Bellaire vs La Porte
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Bellaire, TX and La Porte, TX?
Bellaire and La Porte have similar restriction levels.
Bellaire, TX
Harris County
Texas Cottage Food Law (Health and Safety Code Chapter 437) allows Bellaire residents to sell certain homemade foods directly to consumers without a food establishment permit or city inspection. Annual sales are capped at $75,000. Products must be non-potentially hazardous foods prepared in the producer's home kitchen and sold directly to consumers within Texas.
View full Bellaire rules →La Porte, TX
Harris County
Texas Cottage Food Law (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437) allows La Porte residents to sell certain homemade food products directly to consumers from their homes without a food handler's permit, commercial kitchen, or city food establishment license. Annual gross sales are capped at $75,000. The city does not impose additional local cottage food restrictions beyond state law.
View full La Porte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellaire | La Porte |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Sales Cap | $75,000 per household | $75,000 gross revenue |
| City Permit | Not required under state law | - |
| Sales Method | Direct to consumer only | - |
| Online Sales | Permitted with delivery in TX | - |
| Inspections | Exempt from city health inspection | - |
| State Law | - | TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 437 |
| City Food Permit | - | Not required for cottage food |
| Labeling | - | Required with home kitchen disclaimer |
| Selling Venues | - | Home, farmers markets, online direct |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellaire FAQ
Do I need a Bellaire permit to sell homemade food?
No. Texas Cottage Food Law preempts local regulation. You do not need a city food establishment permit to sell eligible homemade foods directly to consumers, though home-business zoning rules still apply.
What foods can I sell under the cottage food law?
Eligible products include baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, dried herbs, dry mixes, popcorn, nuts, granola, pickled fruits and vegetables, and fermented vegetables. Products must not require refrigeration for safety.
Can I sell cottage food online in Texas?
Yes. HB 1926 (2019) authorized online sales and delivery of cottage food products within Texas. You must still comply with labeling requirements and the $75,000 annual sales cap.
La Porte FAQ
Do I need a permit to sell baked goods from my home in La Porte?
You do not need a food establishment permit or food handler's license for cottage food. However, you should obtain a home occupation permit from the city if you are operating a business from your residence.
What foods can I sell under the Texas Cottage Food Law?
Allowed products include baked goods, candy, jams, jellies, dried fruits, nuts, pickled vegetables, roasted coffee, honey, granola, and dried pasta. Foods requiring refrigeration such as meat, dairy, and cream-filled pastries are not allowed.
Can I sell my cottage food products online?
Yes. Texas law permits cottage food sales through the internet for direct delivery to consumers within Texas. You cannot sell through retail stores or restaurants.
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