Barber / Cosmetology Permits & Licenses in Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth Code Sec. 17-6. Applies to protect business assets.

Limited to 25% of home; no walk-in clients typically. El Paso Code 20.10.

Covers sanitation inspections for cosmetology. Required in addition to state license.

Required for all LLCs. Mail filing $310, in-person $302.50. See fee schedule at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/businessfees.shtml

File with county clerk for single county use or SOS for statewide. Renew every 10 years. See Form 503 at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms/503_boc.pdf

Prerequisites: 1,000 hours training (barber), pass written/practical exams. Required for each owner/operator providing services. See full requirements at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering/barlicreq.htm

Requires licensed manager; minimum 100 sq ft; health/safety inspection. Apply after securing location. Rules at https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=16&pt=4&ch=83&rl=1

Required for buildings over 3,000 sq ft or with assembly. IFC 2021 adopted.

In Texas, workers' compensation is not universally mandatory. Employers may opt out (non-subscriber), but must file a non-subscriber notice and assume greater liability risk. However, if an employer chooses to provide coverage, it must cover all employees. For barbershops, this is elective unless operating under a contractor with a requirement. See Texas Labor Code § 406.021.

Not statutorily required by TDLR or state law for barber or cosmetology businesses, but strongly recommended due to risk of slips, falls, or client injuries. Some cities (e.g., Houston, Austin) may require proof for business licensing.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for all cosmetology and barbering establishments licensed by TDLR. This is a license bond to ensure compliance with state laws and rules. Applies to salons, barbershops, and schools. See TDLR Rule §83.15.

Texas law requires all motor vehicles registered in the state to carry minimum liability insurance. This applies to any vehicle used for business, including mobile barbering or product delivery. Minimums: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage (30/60/25).

Not mandated by Texas law or TDLR for barbers or cosmetologists. However, highly recommended due to risk of client injury or service complaints. May be required by landlords or franchise agreements.

Not legally required by Texas state law, but advisable if selling physical goods to clients. Covers claims related to defective or harmful products. May be required by distributors or retailers in supply agreements.

Cosmetology services generally nontaxable, but retail product sales require permit. Apply online via Webfile. Renew annually by April 15 if changes.

All LLCs must file No Tax Due Report or Franchise Tax Report. Threshold updated for 2024: $2.47M revenue. File via Webfile.

All Texas LLCs must file an annual franchise tax report, even if no tax is due. For 2024, businesses with annualized total revenue under $2.47 million are exempt from tax but must file the 'No Tax Due Report'. Form 05-153.501N required for exemption reporting.

Mandatory for employers with employees in Texas. Employers must withhold state income tax equivalents (Texas has no personal income tax, but federal withholding still applies; this registration is for state-level reporting). Registration via Form AP-201.

All employers in Texas must register with TWC and pay unemployment insurance tax (state unemployment tax - SUTA). New employers pay 2.7% on first $9,000 of wages per employee annually. File and pay quarterly using Form UI-101.

LLCs with employees or multiple members must have an EIN. Single-member LLCs without employees may use owner's SSN, but EIN is recommended. Apply online via IRS website.

Many Texas cities impose a local business tax or privilege tax. For example, Dallas requires a 'Business Tax Receipt' for barbershops. Fees vary by city. Check with local city or county clerk. Not all cities impose this tax.

While not a tax per se, facility registration with TDLR is mandatory for all barber and cosmetology businesses. This includes tax-identifiable reporting and is a prerequisite for legal operation. Renewed every two years. Required even if no employees.

Required for commercial spaces including barber shops to verify compliance with building, fire, and zoning codes. Austin City Code Chapter 5-4.

Applies to wall, projecting, or freestanding signs. Austin Land Development Code 6-4.

Zoning verification required for commercial use; barbershops typically permitted in C-1/C-2 zones.

Interior tenant finish-out permit required. Houston Code of Ordinances Sec. 10-32.

Annual fire inspection may follow initial permit. Required for businesses with public assembly.

Barber shops may require under 'Mercantile' or 'Special' category. Dallas Fire Code.

