Farmers Markets
Planning to serve food or beverages at a Certified Farmers Market in Austin or Travis County? This page explains when you need a Farmers Market Permit, how to apply, operational and safety requirements, and guidance on food donation and waste reduction. It also includes resources to help you operate safely and in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Do You Need a Farmers Market Permit?
A Farmers Market Permit is required if you provide consumable products to the public at a Certified Farmers Market. Permits are issued by jurisdiction, and one permit per jurisdiction allows you to operate at any Certified Farmers Market within that jurisdiction. For more information, see our Farmers Market FAQ (PDF).
You DO need a permit if you:
• Sell or distribute foods or beverages at a Certified Farmers Market.
• Prepare or handle open foods at your booth.
• Serve beverages (all beverages are considered “food” under FDA Food Code).
You do NOT need a permit if you:
• Sell commercially prepackaged, shelf‑stable foods.
• Sell whole, uncut raw agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, nuts in shell).
• Operate under the Cottage Food Law (no open samples; must follow labeling rules).
• For more information, visit Texas Cottage Food Production | Texas DSHS.
• Sell properly labeled honey or honeycomb from a Small Honey Production Operation.
• Provide free samples following required sanitary conditions.
Is the Farmers Market Certified?
Certified Farmers Markets are listed on Texas Department of Agriculture Website > Grants & Services > Certified Farmers Markets. Vendors may only operate at certified markets with a valid permit.
Permit Types: Class A vs Class B
Class A Permit
• Allows only prepackaged TCS (Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety) foods.
• Allows beverages in closed containers (customer self‑service).
• Allows properly labeled eggs.
• No open food handling allowed.
• No Food Manager or Food Handler certification required.Class B Permit
• Allows all types of foods, including open food handling.
• Allows bulk dispensing, onsite cooking, full food preparation, and employee‑served beverages.
• Requires:
• An original Food Manager Certificate posted at the booth (must be registered with the City of Austin if operating in Austin).
• All employees who handle food must complete accredited Food Handler training.
Before You Apply
Find information on how to start a business at a farmers' market: How to Start a Farmers Market Business (PDF).
Central Preparation Facility (CPF)
All permitted Farmers Market vendors must have a notarized Central Preparation Facility agreement, even if used only for emergencies.
• CPFs must be permitted commercial kitchens—private homes are not allowed.
• A current CPF agreement must remain on file with Austin Public Health.
• Any change in CPF must be reported immediately.Permit Exemptions
Some booths are exempt from fees (but still require permits):
• Egg‑only vendors (City of Austin only).
• Bona fide educational booths run by market management.Jurisdiction Rules
You may only operate in the jurisdiction printed on your permit. APH provides permitting for: City of Austin, unincorporated Travis County, Sunset Valley, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Rollingwood, Volente, and Westlake Hills.
How to Apply
You may apply online, by mail, or in person. To apply in person or by mail, download the Farmers Market: Operational Permit Application (PDF).
What You Need
• Completed Farmers Market Operational Permit Application.
• Notarized CPF agreement.
• Valid government‑issued photo ID.
• Permit fee.
• Any required proof of approved food source (e.g., State Manufacturing License, Health Permit).Apply Online
1. Visit the Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
2. Create/log in to your account.
3. Select: Special Permitting Food Applications → Farmers Market Operational Permit Application.
4. Complete, upload documents, sign, and submit.
5. Track your submission under “Past Submissions.”Apply In Person
Bring a printed application to: 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1, Suite 205, Austin, TX 78754.
Apply by Mail
Mail a completed application to: Environmental Health Services PO Box 142529 Austin, TX 78767.
Overnight mail should be sent directly to the Rutherford Lane office.After Approval
• Permits are mailed to the business owner.
• Permits must be posted at every booth at every certified market.Permit Validity & Renewal
• Permits are valid for 1 year.
• Renewal requires a new application and fee.
• Late renewals incur a late fee.
• Permits can be closed by emailing ehsd.service@austintexas.gov with booth details.Central Preparation Facility Contracts
Your CPF is the food establishment where you store your foods between markets. A private home may not be used as a CPF. A CPF agreement must be on file with the City of Austin during the entire duration of the Farmers Market permit. Any changes in CPF providers must be reported to the Environmental Health Services Division immediately. These documents are completed by the owner or responsible party on file of the Central Preparation Facility (CPF).
