Catering Business Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

   Required for all catering businesses in Texas. Catering services (prepared food served at a customer's location) are taxable. The combined tax rate in Fort Worth is 8.25% (6.25% state + 2% local). Apply for free through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. Certified Food Manager Certification

   Texas requires each food establishment to employ at least one certified food protection manager - under 25 TAC 228.33(a), at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility must be a certified food protection manager who passed an accredited (ANSI/ANAB-CFP) exam such as ServSafe, Prometric, or National Registry (authorized by Health & Safety Code 437.0076; see also 25 TAC 229.177(b)). State rules do not require the CFM to be on-site at all hours - a person in charge must be present - but a city ordinance may require a CFM on-site at all times, so check the local health department.

   Official government source

   ~$35-$150 depending on provider (exam-only vs course + exam)·1–2 days; certification issued same day

   ~$35-$150 depending on provider (exam-only vs course + exam)

   1–2 days; certification issued same day

3. Texas Food Handler Card

   All food employees (anyone working with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces) must complete a DSHS-accredited food handler training course within 30 days of employment (25 TAC 228.31; Health & Safety Code ch. 438). Cards/certificates are valid to the expiration date printed, or 2 years from issuance if none (25 TAC 229.178). Accredited online courses cost roughly $7-$15.

   Official government source

   $7-$15 per employee·2–4 hours online; card issued upon completion

   $7-$15 per employee

   2–4 hours online; card issued upon completion

1. City of Fort Worth — Food Establishment Permit (Catering)

   Caterers operating from a fixed commercial kitchen in Fort Worth must obtain a food establishment permit from the City of Fort Worth Consumer Health division (Environmental Services Department). A plan review and pre-opening inspection apply to new establishments, and the commissary kitchen must itself be permitted. Contact Consumer Health at 817-392-7255.

   Official government source

   $258, $515, or $773 per year based on gross annual sales (<$50,000 / $50,000-$149,999 / $150,000+), per the Fort Worth Consumer Health fee amendments effective September 1, 2025·2–6 weeks (application, plan review, and pre-opening inspection)

   $258, $515, or $773 per year based on gross annual sales (<$50,000 / $50,000-$149,999 / $150,000+), per the Fort Worth Consumer Health fee amendments effective September 1, 2025

   2–6 weeks (application, plan review, and pre-opening inspection)

2. Tarrant County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   Required if operating your catering business under any name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Tarrant County Clerk. Valid up to 10 years.

   Official government source

   $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)·Same day to 1 week

   $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)

   Same day to 1 week

3. City of Fort Worth Fire Marshal Inspection

   Commercial kitchens in Fort Worth must comply with the Fort Worth Fire Code (hood suppression systems, extinguishers). Fire inspections may be required in connection with the Certificate of Occupancy or health-permit process depending on scope -- confirm requirements and any fee with the Fort Worth Fire Department.

   Official government source

   Confirm with the Fort Worth Fire Department·1–3 weeks to schedule and complete

   Confirm with the Fort Worth Fire Department

   1–3 weeks to schedule and complete

Official Sources

• City of Fort Worth — Environmental Health / Code Compliance
• City of Fort Worth — Fire Prevention
• Tarrant County Clerk — Assumed Name Certificates
• Texas DSHS — Food Establishments
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

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