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Rules & Licenses
Local Notes
Rules & Licenses notes
Lubbock County · Public Hunting
An Annual Permit Opens Up Public Hunting Land
Texas Parks and Wildlife sells an Annual Public Hunting Permit that gives access to over a million acres of public and leased land across the state.
Lubbock County · CWD / Deer Disease
CWD Has Been Found in Deer Here — Check Before You Move a Carcass
Chronic Wasting Disease was confirmed in a free-ranging mule deer in Lubbock County, which means there are rules about transporting deer carcasses out of the area.
Lubbock County · Right to Farm
Farming Operations Have Legal Protections Near Your Property
Texas law limits nuisance lawsuits against established farming operations. This matters if you buy rural land or a home near active agriculture in Lubbock County.
Marion County · Public Hunting
Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area allows public hunting with a permit
The Caddo Lake WMA covers about 8,124 acres in Marion and Harrison counties and is open to hunters who obtain the required permit from TPWD.
Matagorda County · Oil and Gas
Oil and gas activity here is regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission
Matagorda County has a long history of oil and gas production, and the Texas Railroad Commission regulates all wells and operators in the county.
McLennan County · Oil and Gas Regulation
McLennan County Has Oil and Gas Activity Under RRC District 5
The Railroad Commission of Texas regulates oil and gas drilling in McLennan County under District 5, headquartered in Henderson.
McLennan County · Short-Term Rentals
Short-Term Rental Rules Apply Inside Waco City Limits
The City of Waco regulates short-term rentals such as Airbnb-style properties within city limits; no county-level STR rules apply in unincorporated areas.
McLennan County · City vs. County
Where You Live in the County Changes What Rules Apply
McLennan County has several incorporated cities, each with its own ordinances, plus unincorporated areas where fewer local rules apply.
McMullen County · Hunting Regulations
Hunting Rules and Bag Limits for McMullen County
McMullen County sits in a prime South Texas hunting zone with specific deer and turkey bag limits set by TPWD.
Midland County · Burn Ban
Midland County can ban outdoor burning when fire danger is high
The Midland County Commissioners Court can restrict outdoor burning in unincorporated areas when drought or wind conditions raise the fire risk.
Midland County · Water Well Rules
Private water wells in Texas may need to be registered with a groundwater district
If a groundwater conservation district covers your land in Midland County, you may need a permit before drilling a new water well.
Midland County · Hunting Licenses
Texas hunting licenses require the right endorsements for different game in Midland County
Beyond a basic hunting license, Midland County hunters often need additional endorsements depending on what they plan to hunt.
Midland County · Right to Farm
Texas protects existing farm and ranch operations from nuisance lawsuits
If you move near an existing farm or ranch in Midland County, Texas law limits your ability to sue that operation as a nuisance.
Montgomery County · Emergency Preparedness
Have a Hurricane Evacuation Plan Before Storm Season
Montgomery County sits in the Houston hurricane zone, and residents should know their evacuation route before a storm threatens.
Montgomery County · Land Use
Much of Montgomery County Is Unincorporated
Large parts of Montgomery County have no city zoning, which affects what you can and cannot build on your land.
Montgomery County · Hunting Licenses
You Need a Public Hunting Permit for National Forest Hunting
Hunters using the Sam Houston National Forest WMA in Montgomery County need a Texas hunting license plus a separate public hunting permit.
Nacogdoches County · Hunting Rules
Deer Hunting Bag Limits for Nacogdoches County
Nacogdoches County allows up to 4 deer per season, but no more than 2 bucks — check the TPWD Outdoor Annual for current season dates and any changes.
Nolan County · Weather & Hazards
Wind energy and wildfire risk both shape life in Nolan County
Nolan County is home to several large wind farms, and dry, windy conditions also create real wildfire risk.
Nueces County · Mineral Rights
Nueces County has active oil and gas production — mineral rights matter here
Oil and gas have been produced in Nueces County since 1922, and mineral rights on any property you buy may be owned by someone else.
