Complete licensing documentation for Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio & Fort Worth
Launch your Texas food truck in 2-3 months with our step-by-step permit kit.
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Here's what you'll need to operate legally. Our kit includes checklists and templates for each requirement.
$300 filing fee
Texas has no state income tax but requires annual franchise tax reports
Free
Required for collecting sales tax on food sales in Texas
$7–$15
DSHS-accredited course required; valid for 2 years
$200–$600/year
Health permit from local health department; requirements vary by jurisdiction
$150–$600/month
Required in most Texas cities for food prep and storage
$50–$200
Required if using propane, deep fryers, or open flame equipment
Our kit includes a visual Gantt chart to track every step.
Each city has different rules. We cover Texas's top 5 food truck markets.
Largest food truck market in Texas
MFU Medallion required. LP-Gas permit $225/year. New September 2025 state alignment rules.
County-wide single permit coverage
Dallas County HHS permit covers all county cities. 180-day application validity. Appointment required.
New online portal required
Mandatory fire inspection since 2023. June 2026 transition to state permits.
Metro Health $103-$309/year
Water testing required. Fire permit $300. Background check included in process.
Tarrant County permit
Appointment required since 2023. County permit covers all cities in Tarrant County.
Step-by-step requirements for Texas food trucks
Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio & Fort Worth
Never miss a signature or attachment
Pass your first inspection with zero violations
Pre-written SOPs and commissary agreements
Visual Gantt chart for your launch window
How to find and vet your prep space in Texas
Regulations change. We keep you current.
The typical timeline is 2-3 months from start to serving customers. Business formation takes 1-2 weeks, state permits 2-3 weeks, local health approval 4-6 weeks, and city permits vary. Texas is generally faster than California due to less bureaucracy. Our kit includes a visual timeline planner to track your progress.
Permit and licensing costs typically run $1,500-$3,500 for the first year, not including your truck. Key costs: LLC filing ($300), mobile food unit permit ($200-$600/year), commissary ($150-$600/month), and food handler cards ($7-$15 per person). Texas is more affordable than California for permits.
Most Texas cities require a commissary agreement. Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth all require proof of a commissary or approved food prep facility. You'll need a letter on file with your local health department.
Yes, but you'll need separate city permits and potentially county health permits for each jurisdiction. Some counties recognize permits from neighboring counties, but each city has its own vending regulations and business license requirements.
Texas health codes treat both similarly as Mobile Food Units (MFUs), but trailers have additional requirements for fire safety and parking. Our kit covers requirements for both trucks and trailers, including Austin's unique trailer park regulations.
While all food handlers need a DSHS-accredited food handler certificate, some Texas cities also require a certified food manager on staff. Houston and Austin require this for most food establishments. Check your local requirements in our city guides.
Everything you need to navigate Texas's food truck requirements. One purchase, lifetime access.
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