HB 2844 in effect — Brownsville food truck law changed July 1, 2026
Food Truck Permits · Brownsville, Texas

Brownsville
food truck
permits.

Get your Brownsville food truck permit under the new HB 2844 law. Our $99 Permit Readiness Review gives Cameron County operators a personalized roadmap to get licensed fast.

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Brownsville — HB 2844

What changed for Brownsville operators.

Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley have a thriving street food culture — taco trucks, elote carts, and mobile food operations are deeply embedded in the community. Cameron County operators now apply directly through DSHS under HB 2844, eliminating the previous city-level health permit requirement.

Under the new system, you apply once through DSHS and your license is valid everywhere in Texas — including Brownsville. The old permit from Cameron County Health Department is no longer required for food safety compliance.

Note: Brownsville Fire Department (propane and fire suppression compliance) requirements still apply. Local zoning, location restrictions, and fire codes remain in effect under Brownsville city ordinances.

What you need in Brownsville

  • DSHS Mobile Food Vendor License — statewide, replaces Cameron County Health Department permit
  • Texas Sales & Use Tax Permit — free at comptroller.texas.gov
  • Food Manager Certification — ANSI-accredited (ServSafe etc.)
  • Food Handler Certs — all employees within 60 days of hire
  • Fire compliance — Brownsville Fire Department (propane and fire suppression compliance)
  • Zoning & location approval — Brownsville city ordinances still apply
  • CPF/Commissary documentation — or exemption if your truck qualifies
The Process

How to get permitted in Brownsville.

01
Get your Tax Permit

Free at comptroller.texas.gov. Required before you can apply for anything else. Takes 2–3 business days.

02
Complete Certifications

Food manager certification required if you handle unpackaged TCS foods. ServSafe exam is the most common — ~$35–80.

03
Apply for DSHS License

Submit at dshs.texas.gov. Type II operators pay $618 + $400 inspection. Prepare your menu, equipment list, and commissary documentation.

04
Pass Inspection & Open

DSHS or Cameron County Health Department conducts the pre-licensing inspection. Once passed, your statewide license is issued. You're legal in Brownsville and all of Texas.

Brownsville — FAQ

Questions about Brownsville permits.

How do I get a food truck permit in Brownsville in 2026?
Under HB 2844, Brownsville food truck operators apply directly through DSHS for a statewide Mobile Food Vendor license. You no longer need a separate city or county health permit. Apply at dshs.texas.gov, pay the applicable fee based on your truck type, and schedule your pre-licensing inspection.
What replaced the Cameron County Health Department food truck permit?
The DSHS statewide Mobile Food Vendor license replaced it. Effective July 1, 2026, Cameron County Health Department can no longer require a separate permit that duplicates DSHS coverage. However, they may still conduct inspections under a collaborative agreement with DSHS.
Do I still need a commissary in Brownsville?
You may qualify for a commissary exemption under 25 TAC 226.6 if your truck is fully self-contained. This requires submitting the DSHS CPF Exemption Checklist demonstrating that your truck has all required equipment on board. We assess whether your truck qualifies as part of our $149 commissary exemption add-on service.
How long does it take to get a food truck permit in Brownsville?
With all documents prepared correctly, most Brownsville operators complete the process in 2–4 weeks. Common delays include missing certifications, incomplete applications, and equipment that doesn't pass inspection. A permit readiness review before you apply significantly shortens this timeline.
Ready to get permitted in Brownsville?

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