This guide covers Amarillo, Texas only. Neighboring markets often confused with Amarillo in STR regulation research include:
- Canyon: Separate city south of Amarillo, with its own STR rules and home to West Texas A&M University.
- Bushland: Unincorporated community west of Amarillo, governed by county rules, not city ordinances.
- Panhandle: Small city east of Amarillo in Carson County, with distinct local governance.
- Dumas: City north of Amarillo in Moore County, with its own municipal code and STR approach.
Legality Verdict
Short-term rentals are legal in Amarillo, Texas, with no city-specific STR license or cap, but a binding 15% lodging tax and occupancy limits apply. No citywide ban or moratorium is in effect.
- Legality Status: 3/5
- License Availability: 4/5
- Compliance Cost (% revenue): 2/5
- Regulatory Stability: 4/5
- Enforcement Climate: 4/5
TL;DR
Amarillo defines STRs as stays under 30 days, with no annual night cap and no city STR license required. Total lodging tax is 15% (7% city, 2% venue district, 6% state). Occupancy is capped at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 more. The biggest investor risk: hosts must manually register and remit local taxes—platforms only handle the state portion.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| STR Definition | Stay under 30 consecutive days CityRuleLookup |
| Registration Required | Yes, annual city HOT registration (no fee) City of Amarillo |
| STR Permit/License Required | Not codified — no separate STR permit or license required City of Amarillo Permit List |
| Permit Cost | Not codified — no STR permit fee City of Amarillo Permit List |
| Annual Renewal | Not codified — annual HOT registration only City of Amarillo |
| State Hotel Occupancy Tax | 6% Texas Comptroller |
| City Hotel Occupancy Tax | 7% City of Amarillo |
| Amarillo-Potter Venue District Tax | 2% City of Amarillo |
| Total Effective Lodging Tax | 15% (state + city + venue district) City of Amarillo |
| State Sales Tax | Not codified for STRs in city sources reviewed |
| Occupancy Cap | 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests CityRuleLookup |
| Minimum Night Stay | Not codified — no city rule Municode Library |
| Parking Requirement | Not codified — no city rule Municode Library |
| Primary Regulator | City of Amarillo Finance Department (tax); Building Safety for compliance City of Amarillo |
| License Cap | Not codified — no cap City of Amarillo Permit List |
| Permitted Zones | [needs verification — call Amarillo Planning Department at (806) 378-6290] |
| Prohibited Zones | [needs verification — call Amarillo Planning Department at (806) 378-6290] |
| HOA/Condo Override | Not codified — private HOA/condo rules may apply HostScouts |
| Inspection Requirement | Not codified — no city rule Municode Library |
| Density Limits | Not codified — no city rule Municode Library |
| Primary Residence Rule | Not codified — no city rule Municode Library |
| Transferability | Not codified — no city rule City of Amarillo Permit List |
| Enforcement Penalties | Not codified — see Texas Property Code for eviction City of Amarillo |
| Last Updated | July 15, 2026 |
Regulatory Impact Snapshot
Amarillo’s 15% lodging tax is the primary compliance cost for STR investors, with no city permit or renewal fees. Hosts must register annually and file monthly tax returns via Localgov, but platforms only remit the state’s 6% tax—owners are responsible for the remaining 9%. Occupancy is capped at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 more. Underwriters should model compliance costs at 16.0% of gross revenue, with median Amarillo, TX STRs earning $31,558 at an average daily rate of $131 and 67% occupancy.
