Corpus Christi, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Inspection + health permit required
- Training
- Two-hour food handler's class
- Permit fee
- $250 (§ 19-33)
- Fine
- $100 minimum per violation
- As of 7/1/2026
- DSHS licenses statewide
Summary
Corpus Christi bars operating any mobile food unit until the health officer inspects it and grants a health permit. Every operator must complete a two-hour food handler's class, and the $250 permit fee is due before the permit issues.
Before any person may operate any mobile or temporary fixed-site food establishment regulated hereby, such mobile or temporary fixed-site peddling or vending unit must be initially inspected by the health officer and a health permit applied for and granted for the operation of such vending unit. Every operator of such a unit must attend a two-hour food handler's class. Permit fee must be paid prior to the issuance of the required permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Section 19-18(b) makes it unlawful to run any mobile or temporary fixed-site food establishment until the Nueces County-City of Corpus Christi Public Health District health officer performs an initial inspection and grants a health permit for the unit. Mobile and removable units are presented for inspection at the health department; watercraft units are inspected at the Corpus Christi marina. Every operator must attend a two-hour food handler's class, and the permit fee must be paid before issuance. The mobile food unit permit fee is $250 (section 19-33). Note: effective July 1, 2026, Texas DSHS assumed responsibility for mobile food unit licenses statewide.
Violations & Fines
Selling food from an unpermitted mobile unit carries a fine of not less than $100 for each violation under section 19-18(f); each occasion of selling in violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run a food truck in Corpus Christi?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corpus Christi
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