Dallas vs Mesquite
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Dallas, TX and Mesquite, TX?
Dallas and Mesquite have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Texas state law governing cottage food production operations (CFPOs) preempts local regulation. No city permits, fees, inspections, or licenses are required to sell cottage foods from a home kitchen. Under SB 541 (effective 2025), Texas shifted to an exclusion-based model allowing nearly any home-produced food except meat/poultry, seafood, and frozen products. Annual gross income is capped at $150,000. CFPOs selling time/temperature-controlled foods must register with DSHS.
View full Dallas rules →Mesquite, TX
Dallas County
Mesquite follows Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 437, allowing home production and direct sale of approved low-risk foods up to $50,000 annually without a permit.
View full Mesquite rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| State Preemption | Local permits/inspections prohibited | - |
| Income Cap | $150,000 annual gross revenue | - |
| Excluded Foods | Meat, poultry, seafood, frozen products | - |
| DSHS Registration | Required for TCS foods only | - |
| Labeling | Name, address or DSHS registration number | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Do I need a permit to sell baked goods from my Dallas home?
No. Texas cottage food law preempts local regulation. No city permits, fees, or inspections are required. You must follow state labeling requirements and the $150,000 annual gross income cap.
What foods can I sell as a cottage food operation?
Under SB 541, Texas uses an exclusion-based model. You can sell almost any home-produced food except meat/poultry products, seafood, and ice/frozen products. TCS foods require DSHS registration.
Mesquite FAQ
Compare other topics
See how Dallas and Mesquite compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool