Food Truck Permit Houston TX:
What You Need Under HB 2844 (2026)

Houston has one of the largest food truck scenes in Texas. For years, operating a food truck in Houston meant dealing with the City of Houston Health Department, the medallion system, and Harris County rules. HB 2844 changed the entire framework effective July 1, 2026. Here's what Houston operators need to know right now.

The Houston Medallion System Is Now State-Controlled

The City of Houston's mobile food unit medallion program has been superseded by HB 2844. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Health Department no longer issues new permits or renewals for mobile food units. All permitting authority transferred to DSHS. As of May 15, 2026, the Houston Health Department stopped accepting plan review applications for mobile food units entirely.

If you held a Houston medallion, that local permit gives you Category 1 status — you can keep operating while you apply to DSHS. But the medallion itself does not become a DSHS license. You must apply separately.

What Houston Food Truck Operators Need Under HB 2844

The requirements depend on your MFV type. Most Houston food trucks — tacos, birria, burgers, BBQ, Mediterranean, Asian fusion — are Type III operations, which means:

• 76 application fee paid to DSHS through Online Licensing Services
• 00 pre-licensing inspection fee paid at application
• A DSHS pre-licensing inspection at a designated Harris County inspection location
• A Central Preparation Facility (CPF) with documentation, or a qualifying CPF exemption
• Certified food manager certification
• Equipment meeting Type III DSHS standards

CPF Requirements in Houston

Houston required commissary use under the old medallion system, and the DSHS system continues to require a CPF for most Type II and III operators. The good news: Houston has a large and established shared kitchen market. Options include shared commissary facilities, commercial kitchen rentals, and licensed restaurant partners.

What you need regardless of which CPF you use: a signed authorization letter from the facility owner and their most recent health inspection report, both on your vehicle at all times during operation.

Harris County vs. City of Houston — What's Still Local?

HB 2844 preempts local health permitting authority for mobile food vendors, but local governments can still regulate where and how you operate. In Houston this means:

• Zoning and location approvals still apply — where you can legally park
• Fire marshal permits may still be required for events
• Event and temporary location permits remain local
• City of Houston food truck park regulations still apply

The DSHS license covers your operation statewide. It does not replace local zoning, fire, or parking rules.

Houston Operators: What to Do Right Now

1. Confirm your MFV type — most Houston full-service trucks are Type III
2. If you have a current Houston medallion, carry it and your DSHS application receipt on the vehicle
3. Confirm your CPF arrangement and documentation
4. Apply through DSHS Online Licensing Services and pay your fees
5. Schedule and pass your pre-licensing inspection