Business Licensing & Operations in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
6 verified business licensing & operations rules for Fort Worth, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Fort Worth regulates sexually oriented businesses (SOBs) under City Code Chapter 5 and the Unified Development Code, requiring annual licensing, criminal-history screening of operators, mandatory zoning buffers from sensitive uses, and detailed interior layout standards aimed at limiting secondary effects on neighborhoods.
Sexually Oriented Business Licensing in Fort Worth
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Loc. Gov't Code Sec. 243.003
Sec. 243.003. AUTHORITY TO REGULATE. (a) A municipality by ordinance or a county by order of the commissioners court may adopt regulations regarding sexually oriented businesses as the municipality or county considers necessary to promote the public health, safety, or welfare.(b) A regulation adopted by a municipality applies only inside the municipality's corporate limits.(c) A regulation...
Massage Establishments
Massage therapists and establishments operating in Fort Worth must hold Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) credentials under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 455, plus comply with Fort Worth City Code permitting, zoning, and inspections aimed at curbing illicit massage operations.
Massage Establishment Licensing in Fort Worth
Some RestrictionsTex. Occ. Code Sec. 455.151
Sec. 455.151. LICENSE REQUIRED. (a) Unless the person is exempt from the licensing requirement, a person may not act as a massage therapist, massage school, massage therapy instructor, or massage establishment unless the person holds an appropriate license issued under this chapter.(b) Unless the person is exempt from the licensing requirement, a person may not represent that the person is ...
Tobacco Retail License
Every Fort Worth retailer selling cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products must hold an annual retailer permit from the Texas Comptroller under the Texas Tax Code and Health and Safety Code Chapter 161, with Fort Worth Code enforcing local compliance.
Tobacco Retailer Permit Requirements in Fort Worth
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 161.084
Sec. 161.084. WARNING NOTICE. (a) Each person who sells cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products at retail or by vending machine shall post a sign in a location that is conspicuous to all employees and customers and that is close to the place at which the cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products may be purchased.(b) The sign must include the statement:PURCHASING OR ATTEMPTING TO P...
Secondhand Dealers
Secondhand dealers operating in Fort Worth must register with the Fort Worth Police Department, follow Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 reporting on metal and used goods, hold purchases for mandatory waiting periods, and report transactions through state-mandated electronic reporting systems for theft recovery.
Secondhand Dealer Reporting Rules in Fort Worth
Some RestrictionsTex. Occ. Code Sec. 1956.022
Sec. 1956.022. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE; QUALIFICATIONS. (a) The department shall issue a certificate of registration to an applicant who:(1) applies and pays a registration fee;(2) presents any relevant evidence relating to the applicant's qualifications as required by commission rule;(3) submits a declaration describing the extent to which the applicant intends to engage in transactions ...
Pawnbrokers
Pawnshops in Fort Worth are licensed by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner under Texas Finance Code Chapter 371, which caps pawn finance charges, sets redemption periods, requires daily transaction reporting to police, and mandates holding periods that aid theft recovery.
Pawnbroker Licensing Rules in Fort Worth
Some RestrictionsTex. Finance Code Sec. 371.051, 371.052(a)
Sec. 371.051. PAWNSHOP LICENSE REQUIRED. A person may not engage in business as a pawnbroker unless the person holds a pawnshop license. Sec. 371.052. ELIGIBILITY. (a) To be eligible for a pawnshop license, an applicant must: (1) meet the net assets requirement of Section 371.072; and (2) show that: (A) the pawnshop will be operated lawfully and fairly under this chapter; and (B) the applicant ...
Towing Companies
Tow truck operators and companies serving Fort Worth must hold Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) credentials under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308, comply with Fort Worth City Code rules on nonconsent towing, follow posted-rate schedules, and use city-approved storage facilities.
Towing Company Licensing in Fort Worth
Some RestrictionsTex. Occ. Code Sec. 2308.151-.152
Sec. 2308.151. LICENSE OR LOCAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED. (a) Unless the person holds an appropriate license under this subchapter, a person may not:(1) perform towing operations; or(2) operate a towing company.(b) Unless prohibited by a local authority under Section 2308.2085, a person may:(1) perform booting operations; and(2) operate a booting company. Sec. 2308.152. GENERAL LICENSE A...
Looking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Worth city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Tarrant County →