Fort Worth launched a new short-term rental ordinance effective January 1, 2026, making it one of the newest regulated markets in Texas. The licensing process is simple and inexpensive — $150 initial, $100 renewal — but there are occupancy rules you’ll want to know upfront: maximum 9 guests total and no more than 3 people per bedroom.
Active hosts in Fort Worth average $40,356/year in gross rental revenue (AirDNA, 2026).
📋 Fort Worth STR Permit — 2026 At a Glance
| Permit Name | City of Fort Worth Short-Term Rental License |
| Application Fee | $150 (initial) |
| Annual Renewal | $100 annually |
| Processing Time | 1–2 weeks |
| Primary Residence Only? | Yes |
| Licensing Difficulty | Easy |
Do You Need a License to Short-Term Rent in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth’s STR ordinance, effective January 1, 2026, requires all short-term rental operators (rentals under 30 days) to obtain a city license. The initial license fee is $150; renewal is $100/year. Key occupancy rules: maximum 3 guests per bedroom and an overall maximum of 9 guests per property (regardless of bedroom count). Operators must also hold a Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax permit from the Texas Comptroller and display the license number on all listing platforms. The ordinance was designed to provide a clear, accessible framework for hosts while addressing neighborhood nuisance concerns.
How to Get a Fort Worth Short-Term Rental Permit: Step by Step
- Apply for a City of Fort Worth Short-Term Rental License through the Fort Worth Development Services Department at fortworthtexas.gov. Pay the $150 initial fee.
- Register with the Texas Comptroller for a Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) permit at comptroller.texas.gov.
- Display your STR license number on all listing platform advertisements.
- Ensure your listing reflects accurate maximum occupancy: no more than 3 guests per bedroom and no more than 9 total guests.
- Renew annually for $100 before the license expiration date.
Fort Worth Short-Term Rental Fees (2026)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial License | $150 | One-time at application |
| Annual Renewal | $100 | Each year |
| Texas HOT Permit | Free | TX Comptroller |
At $100/year after the first year, Fort Worth’s STR license is among the most affordable in any Texas city.
Key Rules & Restrictions for Fort Worth Hosts
- Maximum 3 guests per bedroom.
- Maximum 9 total guests per property (regardless of bedroom count).
- License number must appear on all listing platform advertisements.
- Texas HOT must be collected and remitted — platforms handle this automatically for most bookings.
- Noise and nuisance ordinances apply — quiet hours per city ordinance.
- License is property-specific and does not transfer with property sales.
Taxes Short-Term Rental Hosts Owe in Fort Worth
Texas state Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6%. City of Fort Worth HOT: approximately 9% combined (city + county). Total: approximately 15%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit applicable HOT taxes automatically.
Penalties for Operating Without a Permit in Fort Worth
Operating without a license: $500/day (new ordinance enforcement starting 2026). Occupancy violations (exceeding 9 guests or 3/bedroom): $250/incident. Repeat violations: license suspension.
How HostStarter Handles Fort Worth STR Compliance
Keeping pace with Fort Worth’s permit requirements — renewals, inspections, tax remittance, and ordinance updates — is a significant ongoing commitment. HostStarter’s full-service property management includes complete compliance handling: we track deadlines, coordinate inspections, ensure your listing always displays a valid permit number, and alert you to regulatory changes before they impact your revenue.
Get a free Fort Worth revenue estimate from HostStarter →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Fort Worth?
Yes. Fort Worth’s new STR ordinance (effective January 1, 2026) requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a city license. You also need a Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax permit from the Comptroller.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Fort Worth?
The initial license costs $150. Annual renewal is $100.
How long does it take to get an STR license in Fort Worth?
Most Fort Worth STR license applications are processed within 1–2 weeks.
What taxes do Airbnb hosts owe in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth hosts owe Texas state HOT (6%) and city/county HOT (approximately 9%) — totaling approximately 15%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit these automatically.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed Airbnb in Fort Worth?
Operating without a license carries fines of $500/day under the new 2026 ordinance. Exceeding occupancy limits (9 guests total or 3 per bedroom) triggers $250/incident fines.