Fort Worth does not require a general business license — but that does not mean your LLC can open without any compliance obligations. Texas state filings (franchise tax and sales tax permit) apply to every Texas LLC, and depending on your industry and physical location, the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County have specific permit requirements you must satisfy before opening to the public.
Step 1: Know that Texas has no general state business license
Texas does not require a general state-level business license to begin operating. Compliance is handled through specific tax registrations and, for certain industries, state-issued professional or occupational licenses.
What every Texas LLC must do regardless of city:
- Texas Franchise Tax — filed with the Comptroller by May 15 each year, even if you owe nothing. The 2026 no-tax-due threshold is $2,650,000 in annualized total revenue. See our franchise tax guide.
- Public Information Report (Form 05-102) — filed alongside your franchise tax return every May 15. Required even if you owe zero in tax. See our PIR guide.
- Texas Sales Tax Permit — required if your business sells taxable goods or services in Texas. Free to apply through the Texas Comptroller's portal.
Common mistake: Many new business owners assume "no general license" means "no compliance required." Texas LLCs still face a $50 late fee per missed franchise tax return, plus potential forfeiture of the LLC's right to do business in Texas.
Step 2: Determine whether you need a Certificate of Occupancy
If your Fort Worth LLC occupies any commercial space — storefront, office, restaurant, warehouse, or studio — you almost certainly need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) from the City of Fort Worth before opening to customers. The CO confirms that your space meets Fort Worth's building, fire, and zoning codes for your intended use.
How to get a CO in Fort Worth:
- Visit Fort Worth Development Services at fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services — this is the City's central portal for building permits, inspections, and occupancy certificates.
- Apply for a CO or change-of-use permit if you are moving into an existing commercial space or changing how a space is used (for example, converting office space to a retail storefront). Submit your business address, the intended use, and any planned tenant improvements.
- Pass a building inspection — a City of Fort Worth inspector will verify fire safety, structural integrity, accessibility compliance, and code requirements for your specific business type.
- Receive your Certificate of Occupancy — once the inspection passes, the City issues the CO. Post it visibly on-site.
Home-based businesses generally do not need a CO, but may need a Home Occupation Permit from Fort Worth Development Services if customers visit the home, you employ people at the home, or the business generates significant traffic or deliveries. Check Fort Worth's zoning ordinance for your specific address.
Estimated time: 2–6 weeks depending on permit type, inspection scheduling, and whether corrections to the space are required.
Step 3: Check industry-specific Fort Worth and Tarrant County permits
Fort Worth has no general business license, but specific industries require permits from the City of Fort Worth or Tarrant County:
Food and beverage businesses:
- A Food Establishment Permit from the City of Fort Worth's Code Compliance Department — Environmental Health Division is required for any food service operation within Fort Worth city limits. Fees vary by business type, seating capacity, and risk category.
- Restaurants, food trucks, and catering businesses must pass a health inspection before opening and maintain their permit with annual renewals.
- Food trucks additionally need a mobile food vendor permit and must operate from an approved commissary kitchen. Fort Worth Code Compliance administers mobile food vendor permits separately from fixed-location food establishment permits.
- For businesses located in unincorporated Tarrant County (outside Fort Worth city limits), food permitting falls under Tarrant County Public Health.
Alcohol sales:
- Selling or serving alcohol requires a TABC permit from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission — a state license applied for at tabc.texas.gov. The City of Fort Worth does not issue a separate local liquor license, but some Fort Worth zoning districts have special restrictions on alcohol sales near schools, churches, or residential areas.
Contractors and trades:
- Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians need state licenses from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Contractors must also obtain city permits for each individual project within Fort Worth city limits through Fort Worth Development Services.
- General contractors performing construction or renovation work in Fort Worth must pull project-specific building permits through Fort Worth Development Services before starting any work.
Signs and exterior improvements:
- Any exterior business sign in Fort Worth requires a Sign Permit from Fort Worth Development Services before installation. Fort Worth enforces sign regulations covering height, size, illumination, and placement relative to streets and property lines.
