Katy, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing authority
- Texas DSHS (statewide)
- Effective date
- July 1, 2026
- Governing law
- HB 2844 / H&S ch. 437B
- License scope
- One per vending vehicle
- City permits
- No longer issued or honored
Summary
Since July 1, 2026, Katy no longer issues its own mobile food vendor licenses. Every food truck, concession trailer, or pushcart working in the city must hold a statewide Mobile Food Vendor license from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Beginning July 1, 2026, all MFVs must be licensed with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to operate an FVV in the state of Texas. ... Until July 1, 2026, MFVs must continue to follow all regulatory requirements of their current licensing jurisdiction.
Full Breakdown
House Bill 2844 (89th Legislature, 2025) created Health and Safety Code Chapter 437B and took effect July 1, 2026, moving mobile food licensing from cities and counties to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Katy's Planning Department confirms city-issued mobile food licenses are no longer issued or honored after that date. A separate DSHS license is required for each food vending vehicle, and vendors are graded into three risk tiers. Chapter 437B preempts a local authority's power to prohibit or regulate mobile food vendors, though non-conflicting Katy ordinances on where units may set up still apply.
Violations & Fines
Operating a food vending vehicle in Katy without a current DSHS Mobile Food Vendor license is unlawful. Licensing and inspection now run through DSHS rather than the city or a county health department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Katy still issue food truck permits?
What law changed the rules?
Do I need a license for every truck?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Katy
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Katy to another location·View the Texas food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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