Harris County, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $300 for mobile food unit
- GPS fee
- $85 initial, $300 to replace
- Servicing
- Return to approved servicing area every 24 hours
- Fire safety
- Certificate required within 500 ft of structures
- Penalty
- Class C misdemeanor, each day separate
Summary
Operating a mobile food unit in unincorporated Harris County requires a Public Health permit, medallion, and GPS device from Harris County Public Health, plus annual renewal, proper signage, and fire marshal clearance near structures.
To obtain a food establishment permit, medallion and geographical positioning system (GPS), the owner of the mobile food unit must be present during the permitting inspection process and must be in possession of a current/valid Texas Driver's License, or Texas Department of Public Safety identification certificate, and the unit's current vehicle registration receipt.
Full Breakdown
To operate a mobile food unit in unincorporated Harris County (including a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction), Harris County Public Health (PHS) requires a food establishment permit, a medallion, and a GPS device. The unit's owner must appear in person at the permitting inspection with a valid Texas driver's license or ID and current vehicle registration. Units and trailers must be enclosed, food prep confined to the enclosure, and the unit must return to a PHS-approved servicing area within the 24 hours preceding each day of operation for cleaning and wastewater disposal. Units operating within 500 feet of a structure also need a Fire Marshal life-safety certificate.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor under Sec 7B, and each day of violation counts as a separate offense under Sec 7C; the County Attorney can sue to enjoin unpermitted operation under Sec 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run a food truck in unincorporated Harris County?
How often must a mobile food unit return to a servicing area?
What happens if I operate a food truck without a Harris County permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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