House Bill 2844, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, creates a uniform statewide licensing system for Mobile Food Vendors (MFV). The legislation creates a new occupational licensing program administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and is intended to standardize regulation, reduce local inconsistencies, and support small food-based businesses. 

The provisions take effect July 1, 2026, with limited provisions effective earlier to allow for rulemaking and implementation.

The City of Pearland will continue to regulate:

• Zoning and approved operating locations
• Fire and life safety requirements
• Traffic, noise, and general public safety
• Compliance with local ordinances unrelated to food safety permitting

• MFV are required to have a valid MFV License by Texas DSHS prior to setting up, preparing, or serving food at any location in the city.
• Mobile Food Vendors may only operate or set up at permitted or otherwise City approved events and locations. 
  
  • This includes temporary events under an issued temporary activity permit and special events under a special event permit  
  • An exception to the above is allowed for mobile food units wishing to set-up at a micro-brewery, micro-distillery, or micro-winery; as defined in Unified Development Code Sec. 2.5.3.2 (a)
• Per the Unified Development Code (UDC), a Temporary Event Permit may be required for events as allowed in certain zoning districts as noted and must be issued prior to setting up for service/sales:
• General Business (GB), General Commercial (GC), and Neighborhood Services (NS).
• Properties zoned GB or GC are allowed six (6) events per year.
• Properties zoned NS are allowed four (4) events per year.