Coffee shop licenses
in Fort Worth, Texas
Start with the main licenses and permits below. For a checklist based on your own business, tell us what you’re opening and how it will operate.
Researched Sep 2026
About this example
The business is a coffee shop located in Fort Worth, Texas, that serves food and beverages to customers in a physical commercial location. It will have W-2 employees and is subject to various federal, state, county, and city licensing requirements.
Requirement labels below refer to this setup. Conditional items depend on additional details.
Authorities researched
- County
- Tarrant County
Details to confirm before you apply
- What is the exact fee for the food establishment permit?
- What is the processing time for the food establishment permit?
- Will the shop need a change-of-use permit based on the prior tenant's use?
- What is the current fee for the plan review based on the shop's square footage?
- Does the shop need to install a commercial kitchen hood for cooking equipment?
- Are there any insurance or bond requirements for this business?
- Confirm with the responsible agencies whether additional requirements apply in these areas: Federal employer obligations; City business license or tax registration; Business personal-property filing or exemption; Construction permits for the commercial premises. These areas remain unresolved in this guide.
The main licenses and permits
6 of 12- 01Food Establishment PermitCity of Fort Worth Environmental Services Department · Fort Worth
The coffee shop prepares and serves food to the public, requiring a permit under Fort Worth Code § 16-111.
RequiredAnnual permit; must be renewed. - 02Fort Worth Food Manager's CardCity of Fort Worth Environmental Services Department · Fort Worth
Managers of food facilities in Fort Worth are required to hold a valid Food Manager's Card.
RequiredCertification valid 5 years. - 03Fort Worth Food-Handler CardCity of Fort Worth Environmental Services Department · Fort Worth
Any employee who prepares, serves, packages, or handles open food must hold a Fort Worth Food-Handler Card.
RequiredEvery 2 years. - 04Certificate of Occupancy (CO)City of Fort Worth Development Services Department · Fort Worth
Any building used or occupied in Fort Worth must have a CO; a coffee shop opening in a commercial space needs a new CO.
RequiredOne-time for the occupancy. - 05Sales and Use Tax Permit (seller's permit)Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts · Texas
The shop sells tangible personal property (coffee, food, merchandise) at retail in Texas.
RequiredNone — the permit is continuous. - 06Franchise tax account and annual reportTexas Comptroller of Public Accounts · Texas
LLCs and corporations formed in or doing business in Texas are subject to the franchise tax.
RequiredAnnual report due May 15 each year
This example includes 6 other potential requirements. A report based on your business explains which apply, how to file, published fees and timing, and what to complete first.
Make the checklist yours
Your location, activities, and business structure can change the list. Get a free preview for your business, then decide whether to unlock the full report for $49.
Questions people ask
What city business licenses or registrations should a coffee shop in Fort Worth check?
This guide does not establish whether Fort Worth requires a stand-alone general business license or registration. Confirm that question with the city, in addition to reviewing the industry permits and registrations below.
How much do licenses and permits cost for a coffee shop in Fort Worth?
About $16 in published fixed fees, plus variable fees. Several items have fees that depend on your entity type, square footage, or payroll, so the full report lists each fee as the agency publishes it.
What should I do first?
Review Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service (IRS)), then Certificate of Formation (LLC or corporation) (if applicable) (Texas Secretary of State), then Assumed Name Certificate (DBA) (if applicable) (Texas Secretary of State). Confirm each item's applicability and prerequisites before applying; the report provides a suggested order for the full checklist.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a research summary of public requirements published by government agencies, each linked to its official page. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.
Related guides
Researched from official government sources on September 2, 2026 for a typical coffee shop. Requirements change and depend on your facts; this page is not legal advice. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.