A new Texas law is forcing the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District to restructure its food service permit and inspection fees, with some costs more than tripling for local businesses starting in March.
Senate Bill 1008, which took effect September 1, 2025, prohibits cities, counties and public health districts from requiring local food service establishments to obtain permits or charge fees that exceed what the Texas Department of State Health Services would charge under state law.
The law fundamentally changes how food businesses are charged, shifting from an employee-based fee structure to one based on gross annual food sales…