Fort Worth's Firearms: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles firearms a little differently. In Fort Worth, Texas, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Local Firearms Preemption

Texas Government Code Section 229.001 broadly preempts municipal firearms regulation, leaving Fort Worth with minimal authority. The city cannot regulate ownership, transfer, transportation, or storage of firearms or ammunition by ordinance.

Key details: Statute: Texas Govt Code Sec. 229.001. Local Authority: Discharge, city facilities only. AG Enforcement: Civil penalties up to $25,000. Fort Worth Rules: Minimal under state preemption.

Cities passing ordinances exceeding Section 229.001 authority face civil penalties up to $1,500 for first violations and $25,000 for subsequent violations, enforceable by the Texas Attorney General under Government Code Section 229.001(d).

Fort Worth is more permissive than most cities when it comes to local firearms preemption. That said, there are still limits.

Concealed Carry

Texas House Bill 1927 allows most adults 21 and older to carry handguns concealed without a permit. Fort Worth follows state rules; the License to Carry under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 remains available for reciprocity benefits.

Key details: Authority: Texas HB 1927 (2021). Minimum Age: 21 years old. License Optional: LTC under Govt Code 411. Fort Worth Rule: No additional local permit.

Carrying in prohibited locations or by ineligible persons is a Class A misdemeanor or felony under Texas Penal Code Section 46.035, with fines up to $4,000 and jail up to one year per offense.

Fort Worth is more permissive than most cities when it comes to concealed carry. That said, there are still limits.

Open Carry

Texas allows permitless open carry of handguns in shoulder or belt holsters for adults 21 and older. Fort Worth cannot restrict open carry beyond state law except on city property and posted private property.

Key details: Authority: Texas HB 1927 constitutional carry. Holster Required: Shoulder or belt holster. Long Guns: Allowed if non-alarming manner. Posted Signs: Sec. 30.07 bars open carry.

Improper open carry, carrying without a holster, or carrying in prohibited zones is a Class A misdemeanor under Penal Code Sec. 46.035, punishable by up to $4,000 fine and one year in jail.

The rules around open carry in Fort Worth lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Firearms in Vehicles

Texas Penal Code Section 46.02 allows lawful adults to carry handguns in private vehicles or watercraft if not in plain view, gang-related, or possessed by a prohibited person. Fort Worth cannot impose additional vehicle restrictions.

Key details: Statute: Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.02. Plain View: Holstered display permitted. Minimum Age: 21 years old. Long Guns: Generally unrestricted in vehicles.

Unlawful carrying of a handgun in a vehicle is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $4,000 and up to one year in Tarrant County Jail; gang involvement elevates to felony charges.

Fort Worth is more permissive than most cities when it comes to firearms in vehicles. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Fort Worth gives residents more room on firearms. 4 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Fort Worth can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.