Nueces County · Water Authority
The South Texas Water Authority is a special taxing district in Nueces County
The South Texas Water Authority is one of several special districts in Nueces County that can add a line item to your property tax bill.
Palo Pinto County · Hunting Regulations
Deer Hunting in Palo Pinto County Has Antler Restrictions
Palo Pinto County has specific antler rules for white-tailed deer hunting — not just a statewide bag limit.
Palo Pinto County · Fire Safety
Wildfire Risk Is Real in Palo Pinto County — Check Burn Bans Before You Light Anything
Palo Pinto County has high wildfire risk and often puts burn bans in place — check before you burn anything outside.
Parker County · Zoning & Land Use
Much of Parker County is unincorporated with few local rules
Texas counties cannot zone unincorporated land, so much of Parker County outside city limits has no local zoning or deed restrictions enforced by the county.
Parker County · Wildlife Law
Parker County has a dedicated TPWD game warden
TPWD assigns game wardens to specific counties; the Parker County warden enforces hunting, fishing, and boating laws.
Parker County · Oil & Gas
Parker County has natural gas production managed by the Railroad Commission
Parker County produces natural gas, and the Texas Railroad Commission regulates drilling, wells, and mineral rights activity in the county.
Parmer County · Hunting & Fishing
You Need a State License to Hunt or Fish in Parmer County
Texas requires a hunting or fishing license for most outdoor take in Parmer County, and you can buy one online before you go.
Potter County · Weather Safety
Tornadoes Are a Real Risk in the Panhandle
Potter County lies in an area where tornadoes occur, and knowing what to do before a warning saves lives.
Potter County · Weather Safety
Wildfire Is a Serious Hazard in the Panhandle
Potter County's dry grasslands and strong winds create dangerous wildfire conditions, especially during drought periods.
Potter County · Fishing
You Need a Texas Fishing License to Fish in Potter County
Anyone fishing in Potter County waters, including Lake Meredith, must have a valid Texas fishing license unless exempt by age.
Presidio County · Hunting
Hunting in Presidio County: Key Rules
Presidio County falls in the Trans-Pecos region for mule deer and has special permit-only pronghorn hunts.
Randall County · Jurisdiction
City Limits vs. Unincorporated Land in Randall County
Most of Randall County is unincorporated land governed by the county, not a city — which affects zoning, building permits, and what you can do on your property.
Randall County · Right to Farm
Texas Right-to-Farm Law Protects Ranchers from Nuisance Suits
Texas law protects established farming and ranching operations from nuisance lawsuits, which matters in a heavily agricultural county like Randall.
Randall County · Hunting License
What Hunting License Do You Need in Randall County?
Texas hunters need a valid hunting license plus any required endorsements before taking game in Randall County — there is no county-specific license.
Real County · Licenses
You Need a State License to Hunt or Fish in Real County
Texas requires a valid state hunting or fishing license for most outdoor activities in Real County, and you can buy one online through Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Reeves County · Hunting Regulations
Pronghorn hunting in Reeves County requires a special permit
Pronghorn antelope can be hunted in Reeves County, but only with a permit issued through Texas Parks and Wildlife — not a standard hunting license.
Refugio County · Oil & Gas / Mineral Rights
Oil and gas activity in Refugio County is regulated by the Railroad Commission
Refugio County has a long history of oil and gas production, and the Texas Railroad Commission's District 2 office in San Antonio handles permits and complaints for the area.
Rockwall County · Short-Term Rentals
The City of Rockwall requires a permit for short-term rentals
If you plan to rent your home on Airbnb or similar platforms within the City of Rockwall, you must get a permit from the city before you list.
Rockwall County · Fishing License
You need a Texas fishing license to fish Lake Ray Hubbard
Anyone fishing in Lake Ray Hubbard must have a valid Texas fishing license, and you should also know the state's rules for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Runnels County · Oil and Gas
Oil and Gas Activity Is Regulated by the Railroad Commission
Runnels County has had oil and gas production since 1927, and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) District 7C in San Angelo oversees permitting and regulation for the county.
Sabine County · Fishing License Rules
Fishing Toledo Bend: You Need the Right State's License
Toledo Bend is on the Texas-Louisiana state line. Which fishing license you need depends on which side of the lake you are on.
