Food establishment permits in Houston, Harris County and Fort Bend County
By the Fair Permits licensing team · Updated · 3 min read
Short answer
A Houston-area store or restaurant that prepares or serves food (coffee, fountain drinks, roller grills, hot cases or a kitchen) needs a food establishment permit from the local health department: the Houston Health Department inside the city, Harris County Public Health in unincorporated Harris County, or Fort Bend County Environmental Health. Yearly fees follow the Texas tiers of $258, $515 or $773 by food sales. Houston takes up to 15 business days and requires a pre-opening inspection.
At a glance
Food establishment (health) permit
- Issued by
- City or county health department (Houston Health Department, Harris County Public Health, Fort Bend County, or Texas DSHS)
- Government fee
- Texas model fees: $258, $515 or $773 a year by food sales (Houston follows these tiers since September 2025). Plan review and inspection fees vary.
- Typical time
- Houston: up to 15 business days; book the pre-opening inspection at least 14 business days ahead.
- Renewal
- 1 year in Houston. Not transferable to a new owner.
Fees and times as published by each agency (checked November 10, 2026). We confirm them again when we file.
Do you need one?
Yes, if the business prepares, serves or sells unpackaged food. In a convenience store that usually means coffee, fountain or frozen drinks, a roller grill, a hot case, a deli or kolache counter. A store selling only sealed, prepackaged food may not need one, but rules differ by health department. Ask before assuming you are exempt.
Which health department
The address decides, not the mailing city:
- Inside City of Houston limits: Houston Health Department, through the Houston Permitting Center.
- Unincorporated Harris County: Harris County Public Health.
- Fort Bend County: Fort Bend County Environmental Health, unless a city there runs its own program.
- Areas with no local program: the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Many Houston mailing addresses are in unincorporated Harris County. Checking which side of the line the store is on saves a rejected application.
Fees
Texas sets model yearly fees of $258, $515 or $773 for retail food establishments, based on yearly food sales, and Houston has used these tiers since September 2025. Plan review (for construction or new equipment), pre-opening inspections and re-inspections can carry separate fees that vary by department.
The steps in Houston
- Plans and details. A floor plan, the menu or product list, the equipment list, and the certificate of the store's certified food manager.
- Plan review if there is construction, remodeling or new food equipment.
- Pre-opening inspection. Book it at least 14 business days ahead. A certified food manager must be present.
- Pay and post. Pay the invoice and post the permit where customers can see it.
Houston can take up to 15 business days to process the permit, so build that into the opening date.
Staff rules
- At least one certified food manager is required for most food establishments, and must be on site for inspections.
- Every food employee needs a food handler card within 60 days of hire.
Renewal and new owners
Houston food permits run for 1 year and are renewed yearly. They do not transfer: a new owner applies for a new permit and goes through inspection again. A store that bags its own ice for sale also needs a separate state food manufacturer license from DSHS.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a food permit in Houston?
Houston follows the Texas model fee tiers of $258, $515 or $773 a year, based on yearly food sales. Plan review and some inspections cost extra.
Does a convenience store need a food permit in Texas?
If it sells coffee, fountain drinks, hot food or anything prepared on site, yes. A store selling only sealed prepackaged food may not, depending on the health department.
Who issues food permits outside Houston city limits?
Harris County Public Health in unincorporated Harris County, Fort Bend County Environmental Health in Fort Bend County, and DSHS where there is no local program.
Can a new owner use the old owner's food permit?
No. Food establishment permits do not transfer. The new owner applies and passes an inspection.
How long does a Houston food permit take?
Up to 15 business days. Book the pre-opening inspection at least 14 business days ahead.
Sources
- Texas DSHS: retail food establishments
- Houston Permitting Center: food establishment permit
- Harris County Public Health: food service permits
- Fort Bend County: food establishments
This guide is general information about Texas government filings, not legal advice. Agencies change fees and rules; check the official source or ask us before you rely on a figure.
Related guides
- What permits do you need to open a convenience store in Texas?Every permit a new Texas convenience store files, which agency issues each one, the government fees, and the order to file them in so nothing stalls.
- What permits do you need to open a restaurant in Texas?The permits a new Texas restaurant files: sales tax, certificate of occupancy, food establishment permit, TABC for beer, wine or mixed drinks, and what each costs.
- How to get a certificate of occupancy in HoustonWhen a Houston business needs a certificate of occupancy, the $94 to $537.12 fee, the same-day processing and inspection, and what changes outside city limits.