Texas
Mobile food vendor operating rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, Texas mobile food vendors are licensed by the State of Texas / DSHS under Health & Safety Code Chapter 437B. Local jurisdictions may still enforce fire, zoning, parking, location, nuisance, and other non-conflicting rules. Learn more about Chapter 437B →
1220
Cities
254
Counties
125
With local rules
What to Do Next in Texas
- Food vendor license: Apply through DSHS for your state mobile food vendor license.
- Health inspection: No separate action — DSHS or collaborating local authorities will inspect where you operate.
- Fire code compliance: Comply with local fire codes. Contact the local fire department for specific requirements.
- Zoning / parking / location rules: Verify allowed locations, hours, and parking rules with each city before operating.
- Special event rules: Check with event organizers and the host city for event-specific vendor rules.
- Find your city below to check local requirements and apply through BiteBase where available.
Note: Major regulatory change effective 2026-07-01. Requirements may differ before and after this date.
How Texas Works
Beginning July 1, 2026, all mobile food vendors in Texas are licensed by the State of Texas through the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) under Health & Safety Code Chapter 437B. One license is required per food vending vehicle. Local jurisdictions do not issue competing food licenses, but may still enforce fire codes, zoning, parking, and special-event rules.
Food vendor license
State (DSHS — sole authority) — Apply through DSHS for your state mobile food vendor license.
Health inspection
DSHS (primary) — local collaboration optional — No separate action — DSHS or collaborating local authorities will inspect where you operate.
Fire code compliance
Local fire department — Comply with local fire codes. Contact the local fire department for specific requirements.
Zoning / parking / location rules
Individual city/county — Verify allowed locations, hours, and parking rules with each city before operating.
Special event rules
Individual city/county or event organizer — Check with event organizers and the host city for event-specific vendor rules.
License portability: Statewide
Transition: 2026-07-01
Find Your City
BiteBase tracks 1220 cities and 254 counties in Texas. This is general information, not legal advice.