Replaced a decade-old employee-count schedule ($140-$600/yr). Permit valid Jan 1-Dec 31; payments after Jan 31 are charged a double fee. Ector County does not charge re-inspection/follow-up fees. Businesses may submit income documentation to qualify for a lower tier.
County permit valid only outside city limits; a central preparation facility/commissary is required. City permit paid via MGO Connect. Effective July 1, 2026, Texas HB 2844 shifts mobile food unit permitting to a statewide DSHS permit.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary / seasonal event | Temporary (one-time) food permit $60; Seasonal food permit (covers up to 6 separate uses per year) $100 - source https://www.ectorcountytx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/624/Frequently-Asked-Questions-PDF | From the Ector County Health Department FAQ; these figures predate the 2026 gross-annual-sales fee restructure and should be confirmed with the department. |
| Pushcart / mobile vending | Ector County Mobile Food Vendor $150; Snow-Cone/Coffee stand $100 (county permit, valid only outside Odessa city limits) - source https://newtools.cira.state.tx.us/upload/page/7889/docs/Health/Food%20Service/New%20Mobile%20Food%20Establishment%20Packet.pdf. City of Odessa Mobile Food Vendor $300/yr + $50 single event (inside city limits) - source https://www.odessa-tx.gov/1292/Food-Truck-Vendor-Information | Two-layer permitting (county health permit outside city; city operating permit inside Odessa). A central preparation facility/commissary is required. Effective July 1, 2026, mobile permitting shifts to a statewide DSHS permit under Texas HB 2844. |