements), obtain those clearances through the County Engineering and Floodplain departments before listing.