House explores imposing taxes on La Parguera houseboats

House Natural Resources Committee Chairwoman Elinette González Aguayo

By The Star Staff

Legislation that would impose excise fees on houseboats in La Parguera, a seaside section of Lajas, for the use of public land has garnered support from the Tourism Company and the Municipality of Lajas.

Officials from the entities said the funding can be used to preserve the nature reserve.

During the continuation of public hearings held by the House Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Rep. Elinette González Aguayo, the Tourism Company stated that formalizing the houseboats through concessions will allow at least 50% of the revenues to be directed toward improving La Parguera.

“This measure represents a legal and orderly solution that balances economic development with conservation, ultimately enhancing La Parguera’s appeal as a tourist destination for the entire southwest region,” said the agency’s executive director, Willianette Robles Cancel, in an explanatory statement.

Despite ongoing legal controversies regarding the houseboats’ location in the maritime-terrestrial zone, Robles asserted that the floating properties have played a vital role in the economic development of Lajas for decades and “are an integral part of Puerto Rico’s cultural and tourist landscape.” The Tourism Company reports that the municipality generates some $18 million annually from its tourism industry.

Lajas Mayor Jayson Martínez Maldonado expressed his support for keeping the existing structures “under law and order,” emphasizing that the La Parguera area is one of the municipality’s primary sources of income. However, he noted that the houseboats are not endorsed by the municipality and their owners do not pay taxes.

“I am interested in regulating them, as the Municipality of Lajas receives only a small portion of tax revenue, and the residents of that area are Puerto Ricans, not foreigners or others,” the mayor said.

Martínez Maldonado noted that about 10 out of the total 147 structures are being used as short-term rentals, while the remainder are utilized as “summer homes.” Only those registered as guests are subject to tax deductions enforced by accommodation platforms.

In response to questions from González Aguayo, the mayor added that he is aware of owners who voluntarily contribute to the Municipal Revenue Collections Center, better known by its Spanish acronym, CRIM, information he plans to submit to the Natural Resources Committee within five business days.