Common mistake: Assuming your Texas state license (TABC, TDLR) covers Fort Worth city requirements. Contractors still need to pull individual city permits for each project through Fort Worth Development Services. State licensing and city permitting are separate processes.
Step 4: Register employer accounts if you have employees
If your Fort Worth LLC hires W-2 employees, two additional state-level obligations apply:
- Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax — register with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and file quarterly wage reports. New employers pay approximately 2.7%. Reports are due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31. See our UI tax guide.
- New Hire Reporting — report each new hire to the Texas Attorney General's Office within 20 days of their start date. See our new hire reporting guide.
Texas has no state income tax withholding, so there is no state employee income tax to manage.
Step 5: Keep your registered agent current
All Texas LLCs must maintain a registered agent with a physical Texas address at all times. Your registered agent receives official legal and tax notices, including lawsuit service and letters from the Comptroller. If your agent moves, resigns, or becomes unreachable without a replacement on file, you risk missing critical compliance deadlines.
Update your registered agent by filing Form 401 with the Texas Secretary of State. See our registered agent guide for full requirements and instructions.
Quick reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| General city license | Not required in Fort Worth |
| Certificate of Occupancy | Required for commercial spaces — Fort Worth Development Services |
| Home Occupation Permit | May be required for home-based businesses with customers or employees |
| Food Permit | Fort Worth Code Compliance, Environmental Health Division |
| Franchise Tax | Due May 15 annually — Texas Comptroller |
| Sales Tax Permit | Required if selling taxable goods/services — free to apply |
| TABC Permit | Required for alcohol sales — state level, tabc.texas.gov |
| Contractor Permits | Fort Worth Development Services — per-project city permits required |
| Permits Portal | fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services |
| State Filings Portal | comptroller.texas.gov |
FAQ
Does Fort Worth require a general business license?
No. Fort Worth does not require a general business license for most businesses. What you need depends on your industry and whether you occupy a commercial space within city limits. However, all Fort Worth LLCs still owe Texas state filings — franchise tax and Public Information Report — due every May 15.
How do I get a Certificate of Occupancy in Fort Worth?
Apply through Fort Worth Development Services at fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services. After your commercial space passes a city inspection, Fort Worth issues a Certificate of Occupancy. Most businesses opening a physical location in Fort Worth need a CO before welcoming customers or employees on-site.
What permits does the City of Fort Worth require for a new business?
It depends on your business type. Common Fort Worth permits include a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial spaces, a food establishment permit from Fort Worth Code Compliance's Environmental Health Division for food businesses, a TABC permit for alcohol sales, and sign permits for exterior signage. Home-based businesses with customers or employees may need a Home Occupation Permit.
What state filings does a Fort Worth LLC need?
All Texas LLCs must file a franchise tax report and Public Information Report with the Texas Comptroller by May 15 each year — even with zero revenue. If you sell taxable goods or services, you also need a free Texas Sales Tax Permit. See our Texas LLC compliance checklist for the full list.
What happens if I open my Fort Worth business without required permits?
Operating without required permits can result in fines from the City of Fort Worth, a stop-work order, or forced closure. Food businesses operating without a health permit face immediate shutdown by Fort Worth Code Compliance inspectors. For commercial spaces, missing a Certificate of Occupancy can result in city enforcement action and potential lease complications.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Permit requirements change — always verify current requirements directly with Fort Worth Development Services, Fort Worth Code Compliance, and the Texas Comptroller before acting.
Not sure what else your Texas LLC owes?
Most business owners are surprised by how many filing obligations they have. Ortholo's free compliance checker shows you everything you owe, when it's due, and what happens if you miss it — personalized to your entity.
Last verified: 2026-06-08
Sources: Fort Worth Development Services | Fort Worth Code Compliance | Tarrant County Public Health | Texas Comptroller — Franchise Tax | Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax | Texas Workforce Commission