Texas city permit guide
Houston mobile food units should keep several records together: the local MFU permit and medallion during the transition, DSHS licensing after July 1, 2026, annual fire inspection, CPF support, restroom letters, property letters, plans, insurance, and SOPs.
Last reviewed May 2026. This guide is informational and is not legal advice.
Direct answer
A Houston food truck should track the current Houston Mobile Food Unit permit/medallion transition, DSHS mobile food permit path, annual or temporary fire inspection, Central Preparation Facility records, restroom letter, property letter, vehicle insurance, menu disclosure, location list, and SOP documents.
Houston mobile food units2026 change
Houston says City MFU permits and medallions will no longer be valid after June 2026, and operators must obtain the DSHS-issued permit beginning July 1, 2026.
DSHS retail food establishmentsPermit checklist
Start with the address and use of the space. New openings, remodels, ownership changes, alcohol service, mobile operations, and special equipment can each add requirements.
Also seen as: MFU permit, medallion, mobile food unit inspection
Houston says City MFU permits and medallions will no longer be valid after June 2026, and operators must obtain a DSHS-issued permit beginning July 1, 2026.
Also seen as: state mobile food unit permit, HB 2844 license transition
Beginning July 1, 2026, Houston says operators must apply for and obtain a DSHS permit and payment receipt, then contact Houston Health Department to schedule inspection.
Also seen as: HFD MFU annual fire inspection, temporary event fire inspection
Houston notes annual fire inspection information has changed, and temporary fire inspections are valid only for the event.
Also connected to: commissary, location list, SOP, Health 1-8, menu disclosure
Houston lists required physical documents including MFU plans, vehicle insurance, menu disclosure, list of locations, restroom letter, property letter, Health 1-8, and SOP form.
Why it gets missed
City permits/medallions sunset as DSHS permitting becomes required statewide in July 2026.
A truck may need both health documentation and HFD fire inspection records.
Operators may need to show plans, letters, insurance, SOPs, and disclosures.
Houston notes change-of-ownership MFUs require application and plan review fee steps.
PermitWatchdog workflow
PermitWatchdog tracks the Houston MFU transition, DSHS permit, fire inspection, CPF and support letters, and operating document packet by renewal date.
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