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Harris County, TX Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Annual Sales Cap
$75,000
Permit Required
No: exempt from permits
State Law
TX HSC §437.001
Sales Method
Direct to consumer only

Summary

Texas Cottage Food Law (HSC §437.001) allows home-based food sales up to $75,000 per year without a food establishment permit. Harris County has no additional cottage food restrictions. Sales must be direct to consumer at the home, farmers markets, or online.

City-specific rules exist: Tomball, Deer Park, Baytown, and Pasadena have their own cottage food operations rules that differ from Harris County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Sec. 437.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Acidified canned goods" means food with a finished equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or less that is thermally processed before being placed in an airtight container.(1-a) "Beekeeper" has the meaning assigned by Section 131.001, Agriculture Code.(2) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, Sec. 3.1639(79), eff. April 2, 2015.(2-a) "Baked good" includes cookies, cakes, breads, Danish, donuts, pastries, pies, and other items that are prepared by baking the item in an oven.

Source: TX HSC §437.001 (Cottage Food)View official code

Full Breakdown

Texas Health and Safety Code §437.001 (the Texas Cottage Food Law) permits individuals to sell certain foods made in their home kitchen without a food establishment permit or inspection, with annual sales up to $75,000. Permitted items include baked goods, candy, jams, jellies, dried herbs, and certain pickled products. Sales must be direct to the consumer, not to restaurants or stores. Harris County Public Health does not impose additional requirements beyond state law for cottage food operations in unincorporated areas. Cottage food products must be labeled with producer name, address, and the disclaimer required by state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell baked goods from my home in Harris County?
Yes. Texas Cottage Food Law allows home baking sales up to $75,000 per year without a permit. Sales must be direct to consumers at your home, farmers markets, or online with delivery.
Do I need a Harris County health permit for cottage food?
No. Cottage food operations are exempt from food establishment permits and health inspections under Texas law. Harris County imposes no additional requirements.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harris County

Signage RulesFew RestrictionsHome DaycareSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsHoliday Decorations: Lawn Ornament RulesSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Window SignsLight Restrictions

All Harris County rules

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Cottage Food Operations in Cities Across Harris County

Houston, TXPasadena, TXBaytown, TXLa Porte, TXDeer Park, TXBellaire, TXHumble, TXTomball, TX