Step 1: Know the Change Taking Effect July 1, 2026
Beginning July 1, 2026, a 2025 state law, House Bill 2844, requires every mobile food unit operator to hold a state license from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in order to keep operating anywhere in Texas. The requirement covers operators who sell at temporary events, farmers markets, flea markets and similar venues. Mobile food permits that cities and other local jurisdictions issued before that date can no longer be used to operate on or after July 1, 2026.
Each operator is responsible for keeping up with regulatory changes and for meeting every state and local requirement that applies, which includes getting any required applications, fees and supporting documents to DSHS on time. Running a mobile food unit without a state license can lead to a citation.
A state license does not replace local rules. Vendors must keep following all state and local laws, including fire codes, restrictions on where they may operate, and zoning requirements.
Step 2: Apply Through the State
Licensing details and the online application are posted on the DSHS website, on its page for mobile food vendors.
At a glance
- Fee
- $250 a year
- Who needs it
- The owner of a food truck that operates in Fredville
- How to apply
- This one is not in the online permit portal; use the application below.
- Application
- Sample application for this permit
- Turnaround
- About 10 business days
- Questions
- (555) 010-1261, [email protected]
Fredville is a demonstration city built by Talk to Fred. Names, numbers and details on this page are sample content.