How to Get a Business License in Brownsville: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Brownsville, TX requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Cameron County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the No general business license, issued by the Planning & Development. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
Contact the Planning & Development at 956-548-6150 for current requirements. More information is available at cob.us.
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What Makes Brownsville Different
Brownsville has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- US-Mexico border city
- Maquiladora/cross-border manufacturing
- Cameron County for unincorporated areas
- SpaceX launch site nearby — aerospace businesses growing
- Texas has no state income tax but requires a franchise tax (margin tax) filing annually
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Brownsville need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (TX): LLC or Corporation filing through the Texas Secretary of State. Filing fee: $300 LLC, processing time: 2-5 business days.
County (Cameron County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Brownsville): No general business license from the Planning & Development. Phone: 956-548-6150.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Brownsville can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Brownsville has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Brownsville's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.