South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley

TWIA policies in Nueces County generally require that the property meet windstorm building code rules and be in insurable condition. A flood policy does not cover wind or hail damage, and TDI says mortgage lenders typically require wind coverage. Before a re-roof or window job on the coast, ask the contractor how the work will be certified. The roofing guide explains roof claims.

AEP Texas, regionally headquartered in Corpus Christi, delivers power across its south and west Texas territory for whichever retail provider you choose; PowerToChoose shows Harlingen ZIP 78550 in that retail-choice area, with AEP Texas Central as the wires utility. Brownsville is different: the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, chartered by the city in 1960, provides electricity as a public power utility, and residents in its territory do not pick a provider. BPUB also supplies water and wastewater.

Corpus Christi Water's regional reservoirs stood at 37.9% combined on October 22, 2026, with Stage 1 restrictions for the city's customers, and its drought site offers a Water Well Exemption Form. McAllen Public Utility says residents have been required to follow Stage 2 since September 5, 2023; check its page for the current stage. Harlingen Waterworks System serves Harlingen, and Laredo runs its own Utilities Department. For leaks and irrigation repairs, see the plumbing guide.

Corpus Christi Development Services registers contractors with an application, a code of ethics form, liability insurance and a background check, and its voluntary STAR program ranks registered contractors Bronze, Silver or Gold. Permits there go through the Dynamic Portal. McAllen takes applications on its online permit portal, Laredo's Building Development Services requires new projects to meet the 2021 building code, and Harlingen uses a Click2Gov portal and requires a Certificate of Appropriateness for regulated historic work.

Rural properties outside city limits in Cameron County get their address from the Cameron County Emergency Communication District in Harlingen. Property is appraised by Nueces Central Appraisal District and Cameron County Appraisal District. The AC and HVAC guide covers the state license for cooling work.

Nueces County places

• Corpus Christi

Webb County places

Laredo Solid Waste Services collects brush and bulky items, and carts go to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.

• Laredo

Hidalgo County places

• McAllen

Cameron County places

Deeds and subdivision plats are held by the Cameron County Clerk at 835 East Levee St., Brownsville.

• Brownsville
• Harlingen