Smith County · Pipeline Rules
Pipelines crossing Smith County roads require a county permit
Smith County requires a permit for any pipeline crossing its road rights-of-way, which matters given the county's oil and gas history.
Smith County · Alcohol Rules
Smith County has a local alcohol ordinance governing unincorporated areas
Alcohol sales and related rules in unincorporated Smith County are governed by a county ordinance separate from city regulations.
Smith County · Animal Control
Smith County has an animal control ordinance for unincorporated areas
Unincorporated Smith County has an animal control ordinance focused on the care and restraint of dogs outside city limits.
Smith County · School Districts
Smith County spans nine school districts
Where your property sits in Smith County determines which of nine school districts serves it — and each district sets its own tax rate.
Stonewall County · Fire Safety
Wildfire Is a Real Risk in This Dry, Windy County
Stonewall County's dry Rolling Plains climate and strong winds create serious wildfire conditions, and burn bans are issued by the county judge when conditions are dangerous.
Tarrant County · Invasive Species
Clean Your Boat Before Leaving Eagle Mountain Lake
Zebra mussels have invaded Eagle Mountain Lake in Tarrant County — state law requires boaters to clean, drain, and dry all equipment before leaving.
Tarrant County · Hunting Regulations
Deer Hunting Rules for Tarrant County
Hunters in Tarrant County can take up to four deer per season — no more than two bucks and no more than two antlerless — across all seasons combined.
Tarrant County · Short-Term Rentals
Short-Term Rentals in Fort Worth Have Strict Rules
Fort Worth does not allow short-term rentals (like Airbnb) in residential zoning districts — they are only permitted in commercial and mixed-use zones.
Tarrant County · Fishing License
You Need a Texas Fishing License to Fish Tarrant County Waters
Anyone fishing in Tarrant County lakes or rivers needs a Texas fishing license from Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD).
Taylor County · Fishing License
A Texas fishing license is required on most public waters
Any resident or nonresident who fishes public waters in Taylor County must have a valid Texas fishing license with the appropriate freshwater endorsement.
Taylor County · Hunting License
Every hunter in Texas needs a license, no matter their age
Texas requires a hunting license for every person who hunts any animal or bird, with no age exemption, except for feral hogs on private land with landowner permission.
Taylor County · Oil & Gas Regulation
The Railroad Commission regulates oil and gas in Taylor County
Taylor County is in Railroad Commission of Texas District 7B. The local district office is in Abilene and handles drilling permits, well operations, and pipeline safety.
Terrell County · Oil & Gas
Oil and Gas Activity Is Regulated by the Railroad Commission
Terrell County has oil and gas production, and the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) is the state agency that oversees all drilling and production activity here.
Terry County · Weather Hazards
Wildfire and Drought Are Real Risks in Terry County
Terry County is a dry, windy place. Wildfire and drought are real risks here, especially in the Panhandle and South Plains region.
Tom Green County · Wildfire Risk
Wildfire and Burn Bans Are a Real Risk in Tom Green County
Tom Green County regularly faces elevated wildfire conditions, and the county may issue a burn ban that prohibits outdoor burning.
Travis County · Burn Bans
Burn Bans in Unincorporated Travis County
Travis County Commissioners Court can ban outdoor burning in unincorporated areas when fire danger is high.
Travis County · Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Hunting and Fishing Licenses in Travis County
Texas requires a hunting or fishing license for most people, and you can get one online from TPWD.
Travis County · Short-Term Rentals
Short-Term Rentals Inside Austin City Limits
If you rent your home for less than 30 days inside Austin, you need a city license — and the rules are detailed.
Uvalde County · Ag Exemption
Agricultural land may qualify for a lower tax valuation
Landowners who use property for farming or ranching in Uvalde County may be able to get it taxed on its agricultural value, not its market value.
Uvalde County · Hunting License
You need a Texas hunting license before you hunt here
Anyone hunting deer, turkey, or dove in Uvalde County must have a valid Texas hunting license plus any required endorsements.