The FDA regulates cosmetics (hair dyes, shampoos, conditioners) and medical devices (e.g., electric clippers) used in barber shops. Businesses must not use misbranded or adulterated products. No pre-market approval for cosmetics, but labels must be truthful and not misleading. Devices must be safe and properly labeled. FDA does not require registration of facilities for cosmetic retailers (only manufacturers).

Applies to all LLCs in Texas. Must be filed annually even if no activity occurred. No fee is charged as of 2024.

Only applicable if the barber shop or salon holds a TABC permit to serve alcohol (e.g., in a lounge setting). Most barbershops do not serve alcohol. Requires compliance with Dram Shop Act (Tex. Alco. Bev. Code §101.71).

All LLCs in the barbering industry must obtain an EIN if they have employees or are taxed as a corporation. Even single-member LLCs without employees may need an EIN to open a business bank account or comply with state requirements. This is a prerequisite for federal tax obligations.

As an LLC, profits pass through to owners who report income on Form 1040 using Schedule C. Barber/cosmetology business owners must pay self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) via Schedule SE. Applies to all self-employed individuals regardless of industry.

Required for all barber shops operating in Texas. Renewal must be completed online via TDLR website.

Each licensed barber must renew their individual license. Applies only to individuals performing barbering services.

CE must be from TDLR-approved providers. At least 2 hours must cover infection control, safety, and sanitation.

The current barber shop license and TDLR consumer information notice must be posted in a visible location accessible to the public.

Each licensed barber working at the shop must have their current license visibly displayed at their workstation or in a central location.

Must maintain sanitation logs, including disinfection of tools and work areas. Required under Rule §83.6 of TDLR regulations.

TDLR conducts routine and complaint-based inspections focusing on sanitation, licensing, and equipment safety.

All Texas LLCs must file a franchise tax report annually, even if no tax is due. Applies to all businesses regardless of industry.

Owners of the LLC who receive profits must pay estimated federal income and self-employment taxes quarterly.

Required for independent contractors (e.g., booth renters) paid $600 or more during the tax year.

Reports income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare withheld from employee wages.

Applies if total wages paid to employees are $1,500 or more in any calendar quarter.

Includes posters on workers’ compensation, wage and hour laws, and anti-discrimination policies. Must be visible to employees.

Texas does not require workers’ comp, but employers must either carry coverage or file an 'Employer's Affidavit' to opt out.

Most cities require annual fire inspections for commercial businesses. Contact local fire department for specific requirements.

All public-facing businesses must remove barriers to access where readily achievable. Applies to physical and digital access.

Federal OSHA requires employers with employees to maintain a safe workplace. Barbershops must report work-related injuries and illnesses using Form 300/301 and post annual summary (Form 300A). Specific risks include exposure to bloodborne pathogens (e.g., cuts), chemical hazards (dyes, disinfectants), and ergonomic strain. Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) applies if employees could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

All barber shops open to the public are considered "public accommodations" under Title III of the ADA. Must ensure physical access (entrances, restrooms, seating), communication access for people with disabilities, and reasonable policy modifications. Applies regardless of business size or structure.

Most barbershops do not generate significant hazardous waste. However, if chemicals such as disinfectants, dyes, or solvents are used and disposed of in large quantities, the business may be classified as a Small Quantity Generator (SQG). Must follow RCRA rules for storage, labeling, and disposal. Typical barbershops are generally exempt due to low volume.

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising rules. Barber businesses must ensure all ads (online, print, social media) are truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Applies to claims like "best service," "certified," or "chemical-free." Also includes online reviews and influencer marketing disclosures under FTC Endorsement Guidelines.

All U.S. employers, including barber shop LLCs, must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and employment authorization for every employee. Employers must retain forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. Applies regardless of industry.

FLSA sets federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours), and recordkeeping requirements. Barbers are typically non-exempt employees unless paid on a commission or piece-rate basis meeting specific criteria. Tipped employees (if applicable) must still receive at least minimum wage when tips are included. Independent contractor arrangements must meet strict IRS and DOL standards.

FMLA requires covered employers to provide eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for qualifying medical or family reasons. Most small barber shops (LLCs with fewer than 50 employees) are exempt. However, if the business grows or is part of a larger network, this may apply.