Texas Mobile Food Vendor Law
Health & Safety Code Chapter 437B
HB 2844, 89th Legislature · Signed June 20, 2025 · Effective July 1, 2026
Statewide Licensing
Beginning July 1, 2026, all mobile food vendors in Texas must hold a state license issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). One license is required per food vending vehicle. Local jurisdictions do not issue competing licenses.
A “mobile food vendor” is any person who dispenses food or beverages from a food vending vehicle for immediate service or consumption. A “food vending vehicle” is any vehicle that operates as a food service establishment and is designed to be readily movable.
What Local Jurisdictions Can Still Do
Local authorities retain authority over regulations that do not conflict with Chapter 437B, including:
- Fire codes
- Location restrictions
- Zoning codes
- Parking rules
- Nuisance and noise ordinances
- Special-area or special-event rules
- Public safety regulations
What Local Jurisdictions Cannot Do
Chapter 437B preempts local authority to regulate mobile food vendors in conflicting ways. Local jurisdictions may not:
- Limit the number of vendor licenses issued
- Restrict hours of operation
- Restrict propane capacity below state allowances
- Require commissary association
- Require GPS tracking, fingerprints, or constant vehicle motion
- Require additional fire or health inspections beyond state standards
- Require operational handwashing sinks for prepackaged-food-only vendors
Statewide Database
DSHS must establish and maintain a statewide database containing the names of licensed mobile food vendors, inspection results, complaint records, and submitted vendor itineraries. This database is available to both DSHS and local authorities.
Local Inspection Collaboration
On request, DSHS may enter collaborative agreements with local authorities for conducting health inspections. DSHS reimburses local authorities from collected inspection fees. Local authorities are not required to participate.