Guide · License cost
Cottage food license cost in Texas
Informational only, not legal advice.
Texas does not charge a state cottage food license fee.
Source: Texas DSHS — Texas Cottage Food Production · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Local health entities may not charge a fee to produce, sell, or sample directly to consumers. The DSHS page does not state whether DSHS registration has a fee.
Source: Texas DSHS — Texas Cottage Food Production · Verified Sep 15, 2026
What else Texas requires
Does Texas require a cottage food permit?
Texas does not require a state-issued permit for cottage food.
Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code Ch. 437, § 437.0192 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
No license or permit, and local governments may not require one. Operations that sell TCS (refrigerated) foods must register with DSHS.
Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code Ch. 437, § 437.0192 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
No license or permit is required, and local health departments may not require one. DSHS registration is required for operations that sell time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods; other operations may register to print their DSHS registration number on labels instead of a home address. Cottage food vendors that buy at wholesale must register. Operators must complete an accredited food handler course; DSHS accepts a Food Manager Certification in its place.
Source: Texas DSHS — Texas Cottage Food Production · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Do I need training or a home inspection in Texas?
Texas requires food safety training.
Source: Texas DSHS — Texas Cottage Food Production · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Accredited food handler course required; a Food Manager Certification is accepted instead.
Source: Texas DSHS — Texas Cottage Food Production · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Texas does not require a home kitchen inspection.
Source: Texas DSHS — Texas Cottage Food Production · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Health departments have no authority to inspect cottage food production operations.
Source: Texas DSHS — Texas Cottage Food Production · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Is there a sales cap in Texas?
Texas caps cottage food sales at $150,000 a year.
Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code Ch. 437, § 437.001(2-b)(B) · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Raised from $50,000 by SB 541, effective September 1, 2025. DSHS adjusts the limit annually for inflation (CPI-U); no adjusted figure had been published on the official sources checked.
Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code Ch. 437, § 437.001(2-b)(B) · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Cottage food fees in other states
Of the 20 states this site covers, including Texas, 14 charge no state fee, 3 charge one, and 3 leave fees to local governments.