Cottage Food Operations: Houston vs La Porte
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Houston, TX and La Porte, TX?
Houston and La Porte have similar restriction levels.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Texas Cottage Food Law (Health & Safety Code Ch. 437) allows Houston residents to produce and sell certain foods from home without permits, inspections, or licenses. No municipal zoning ordinance can ban cottage food operations. Annual revenue is capped at $50,000 (increasing to $150,000 effective September 1, 2025).
View full Houston 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 | Houston | La Porte |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | Texas Health & Safety Code Ch. 437; SB 541 | - |
| Permits Required | None for cottage food operations | - |
| Revenue Cap | $50,000 (increasing to $150,000 Sept. 1, 2025) | - |
| Training | Food handler safety course required | - |
| Zoning Protection | Cannot ban CFPOs from residential use | - |
| Annual Sales Cap | - | $75,000 gross revenue |
| 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.
Houston FAQ
Do I need a permit to sell food from my Houston home?
No. Texas Cottage Food Law exempts cottage food production operations from permits, inspections, and licenses. You must complete food handler training and label products properly.
Can my Houston HOA stop me from operating a cottage food business?
Texas law prohibits municipal zoning from banning cottage food operations. However, HOA deed restrictions are not zoning ordinances and may impose separate restrictions on home businesses. Consult your deed restrictions.
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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