Business Licensing & Operations in Harris County, TX (2026)
6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Harris County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Harris County uses Texas Local Government Code Chapter 243 to regulate sexually oriented businesses in unincorporated areas. The county prohibits SOBs within 1,500 feet of schools, churches, day cares, public parks, or residential neighborhoods, and requires operator and employee permits issued by the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Sexually Oriented Businesses Limited By State Distance Rules
Some RestrictionsTexas Local Government Code Sec. 243.003 (Authority to Regulate)
Sec. 243.003. AUTHORITY TO REGULATE. (a) A municipality by ordinance or a county by order of the commissioners court may adopt regulations regarding sexually oriented businesses as the municipality or county considers necessary to promote the public health, safety, or welfare.(b) A regulation adopted by a municipality applies only inside the municipality's corporate limits.(c) A regulation adop...
Massage Establishments
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 455 places massage therapy licensing exclusively with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Harris County does not license massage establishments, but the County Attorney and Sheriff partner with TDLR and Texas Attorney General to investigate human trafficking nuisance cases at unlicensed massage parlors.
Massage Establishments Licensed By State TDLR
Few RestrictionsTexas Occupations Code Sec. 455.005 (Massage Therapy — Effect on Local Law)
Sec. 455.005. EFFECT ON LOCAL LAW. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), this chapter supersedes any regulation adopted by a political subdivision of this state relating to the licensing or regulation of massage therapists. (b) Subject to Subsections (b-1), (c), (c-1), and (c-2), this chapter does not affect a local regulation that: (1) relates to: (A) zoning requirements, including conditi...
Tobacco Retail License
The Texas Comptroller issues all tobacco and e-cigarette retail permits under Health and Safety Code chapter 161 and Tax Code chapter 154. Harris County has no separate vape retail license. The state inspects retailers and runs minor-sting compliance checks throughout the county.
State permits cover vape retail; Harris County none
Light RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 161.082 (Sale of Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, or Tobacco Products to Persons Younger than 21)
Sec. 161.082. SALE OF CIGARETTES, E-CIGARETTES, OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS YOUNGER THAN 21 YEARS OF AGE PROHIBITED; PROOF OF AGE REQUIRED. (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 ...
Secondhand Dealers
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 requires all crafted-precious-metal and secondhand jewelry, electronics, and tools dealers in Harris County to register with the Texas Department of Public Safety, hold purchases for at least seven days, photograph sellers, and upload transaction records to law-enforcement databases.
Secondhand Dealers Report Purchases To DPS Database
Light RestrictionsTexas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 (Crafted Precious Metal Dealers)
Sec. 1956.061. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS AND ORDINANCES. This subchapter does not:(1) excuse noncompliance with another state law or municipal ordinance covering the reporting, holding, or releasing of crafted precious metal;(2) prohibit a municipality from enacting, amending, or enforcing an ordinance relating to a dealer; or(3) supersede a municipal ordinance except to the extent the ordinance doe...
Pawnbrokers
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 places pawnshop licensing exclusively with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Harris County pawnbrokers must hold an OCCC license, post maximum interest and fee charts, hold pledges for at least 60 days, and report transactions to law enforcement databases like LeadsOnline.
Pawnshops Licensed By Texas OCCC Under Finance Code 371
Light RestrictionsTexas OCCC — Pawnshops & Pawn Employees, Statutes & Rules (Chapter 371, Texas Finance Code; Title 7, Chapter 85, Texas Administrative Code)
Pawnshops & Pawn Employees - Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner [...] Statutes & Rules. These are the primary statutes and rules that apply to pawnshops and pawn employees. This is not a complete list of laws that pawnshops and pawn employees are required to comply with. Primary State Statute: Chapter 371, Texas Finance Code: Pawnshops. OCCC's Rules: Title 7, Chapter 85, Texas Adminis...
Towing Companies
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 requires every Harris County towing company, vehicle storage facility, and tow truck operator to hold a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation permit. Harris County Sheriff also runs a non-consent tow rotation list with vetted local operators dispatched to Sheriff calls.
Tow Companies Licensed By TDLR Under Chapter 2308
Light RestrictionsTexas Occupations Code Sec. 2308.151, 2308.153 (Towing — License or Local Authorization Required)
Sec. 2308.151. LICENSE OR LOCAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED. (a) Unless the person holds an appropriate license under this subchapter, a person may not: (1) perform towing operations; or (2) operate a towing company. (b) Unless prohibited by a local authority under Section 2308.2085, a person may: (1) perform booting operations; and (2) operate a booting company. Sec. 2308.153. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT T...
Business Licensing & Operations by City in Harris County
2 cities in Harris County have their own business licensing & operations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Harris County ordinances
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