Fort Worth requires a free permit applied for at least 72 hours before your sale. Each permit covers one sale of up to 3 consecutive days. You're limited to 2 sales per year at your address. Fort Worth has one of the strictest sign rules in North Texas: only one sign is allowed, it must be on your property, and it cannot exceed 2 square feet.
Fort Worth, TX Garage Sale Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Permit required? | Yes |
| Permit fee | Free |
| Annual limit | 2/yr |
| Maximum duration | 3 days |
| Sign rules | 1 on-premises sign only (≤2 sq ft); no off-site signs at all |
Frequently Asked Questions
Fort Worth requires permit applications to be submitted at least 72 hours (3 days) before the sale begins. Don't wait until the night before.
Fort Worth's ordinance is unusually strict on signage — only 1 sign is permitted, it must be on the property where the sale is being held, and it cannot exceed 2 square feet. No directional signs to your sale at nearby intersections are allowed.
Fines vary based on the specific code violation section cited. Fort Worth Code Compliance is active on weekends.
No — the 2 per year limit applies regardless of size. Fort Worth defines a 'garage sale' broadly to include any sale of personal property at a residential address.