Topic
Rules & Licenses
Texas has its share of paperwork — permits, licenses, septic and well rules, burn bans, and the things that trip people up in unincorporated areas. Here is plain-English help with the official stuff and where to confirm it.
Local Notes
Rules & Licenses notes
Anderson County · Weather hazards
Anderson County Gets Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
East Texas sees tornadoes, large hail, and strong straight-line winds each spring. The National Weather Service has tracked tornadoes in Anderson County going back to 1880.
Andrews County · Fire / Burn rules
Outdoor burning in Andrews County requires more than just no burn ban
Even when no burn ban is in place, Andrews County residents outside city limits must follow Texas state outdoor burning rules and check conditions before lighting any fire.
Angelina County · Hunting / Licenses
Public hunting is available on national forest land in and near Angelina County
Hunters can use public land in the Angelina National Forest and at nearby Bannister WMA, but you need a valid Texas hunting license and usually a TPWD Annual Public Hunting Permit.
Angelina County · Wildfire / Burn ban
Wildfire and burn bans are a real seasonal risk in Angelina County
Pine forest, dry spells, and high winds make outdoor burning dangerous in Angelina County. The county can issue a burn ban — check the current status before you burn anything outside.
Aransas County · 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.
Archer County · Hunting / TPWD
Hunting seasons and rules for Archer County
Archer County is in the North Zone for deer and turkey hunting. Hunters need to know the bag limits and antler rules before they go out.
Armstrong County · Emergency / Weather
Wildfire and Severe Storms Are the Main Weather Risks in Armstrong County
Armstrong County has serious risk from fast-moving grass fires and severe storms, including tornadoes. These are common hazards across the Texas Panhandle.
Atascosa County · Agriculture / Law
Texas Right to Farm law protects agricultural operations near new neighbors
Texas law protects farms, ranches, and feedlots from nuisance lawsuits when new residential development moves in nearby — Atascosa County's agricultural character makes this law relevant.
Atascosa County · Wildfire / Emergency
Wildfire risk and burn bans in Atascosa County
Atascosa County is in South Texas brush country where dry conditions can bring a burn ban; check with the county Fire Marshal before lighting any outdoor fire.
Austin County · Septic / Water
Most rural Austin County homes use private septic systems regulated by the state
Outside city limits in Austin County, most homes use a private septic system. Texas calls these on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs). You need a permit before installing or making major repairs to one.
Bailey County · Agriculture / Property tax
Farmland in Bailey County Can Be Taxed on Agricultural Value, Not Market Value
If you farm or ranch land in Bailey County, you may be able to pay taxes on its farming value instead of its full market value. That can mean much lower taxes.
Bastrop County · Short-term rental
City of Bastrop Requires Registration for Short-Term Rentals
Since April 2025, the City of Bastrop requires all Airbnb- and VRBO-style rentals to register with the city and pay hotel occupancy tax.
Bastrop County · Endangered species
The Houston Toad: Bastrop County Is a Core Stronghold
The federally endangered Houston toad lives mainly in Bastrop County's sandy soils and Lost Pines forest. Landowners should know what that means for their land.
Baylor County · Emergency / Weather hazards
Severe weather in Baylor County: tornadoes, hail, and extreme heat
Baylor County is in an active tornado and severe thunderstorm corridor. It has had 29 recorded tornadoes since 1950, including an EF3 near Seymour in April 2025. Large hail and extreme summer heat are also real hazards.
Bell County · Fire / Burn ban
Burn bans and outdoor burning rules in unincorporated Bell County
Bell County Commissioners Court can issue burn bans quickly when conditions are dry or windy. Violations carry a fine up to $500.
Bell County · Hunting
Deer hunting rules in Bell County
Bell County has different deer bag limits and antler restrictions depending on whether your land is east or west of Interstate 35.
Bell County · Agriculture / Law
Texas Right to Farm law protects agricultural operations in Bell County
Texas law limits nuisance lawsuits against farms that have been running for a year or more. This matters in Bell County, where suburbs and farmland sit side by side.
Bexar County · Outdoor burning
Burn bans apply to unincorporated Bexar County during dry weather
Bexar County regularly issues outdoor burn bans for unincorporated areas during dry conditions; violating a burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor.
Bexar County · Hunting / Fishing
Hunting and fishing licenses in Bexar County
Anyone hunting or fishing in Texas outside a state park boundary needs a valid Texas license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Bexar County · Agriculture / Nuisance law
Livestock and farming operations near Bexar County's edge get legal protections from complaints
Texas's right-to-farm law protects long-running agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits—including from new residents who move next door and then object to farm odors, noise, or dust.
