Fort Worth, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)
Key Facts
- State Permit
- Texas Comptroller Tax Code 154/155
- Permit Fee
- Approximately $180 biennial
- Local Code
- Fort Worth Code Chapter 8
- Minimum Sale Age
- 21 years old
Summary
Texas Comptroller licenses tobacco and e-cigarette retailers statewide under Tax Code Chapters 154 and 155. Fort Worth Code Chapter 8 layers local oversight, with the FW Code Compliance Department conducting age-verification compliance checks.
Sec. 161.0876. PROHIBITED E-CIGARETTE PRODUCTS. (a) For purposes of this section, "e-cigarette product" means a consumable liquid solution or other material aerosolized or vaporized during the use of an electronic cigarette or other device described by Section 161.081(1-a), regardless of whether the liquid solution or material contains nicotine. ... (b) A person commits an offense if the person markets, advertises, sells, offers for sale, or causes to be sold an e-cigarette product:(1) in a product container that:(A) depicts a cartoon-like fictional character that mimics a character primarily aimed at entertaining minors;
Full Breakdown
Texas requires every retailer selling cigarettes, cigars, tobacco products, or e-cigarettes to obtain a permit from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Permits cost approximately $180 every two years and must be displayed at each location. Fort Worth Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Business Regulations) covers retail tobacco activity, while the Fort Worth Code Compliance and Public Health departments coordinate with state inspectors on age-verification compliance checks and signage requirements. State law since 2019 raised the minimum sales age to 21 and bars sales to anyone unable to produce valid identification. Online and mail orders must verify age. Vending machines are restricted to adult-only premises. Violations can lead to permit suspension or revocation by the Comptroller.
Violations & Fines
Selling without a state permit is a Class A misdemeanor; selling to a minor or without proper age verification carries fines $100-$1,000 plus permit suspension under Health & Safety Code Sec. 161.085.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to sell vape products in Fort Worth?
Are flavored vape products legal in Fort Worth?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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Tobacco Retail License in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle tobacco retail license.