Food Truck Permits in Florida
Last verified against official sources on by Amrit. How we verify
In Florida, a food truck needs one license from the state: a public food service establishment license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). State law says cities and counties cannot require a separate food truck license, registration or permit, or charge their own license fee. Local governments can still regulate where and how you operate, and local fire officials can still inspect your truck. You also need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect sales tax.[7][1][3][14]
At a glance
| Permit needed | Yes. One state food service license from DBPR, renewed every year.[7] |
|---|---|
| State fee | Set by DBPR rule, based on seating and services. State law caps the yearly license fee at $400. A first application also carries a fee of up to $50, which is outside that cap.[8] |
| Local license | Not allowed. Cities and counties can't require their own food truck license or fee, and can't ban food trucks from their whole area.[1] |
| Commissary | Ask DBPR whether you need one. A commissary that serves your truck must check your license number first. The detailed rules are in DBPR rule 61C-4.0161.[6] |
| License number on truck | Yes. Paint or stick it on the side, at least 2 inches high, in a contrasting color.[6] |
| Training | Managers must pass an approved food manager test within 30 days of starting. Other food workers need approved food safety training within 60 days.[4][5] |
| Fire inspection | Done locally. Your county or city fire officials can inspect under the Florida Fire Prevention Code.[3] |
| Sales tax | Register with the Florida Department of Revenue before you start selling.[14] |
Step by step
Do these in order. Each step links to the official form or page.
Set up a DBPR online account
Florida requires anyone opening a food service business to create an online account with the Division of Hotels and Restaurants and give an email address. DBPR uses that email for all contact with you.[7]
Find out whether you need a commissary
A commissary is a licensed food service business that offers support services to food trucks. DBPR's food truck rule (61C-4.0161) sets the commissary rules, so ask DBPR whether your truck needs one and what you must tell them about it. If you use one, it must check that the license number on your truck matches your DBPR license, and log your truck every day it serves you.[6][10]
Apply for your state food service license
Apply to DBPR's Division of Hotels and Restaurants before you open. You cannot sell while you wait. The fee is set by DBPR rule. By law the yearly license fee can't be more than $400, and a first application carries an extra fee of up to $50. If you apply 6 months or less before the renewal period, you pay half the yearly fee. A hospitality education program fee is charged in full with every application.[7][8][11]
Get your food manager certified and train your staff
Every manager must pass a food manager test approved by the Conference for Food Protection within 30 days of starting. Every other food worker needs approved food safety training within 60 days. The training certificate lasts 3 years. Keep proof of both, because the inspector can ask for it.[4][5]
Put your license number on the truck
Once licensed, put your license number on the side of the truck where people can see it. It must be permanent, at least 2 inches high, and in a color that stands out from the background.[6]
Register for sales tax
Register with the Florida Department of Revenue as a sales and use tax dealer before you start selling. You can apply online. Allow three business days for a new application to be processed.[14][9]
Check local fire, zoning and tax rules where you'll park
Cities and counties can't add a food truck license, but they can still set operating rules (like where you can park) and inspect for fire safety. Call the fire department and the planning or zoning office in each place you plan to sell.[1][3]
Pass inspections and renew every year
DBPR does at least one and up to four routine inspections of each licensed food business a year, depending on risk, and can inspect at other times too. Renew your license every year.[3][7]
Local rules
These places add their own requirements on top of the state rules.
- Orlando: Orlando requires every mobile business, including food trucks, to get a city Business Tax Receipt before operating. Food vendors must stay 5 feet back from public rights-of-way (such as streets and sidewalks) and 50 feet from residential zones, and operate only on paved surfaces.[15]
- Palm Beach County (Fire Rescue service area): Food trucks at special events need a yearly safety inspection by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, covering LP gas, electrical, cooking and generator safety, among other things. Trucks must stay at least 10 feet from other food trucks and buildings, and 50 feet from fuel islands at gas stations.[16]
What it costs
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apply for your state food service license | Set by DBPR rule 61C-1.008. Legal maximum $400 a year, plus up to $50 for a first application and the hospitality education program fee. |
| Total if every fee applies to you | $0 |
Not included in the total because the fee is set locally: Apply for your state food service license.
Recent changes
- : DBPR's rule on mobile food dispensing vehicles, temporary commercial kitchens and theme park food carts (rule 61C-4.0161) was last updated.[10]
- : SB 752 (Chapter 2023-48) took effect. It extended the state's control of licenses and fees to temporary commercial kitchens, and made commissaries also keep a registry of the temporary commercial kitchens they serve.[13]
- : HB 1193 (Chapter 2020-160) took effect. It created section 509.102, which stops cities and counties from requiring their own food truck licenses, permits or fees.[12][1]
Frequently asked questions
Does my city or county need to give me a food truck permit too?
No. Florida law stops cities and counties from requiring a separate food truck license, registration or permit, or charging their own license fee. They can still set rules on where and how you operate, do fire inspections, and some (like Orlando) still require a local business tax receipt.[1][3][15]
Can a city ban food trucks completely?
No. A city or county can't ban food trucks from its entire area. It can still limit where in town you operate.[1]
How much does a Florida food truck license cost?
The exact fee is set in DBPR's fee rule (61C-1.008). State law caps the yearly license fee for a food service business at $400. On top of that, a first application carries a fee of up to $50, and a hospitality education program fee is charged with every application. Check the current amounts with DBPR when you apply.[8]
Who inspects my food truck?
The state does the food safety inspections, not your county health department. DBPR's Division of Hotels and Restaurants handles them. Local fire officials can still inspect for fire code.[3]
Do I need a food manager certificate?
Yes. Every manager must pass an approved food manager test within 30 days of starting. Other workers need food safety training within 60 days.[4][5]
Can I run my food truck without a license while I wait?
No. You must get the license before you start, and operating without one is a crime (a second-degree misdemeanor).[7]
I already own a restaurant. Can my food truck keep the same hours?
Yes, if the truck runs on the same property as your licensed restaurant and you operate both. The truck still needs its own license.[1][7]
Sources
- Florida Statutes s. 509.102, Mobile food dispensing vehicles; temporary commercial kitchens; preemption, The Florida Legislature. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Florida Statutes s. 509.013, Definitions, The Florida Legislature. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Florida Statutes s. 509.032, Duties (inspections; preemption), The Florida Legislature. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Florida Statutes s. 509.039, Food service manager certification, The Florida Legislature. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Florida Statutes s. 509.049, Food service employee training, The Florida Legislature. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Florida Statutes s. 509.101, Establishment rules; commissary registry, The Florida Legislature. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Florida Statutes s. 509.241, Licenses required, The Florida Legislature. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Florida Statutes s. 509.251, License fees, The Florida Legislature. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Florida Statutes s. 212.18, Administration of law; registration of dealers, The Florida Legislature. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Rule 61C-4.0161, Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles, Temporary Commercial Kitchens and Theme Park Food Carts, Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Rule 61C-1.008, License Fees, Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code. Checked October 24, 2026.
- CS/HB 1193 (2020), Deregulation of Professions and Occupations, The Florida Senate. Checked October 24, 2026.
- CS/CS/SB 752 (2023), Temporary Commercial Kitchens, The Florida Senate. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Account Registration, Florida Department of Revenue. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Mobile Vending and Services Guide, City of Orlando. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Mobile Food Trucks: Inspection & Operation Requirements (Ver. 2024-01), Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Checked October 24, 2026.
Related
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change. Before you apply or start selling, confirm the details with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants or your local health department. Spotted something wrong or out of date?Report it and we will check it.