Bexar County · Short-term rentals
Short-term rentals inside San Antonio city limits need a permit
If you rent your home short-term inside San Antonio city limits, a permit is required; properties outside city limits in Bexar County do not need a city permit but still must collect hotel occupancy tax.
Bexar County · Agriculture / Land use
Texas right-to-farm law limits nuisance suits against ag operations
Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 251 protects farms and ranches that have run for at least one year from most nuisance lawsuits—even from new neighbors who move in next door.
Bowie County · Hunting / Licenses
Bowie County has an open spring turkey season and specific deer antler rules
Hunters in Bowie County must follow county-specific antler restrictions for white-tailed deer and a turkey season that only applies north of US 82.
Bowie County · Weather / Emergency
Bowie County is in tornado and severe thunderstorm country — the NWS office is in Shreveport
Bowie County sits in an active severe weather zone; tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail are documented hazards, and the National Weather Service office in Shreveport issues forecasts and warnings for the county.
Brazoria County · Livestock / Fencing
Brazoria County Is Closed Range — You Must Fence In Your Livestock
Brazoria County voted in 1938 to become closed range, which means livestock owners are legally responsible for keeping their animals fenced in — not out.
Brazoria County · Fishing license
Fishing in Brazoria County: What License You Need
Anglers in Brazoria County need a Texas fishing license with the right freshwater or saltwater endorsement depending on where they fish.
Brazoria County · Emergency services
In Unincorporated Brazoria County, Emergency Services Are Provided by Local ESDs
Outside city limits in Brazoria County, fire and emergency medical services are typically delivered by Emergency Services Districts funded through a separate property tax.
Brazos County · Wildfire / Burn ban
Burn bans and outdoor burning rules in Brazos County
The Brazos County Commissioners Court can issue burn bans during dry or high-fire-danger periods, and violating a ban can result in a misdemeanor charge.
Brazos County · Hunting / Fishing
Hunting and fishing licenses for Brazos County
Anyone hunting or fishing in public waters in Brazos County needs a current Texas license from TPWD, and Brazos County has specific deer bag and antler restrictions.
Brazos County · Short-term rentals
Short-term rental rules in College Station
College Station requires an annual permit and monthly hotel occupancy tax filing for any home rented for fewer than 30 days at a time.
Brewster County · Ag / Wildlife tax valuation
Ranch land in Brewster County can qualify for ag tax rates through wildlife management
Texas lets landowners keep lower agricultural property tax rates by managing their land for native wildlife instead of traditional farming or ranching.
Briscoe County · Wildfire / Fire safety
Wildfire Risk and Burn Bans in Briscoe County
The Texas Panhandle, including Briscoe County, sees some of the state's highest wildfire risk, especially during dry winters and springs — and the county commissioners court can issue outdoor burn bans that make it illegal to burn on your property.
Brooks County · Emergency / Weather hazards
Heat, Drought, and Wildfire: Brooks County's Main Weather Risks
Brooks County faces real risks from extreme heat, long droughts, and rangeland wildfire. Dry months cure the brush and make fire spread fast.
Brown County · Hunting
Deer and Turkey Hunting Rules in Brown County
Brown County hunters can take up to five deer per season with an antler restriction on bucks, and turkey hunting follows North Zone rules.
Burnet County · Land Use / Water Quality
LCRA rules limit certain land work near the Colorado River in Burnet County
LCRA's Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance covers land-disturbing activity near the Colorado River in Burnet County.
Burnet County · Invasive Species
Zebra mussels are in the Highland Lakes — boaters must follow the law
Zebra mussels have spread into the Highland Lakes, and Texas law requires you to clean, drain, and dry watercraft before leaving any infested water.
Cameron County · OSSF / Septic
Buying Rural Land? Check If the Septic System Is Permitted
Texas requires a permit for any septic system — if a rural property's system was never permitted, the new owner may face costs to bring it into compliance.
Cameron County · Emergency Preparedness
Special-Needs Residents Can Pre-Register for Evacuation Help
People with disabilities or medical needs who cannot evacuate on their own can register with the state ahead of hurricane season for free transportation assistance.
Carson County · Oil & Gas / Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Production Has a Long History in Carson County
Carson County has produced oil and gas since 1921, and buyers of land here should check whether mineral rights are included in any sale.