• Central Preparation Facility Contract (PDF)
• Central Preparation Facility Certification (PDF) (for facilities outside of Austin/Travis County)Permit Fees
View the full permit fee schedule at Permit Fee Schedule | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.
City of Austin & Inter‑Local Municipalities
• Class A: $100
• Class B: $100Unincorporated Travis County
No permits available for Class A or Class B in unincorporated areas.
Required On‑Site Operational Standards
• View frequently asked questions about farmers market booth operations: Farmers Market FAQ (PDF).
• Learn about the training and certification requirements for food enterprise personnel at Food Personnel Requirements | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.govApproved Food Sources
• No home‑prepared foods allowed.
• Food must be from permitted commercial kitchens, grocery stores, or state‑licensed manufacturers.Temperature Requirements
• Cold foods: 41°F or below.
• Hot foods: 135°F or above.
• Frozen foods must remain frozen.
• Minimum cooking temperatures:
• Poultry: 165°F
• Ground meats: 155°F
• Whole meats, fish, eggs for immediate service: 145°FFree Sample Requirements
• Provide a temporary handwashing station.
• Wash produce before sampling.
• Wear gloves when preparing samples.
• Dispose of TCS samples within 2 hours if not kept at 41°F or below.
• Use clean, non‑absorbent cutting surfaces.Eggs, Meat & Fish
• Egg producers must maintain eggs at 45°F or below.
• Meat/poultry must come from licensed facilities (USDA/DSHS). Storage requires CPF or licensed facility.
• Fish vendors must have a Texas Parks & Wildlife commercial license.Specialized Processes
A HACCP plan is required for reduced‑oxygen packaging or food preservation processes. Download the Variance Review / HACCP Request (PDF).
Farmers Market Booth Setup Guide
Find complete information on setting up your vendor booth at a farmers' market: How to Set Up a Farmers Market Booth (PDF)
Handwashing Station
• Soap and paper towels.
• Free‑flowing spigot (not push‑button).
• Wastewater catch container.Dishwashing Station (3‑compartment)
• Wash (soap).
• Rinse (clean water).
• Sanitize (50–100 ppm chlorine).Equipment & Supplies
• Metal stem thermometer (0–165°F or higher).
• Sanitizer bucket with wiping cloth.
• Chlorine test strips.
• Approved wastewater disposal.
• Overhead and ground coverings.Food Donation & Waste Reduction
Food donations help reduce waste and support community hunger‑relief efforts. Austin encourages food recovery as part of its Zero Waste goals. View our Food Donation Guide (PDF), Food Donation Facts (PDF), and find information on how to reduce waste at Universal Recycling Ordinance | Austin Resource Recovery | AustinTexas.gov.
Foods That May Be Donated Without a Permit
• Prepackaged, non‑TCS shelf‑stable food (canned goods, cereal, baked goods, bottled water).
Foods Requiring a Permit to Donate
• All TCS foods (e.g., cut melons, dairy, eggs, meats, cooked foods).
• Must be cooled correctly and held at safe temperatures.
• Both donor and recipient must be permitted food establishments.
• Transporters must maintain required holding temperatures.Labeling Requirements
• Prepackaged foods must retain original label.
• Prepared foods must include:
• Food name
• Source
• Date of preparationFoods That Cannot Be Donated
• TCS foods >7 days old or past expiration.
• Dented cans, unlabeled items.
• Distressed foods (fire, smoke, contamination).
• Previously served foods.
• Home‑prepared TCS foods.Food Safety Laws & Regulations
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code (2017)
• Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) – 25 TAC Chapter 228
• Austin City Code Chapter 10‑3 – Food and Food Handlers
• Austin City Code Chapter 10-3-97 – Certified Farmers Market Vendors
• Austin City Code Chapter 10‑6 – Smoking in Public Places
• Dogs in Outdoor Dining Areas – Ordinance No. 20151008‑011
• Travis County Code Chapter 247 – Food Establishment PermitsContact Information
Environmental Health Services Division
Phone: 512‑978‑0300
Email: ehsd.service@austintexas.gov
Address: 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754
Mailing: PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78714Feedback
Please help us improve by completing the Environmental Health Services feedback survey: Feedback Survey: Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services.
To return to our Environmental Health Services Division page, visit Environmental Health Services | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.