Farmers Markets
Planning to serve food or drinks at an farmers market in Austin? This page will help you quickly determine whether you need a Farmers Market Permit, how to apply, what the associated fees are, and where to find the resources you need to operate safely and in compliance with local and state regulations.
Start here: Pre-Application Information
Please review the sections below before submitting your farmers market application. This information will help you to determine whether a permit is required and ensure you are prepared to apply.
- Do You Need a Farmers Market Permit?
If you plan to offer consumable products to the public at a Certified Farmers Market, you are required to have a Farmers Market Permit. Permits are issued by jurisdiction and are only valid within the specified jurisdiction. One permit per jurisdiction allows you to operate at any Certified Farmers Market located in that jurisdiction. For more information, see our Farmers Market FAQ (PDF).
You do not need a Farmers Market Permit if you are:
- Selling commercially prepackaged (closed), shelf-stable foods
- Selling Raw agricultural products, including whole, uncut fruits and vegetables and nuts in their shell
- Operating in compliance with the Cottage Food Law (see Food Safety Laws and Regulations below)
- Selling properly labeled honey or honeycomb produced by a Small Honey Production Operation
- Providing free samples
- What You Need to Know Before Applying
How do I know if the Farmers Market is Certified?
Farmers markets are certified through the Texas Department of Agriculture. A list of approved, Certified Farmers Markets is available online: Texas Department of Agriculture Website > Grants & Services > Certified Farmers Markets.What do I need to apply?
You need a completed Farmers Market permit application, a notarized agreement with a Central Preparation Facility, and current & valid government identification card along with any applicable fees. All applications must be submitted and approved before a permit can be issued.Where do I get a permit?
You may submit an application online or in-person, by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling (512) 978-0300. Turn in the completed application with applicable fees at least 10 days before your first market day. The Farmers Market Permit will be mailed to the business owner indicated on the application.Do I need to have an agreement with a Central Preparation Facility (CPF)?
Yes, it is City Ordinance that all permitted Farmers Market vendors have a notarized Central Preparation Facility agreement even if just for emergency use only.
How to Apply for a Permit
Use the drop-down menus below to learn how to apply for a Farmers Market Permit, access supplemental application documents, and review current permit fees.
- How to Apply for a Farmers Market Permit
You can apply for a permit in three ways: in person, by mail, or online. Choose the option that works best for you.
Apply in Person
You may come to our office at 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754, and turn in a printed application.Apply by Mail
You may mail us your completed paper application at Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.
*All overnight or expedited mail should be sent directly to our Rutherford Lane office to ensure timely processing.--> Farmers Market: Operational Permit Application (PDF)
Apply Online
You may apply through the My Health Department Customer Portal. To get started, follow the steps below:- Visit Login | Austin Public Health | My Health Department.
- Create an account online and log-in using your account information.
- Click Special Permitting Food Applications -> Farmers Market: Operational Permit Application.
- Click Submit a New Farmers Market: Operational Permit Application.
Follow the built-in instructions to fill out the application form (*required fields have red asterisk).
Sign the document to acknowledge that the information is true and correct.
Upload any pertinent files.
Save draft (and edit later if needed).
Click Submit.
From the dashboard, click Past Submissions to view and edit the application, attach new files or add messages.
Once approved, the owner will receive a physical permit and permission to operate. This approval is required to complete the permitting process.
Need help? Visit the APH office (1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205) or call 512‑978‑0300.
- Additional Application Documents - Variance, HACCP, Central Preparation Facility
Variance Request or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan
Use this application to request a variance, allowing your establishment to deviate from the approved standards, and/or submit a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan showing how you will mitigate risks to food safety.--> Variance Review / HACCP Request (PDF)
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)
- Farmers Market Permit Fees
To view the full fee schedule for all permits, visit Permit Fee Schedule | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.
Permit Fees for Farmers Markets in the City of Austin and Inter-Local Municipalities:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Class A $100 Class B $100 Permit Fees for Farmers Markets in Unincorporated Travis County:
Permit Fee Type Permitting Fee Class A n/a Class B n/a - Farmers Market Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
View frequently asked questions about farmers market booth operations.How to Start a Farmers Market Business
Find pertinent information on starting a business at a farmers' market.--> How to Start a Farmers Market Business (PDF)
How to Set up a Farmers Market Booth
Find complete information on setting up your vendor booth at a farmers' market.--> How to Set Up a Farmers Market Booth (PDF)
Food Manager and Food Handler Requirements
Learn about the training and certification requirements for food enterprise personnel.--> Food Personnel Requirements | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov
- Food Donation and Waste Reduction
View our food donation guidelines and facts, and information on how to reduce waste.
--> Universal Recycling Ordinance | Austin Resource Recovery | AustinTexas.gov
- Texas Cottage Food Production
View guidance on cottage food production: food preparation operated out of homes.
- City of Austin Regulations
Austin City Code Chapter 10‑3 – Food and Food Handlers
This chapter establishes the local Food Code for the City of Austin. It includes permit requirements for fixed, mobile, and temporary food establishments; plan review requirements for new construction and remodels; conditions for operating food establishments; local inspection authority and enforcement actions.
Austin City Code Chapter 10-3-97 – Certified Farmers Market Vendors
This chapter establishes the local regulations for Certified Farmers Market vendors in the City of Austin. It includes permit requirements for vendors; operational standards for offering food and other consumable products; conditions for maintaining sanitary and safe market environments; and local inspection and enforcement authority.
Austin City Code Chapter 10‑6 – Smoking in Public Places
This chapter regulates smoking in public places within the City of Austin. It establishes requirements for maintaining indoor air quality and prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces.
Dogs in Outdoor Dining Areas – Ordinance No. 20151008‑011
This ordinance allows food establishments to permit pet dogs in outdoor dining areas when all required safety and sanitation requirements are met.
- Travis County Regulations
Travis County Code Chapter 247 – Food Establishment Permits
This chapter applies only to unincorporated areas of Travis County. It establishes permits requirements for food establishments operating within Travis County jurisdiction; inspection procedures enforced by county health authorities; compliance standards that align with state rules under Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code.
- Phone: (512) 978-0300 and select option 5.
- Email: ehsd.service@austintexas.gov
- Mailing Address: Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.
*All overnight or expedited mail should be sent directly to our Rutherford Lane office to ensure timely processing. - Physical Address: Environmental Health Services, 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754.
- Lobby Hours: 7:45am - 3:30pm | Office Hours: 7:45am - 4:45pm
Guides: How to Operate a Farmers Market
Use the drop-down menus below to find guidance on how to set up and operate a farmers market booth safely and in compliance with City of Austin requirements. This section includes FAQs, food manager and food handler information, guidance on food donation and waste reduction, and resources for Texas Cottage Food Production.
Food Safety Laws and Regulations
Food safety in Austin is governed by multiple layers of law - federal, state, and local - working together. Click the drop-down menus below to learn more.
Contact Information
If you need assistance, we're here to help. Use the contact us form or reach us by phone, email, mail, or in person at the address below. You can also view a map of our location for easy directions.
Have Feedback?
We welcome your feedback and use it to improve our services. Please share your experience through the online survey below. If you need to address a concern or request a second opinion about an inspection result or complaint, contact us at 512-978-0300 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
--> 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.