Cass County · Hunting Regulations
Hunting in Cass County: seasons and bag limits to know
Cass County sits in the North Zone for deer and the East Zone for spring turkey, with doves in the Central Zone and ducks in the North Zone, so seasons and bag limits here differ from other parts of Texas.
Cherokee County · Hunting License
You Need a Texas Hunting License to Hunt in Cherokee County
Anyone hunting deer, game birds, or other wildlife in Cherokee County must hold a valid Texas hunting license and may need additional endorsements.
Clay County · Hunting / TPWD
Deer and turkey hunting rules for Clay County
Clay County falls under North Zone rules for deer and turkey, with specific bag limits and antler restrictions hunters must know before heading out.
Collin County · Emergency Preparedness
Collin County Has a Hazard Mitigation Plan That Covers Natural Disasters
Collin County has an official Hazard Mitigation Action Plan covering tornadoes, floods, fires, and winter weather. Residents can sign up for county emergency alerts.
Collin County · Fishing License
You Need a Texas Fishing License to Fish Lake Lavon or Any Public Water
Texas requires a fishing license for anyone age 17 or older fishing in public waters, including Lake Lavon and its tributaries in Collin County.
Comal County · Wildfire & Burn Rules
Comal County Has Burn Bans That Change With Conditions
Comal County can issue a county-wide burn ban at any time when fire conditions are dangerous.
Comal County · Hunting & Fishing Licenses
You Need a Texas License to Fish or Hunt in Comal County
Anyone 17 or older needs a valid Texas fishing or hunting license to fish or hunt in Comal County.
Cooke County · Right to Farm
Texas law protects farms from nuisance lawsuits — and affects neighbors too
The Texas Right to Farm Act gives agricultural operations a legal defense against nuisance complaints about noise, odors, and dust — something to know before buying land near active farms or feedlots in Cooke County.
Crosby County · Oil & Gas
Oil and Gas Activity Is Regulated from Lubbock
Crosby County falls under Railroad Commission District 8A, based in Lubbock, which oversees all oil and gas operations in the county.
Dallam County · Hunting & Fishing
Hunting Licenses Are Required in Dallam County
Any person hunting or fishing in Dallam County must have a valid Texas license from Texas Parks and Wildlife, with limited exceptions.
Dallas County · Nuisance Code
Dallas County Enforces a Nuisance Code Outside City Limits
If you live in unincorporated Dallas County, a county nuisance code prohibits junk vehicles, high weeds, and unsafe structures.
Dallas County · Courts
Dallas County Has Multiple Courts for Property Disputes
Dallas County has district courts and county courts that handle property, landlord-tenant, and real estate cases.
Dallas County · Short-Term Rental
Irving Also Requires Short-Term Rental Registration
The City of Irving requires annual registration for any short-term rental and charges hotel occupancy tax.
Dallas County · Burn Ban
Outdoor Burning Rules in Dallas County Can Change Fast
Dallas County can issue a burn ban when conditions are dry, and violations carry penalties under Texas law.
Dallas County · Short-Term Rental
Short-Term Rentals in Dallas Must Register with the City
The City of Dallas requires all Airbnb-style rentals to register and collect hotel occupancy tax.
Dallas County · Subdivision / Platting
Splitting Land Outside a City Requires County Approval
If you want to divide land in an unincorporated part of Dallas County, you must follow the county's subdivision regulations.
Denton County · Land Use Rules
A special ordinance controls land use around Ray Roberts Lake
Denton County adopted a Lake Ray Roberts Land Use Ordinance that governs structures and land within 5,000 feet of the reservoir's shoreline.
Denton County · Short-Term Rentals
The City of Denton requires registration for short-term rentals
If you list a home on Airbnb or similar platforms inside Denton city limits, you must register with the city and collect hotel occupancy tax.
Denton County · Fishing License
You need a Texas fishing license to fish most public waters in Denton County
Anglers 17 and older must have a valid Texas fishing license to fish Ray Roberts Lake, Lake Lewisville, and other public waters in Denton County.
Dimmit County · Oil & Gas
Oil and Gas Activity Is Regulated by the Railroad Commission
Dimmit County has active oil and gas production, and the Texas Railroad Commission oversees permits, wells, and operator records.
Ector County · Oil & Gas Regulation
The Railroad Commission Regulates Oil and Gas, Not Railroads
Despite its name, the Texas Railroad Commission is the state agency that permits and oversees oil and gas drilling in Ector County.