Does Travis County, TX have its own tobacco retail license ordinance?

No. Travis County, TX does not appear to have a local tobacco retail license ordinance, Texas state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Texas Statutes HSC 161.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Travis County

Travis County, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Light Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

State permit: Required from Comptroller
Directory law: TX HB 4758 2023
Min age: 21
County permit: None added

Summary

Texas requires e-cigarette retailers to hold a state e-cigarette retailer permit issued by the Comptroller, with FDA premarket authorization for products, and Travis County does not add a separate local vape permit.

City-specific rules exist: Austin has its own tobacco retail license rules that differ from Travis County's county-level regulations. If you live in Austin, check the city-specific page instead.

Sec. 161.082. SALE OF CIGARETTES, E-CIGARETTES, OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS YOUNGER THAN 21 YEARS OF AGE PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits an offense if the person, with criminal negligence: (1) sells, gives, or causes to be sold or given a cigarette, e-cigarette, or tobacco product to someone who is younger than 21 years of age; or (2) sells, gives, or causes to be sold or given a cigarette, e-cigarette, or tobacco product to another person who intends to deliver it to someone who is younger than 21 years of age. (c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Source: Texas Statutes HSC 161View official code

Full Breakdown

Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 147 and Tax Code Chapter 161 require all e-cigarette retailers to obtain a state e-cigarette retailer permit before selling vape products. The Texas Comptroller manages permitting and inspections. State law also enacted Texas HB 4758 in 2023 creating an e-cigarette directory of FDA-authorized products that may lawfully be sold; retailers cannot legally sell unauthorized vapor products listed outside the directory. Travis County has not layered a separate county vape permit on top of state law. Sales to anyone under 21 remain prohibited under HSC 161.0815.

Violations & Fines

Selling vape products without a state retailer permit, selling unlisted directory products, or selling to anyone under 21 can trigger Comptroller permit suspension, civil penalties, and Class C misdemeanor charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Travis County vape permit?

No. Texas requires the state e-cigarette retailer permit from the Comptroller, and Travis County has not adopted a separate county vape permit for unincorporated retailers.

What is the e-cigarette directory?

TX HB 4758 created a Comptroller-maintained list of FDA-authorized vapor products lawful for sale in Texas. Retailers selling products not in the directory face civil penalties and permit risk.

Sources & Official References

[1]TX HSC 161 and Tax Code 161

Other rules in Travis County

Massage EstablishmentsSome Restrictions Adult EntertainmentSome Restrictions Towing CompaniesSignificant Restrictions Tattoo & Body ModificationLight Restrictions Secondhand DealersLight Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseLight Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Travis County rules

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Tobacco Retail License in Cities Across Travis County

Austin, TX Pflugerville, TX