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 15.0% of gross revenue, with median Amarillo, TX STRs earning $33,721 at an average daily rate of $121 and 63% occupancy.
Top 500 US Airbnb Rental Markets - 2026
Instantly compare top 500 short-term (Airbnb) rental markets in the US
Frequently Asked Questions
Basics
What is considered a short-term rental in Amarillo?
A short-term rental (STR) in Amarillo is defined as a stay under 30 consecutive days for tax purposes CityRuleLookup.
Are STRs legal in Amarillo, Texas?
Yes, STRs are legal in Amarillo, with no citywide ban or moratorium CityRuleLookup.
Does Amarillo have a specific STR ordinance?
No, Amarillo does not have a city-specific STR ordinance as of July 2026 Municode Library.
Licensing
Is a short-term rental permit or license required in Amarillo?
No separate STR permit or license is required by the city City of Amarillo Permit List.
Is annual registration required for STRs?
Yes, hosts must register annually for hotel occupancy tax purposes, but there is no fee City of Amarillo.
Is there a cap on the number of STR licenses in Amarillo?
No, Amarillo does not codify a cap on STR licenses City of Amarillo Permit List.
Taxes
What taxes apply to STRs in Amarillo?
STRs are subject to a 7% city hotel occupancy tax, 2% venue district tax, and 6% state hotel occupancy tax—totaling 15% City of Amarillo.
Do platforms like Airbnb collect all required taxes?
No, Airbnb and VRBO only collect the 6% state tax; hosts must remit the 7% city and 2% venue district taxes directly Airbnb Help Center.
How do I register and remit taxes?
Register annually and file monthly returns via the Localgov portal for city and venue district taxes City of Amarillo.
Operations
Is there an occupancy limit for STRs in Amarillo?
Yes, occupancy is capped at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests CityRuleLookup.
Are there minimum night stay requirements?
No, Amarillo does not codify a minimum night stay for STRs Municode Library.
Are there parking or local contact requirements?
No, Amarillo does not codify parking or 24/7 local contact requirements for STRs Municode Library.
Do HOA or condo rules override city STR rules?
The city does not codify HOA/condo STR restrictions, but private rules may still apply HostScouts.
Enforcement
What are the penalties for noncompliance?
Amarillo does not codify STR-specific penalties; general Texas rental enforcement and eviction law applies City of Amarillo.
How is STR enforcement handled?
There are no city-specific detection methods or fines; enforcement is complaint-driven and follows state law City of Amarillo.
Is there a state STR license or cap in Texas?
No, Texas does not issue a statewide STR license or cap; local rules apply RedAwning.
Permit Process
Amarillo does not require a separate STR permit or license. Most businesses, including STRs, are not required to obtain a general business license. However, all STR operators must register annually for hotel occupancy tax purposes through the Localgov portal. There is no fee for this registration, and no city-specific permit application process is codified City of Amarillo Permit List.
Zoning
Amarillo does not have a citywide STR ordinance or codified zoning restrictions specific to short-term rentals. Permitted and prohibited zones for STRs are not specified in available city ordinances. For zoning questions, investors should contact the Amarillo Planning Department directly Municode Library.
Taxes and Remittance
STRs in Amarillo are subject to a 7% city hotel occupancy tax, a 2% Amarillo-Potter Events Venue District tax, and a 6% Texas state hotel occupancy tax, totaling 15%. Hosts must register annually and file monthly returns for city and venue district taxes via Localgov. Airbnb and VRBO only collect the state tax; hosts are responsible for remitting local taxes City of Amarillo.
Enforcement and Recent Actions
Amarillo does not codify STR-specific enforcement penalties or detection methods. Enforcement is primarily complaint-driven, and general Texas rental enforcement and eviction laws apply. There have been no recent city crackdowns or moratoriums on STRs City of Amarillo.
Recent Changes and Pending Legislation
There have been no recent amendments to Amarillo’s STR rules or tax rates as of July 2026. Texas does not have a statewide STR preemption law, so local governments retain regulatory authority. No pending city or state legislation affecting Amarillo STRs is noted in available sources Awning.
Comparable Markets
- Lubbock, TX — Consider if you want a West Texas college town with explicit STR registration.
- Oklahoma City, OK — Consider for a large metro with clear STR licensing and enforcement.
- Dallas, TX — Consider for a major Texas city with evolving STR zoning and tax rules.
- San Antonio, TX — Consider for a large market with a formal STR permit process.
Sources
- City of Amarillo Permit List: https://code.amarillo.gov/permit_list.php
- City of Amarillo: https://www.amarillo.gov/finance/hotel-motel-taxes/
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/faq.php
- Code of Ordinances | Amarillo, TX | Municode Library: https://library.municode.com/tx/amarillo/codes/code_of_ordinances
- DIVISION 3. – PARKING | Code of Ordinances | Amarillo, TX: https://library.municode.com/tx/amarillo/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_TITXVITR_CH16-3TR_DIV3PA_S16-3-369RE
- CityRuleLookup: https://cityrulelookup.com/amarillo-tx
- Texas Government Authority: https://texasgovernmentauthority.com/amarillo-texas-government
- Airbnb Help Center: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2331
- HostScouts: https://hostscouts.com/cities/TX/amarillo-texas/regulations
- Awning: https://awning.com/post/texas-short-term-rental-laws
- RedAwning: https://www.redawning.com/pm/post/texas-short-term-rental-laws
- Texas Property Code Chapter 24: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.24.htm
- Guide to Short-Term Rental Laws in Texas (Checkmate Rentals): https://www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/short-term-rental-laws-texas
- Texas Comptroller (via Surge): https://www.gowithsurge.com/blog/texas-hotel-occupancy-tax-strs
This page is research, not legal advice. Consult local counsel before acquiring or operating a short-term rental in City of Amarillo, Potter County, Texas.
Ready to evaluate Amarillo as an STR market?
- See Amarillo revenue data → — Get live STR performance, occupancy, and ADR trends for Amarillo.
- Run this deal in our calculator → — Model cash flow and compliance costs for any Amarillo property.
- Match with a Amarillo STR agent → — Connect with a local expert for STR acquisitions and setup.