Start a Business in Fort Worth

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $25–$150

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Overview

Starting a business in Fort Worth requires a Certificate of Occupancy through the Development Services Department. Base fee: $25–$150. No state business license. No state income tax. Cities vary widely — some require licenses, some don't.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)
✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration
✓County: health department permit + fire inspection
✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

2

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

3

County: health department permit + fire inspection

4

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $25–$150 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$25–$150
Restaurant$50–$300

Contact

Development Services Department

Phone: 817-392-2222

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Certificate of Occupancy system similar to Dallas
⚠ Tarrant County for health permits
⚠ Stockyards district has historic preservation requirements
⚠ DFW metroplex — separate from Dallas regulations
⚠ Texas has no state income tax but requires a franchise tax (margin tax) filing annually

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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