Do you need a license to sell honey in Texas?

In most cases you can sell pure honey from your own bees in Texas without a food license.

Small honey production exemption (Health & Safety Code §437.0199): under 2,500 lb/yr (~200 gal) from your own Texas hives, direct to consumer. Net weight in both US and metric.

What your Texas honey label must include

Start with the federal basics that apply in every state:

  • The word "Honey" (you can name the floral source, like "Wildflower Honey", if it is the main source)
  • Net weight in both US and metric, in the bottom 30 percent of the front label
  • Your name and address
  • No ingredient list is needed for pure honey; add one the moment you add anything

Then, for Texas: "Bottled or packaged in a facility not inspected by the Texas Department of State Health Services." May only be labeled "honey" or "pure honey" if it is exclusively pure honey.

For the full federal rules, including when a nutrition panel is required, see our honey labeling requirements guide.

The official Texas source

These rules are set by Texas Dept of State Health Services (DSHS). This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official Texas guidance.

Quick checklist for Texas

  • The word "Honey"
  • Net weight in US and metric, bottom 30 percent of the front
  • Your name and address
  • The Texas statement or disclaimer described above
  • Optional but recommended: "Do not feed honey to infants under one year of age"