Arlington vs Keller
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Arlington, TX and Keller, TX?
Arlington and Keller have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington follows the Texas Cottage Food Law under Health and Safety Code Chapter 437, which allows individuals to sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods made in a home kitchen without a food-establishment license. Annual gross sales are limited, required labeling must be used, and the foods must be sold directly to consumers. A food-handler certificate is required.
View full Arlington rules →Keller, TX
Tarrant County
Keller follows TX Health and Safety Code Chapter 437 for cottage food. Direct sales of approved shelf-stable foods are legal with labeling rules and a 50,000 dollar annual revenue cap. No local permit required.
View full Keller rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Keller |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | TX H&S Code §437 | - |
| Annual Sales Cap | $50,000 gross | - |
| Food Handler Course | Required | - |
| Labeling | Required by statute | - |
| City Permit | Not required beyond home occupation | - |
| Fact | - | Cottage food is governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Can I sell homemade cookies from my Arlington home?
Yes. Baked goods that do not require refrigeration, such as cookies, breads, and most cakes, are permitted cottage foods under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437. You must complete a food-handler course, label each package with the required information, and stay under the annual sales cap.
Do I need a Tarrant County health permit for a cottage food business?
No. The Texas Cottage Food Law exempts qualifying home-based food producers from local health department permits and inspections, as long as they sell only approved non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers and follow the labeling rules.
Can I ship cottage food from my Arlington home to customers?
Yes. Texas law allows cottage food operators to sell by phone or internet and deliver or ship products by mail to consumers within Texas. Shipping across state lines is not covered by the Texas exemption and would require compliance with federal and destination-state rules.
Keller FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my Keller home?
Yes, under the Texas Cottage Food Law you can sell approved shelf-stable baked goods directly to consumers up to 50,000 dollars per year with proper labeling and a food handler course.
Can my HOA stop me from running a cottage food business?
An HOA cannot prohibit cottage food production under state law alone, but it can still enforce its general covenants on traffic, signage, parking, and home occupations.
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