Food Truck License Florida: All Permits and Requirements to Operate a Food Truck in FL

Florida is one of the most promising states for food truck operators, thanks to its warm weather, booming tourism, and vibrant food culture. Major cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa draw millions of visitors each year, creating a steady stream of potential customers.

In fact, industry data shows that Florida ranks among the top states in mobile food service growth, with revenues climbing year over year as more locals and tourists embrace street food dining.

But before you can join the ranks of successful vendors, you must secure the right permits and licenses. Each requirement exists to protect public health, ensure operational safety, and keep you compliant with both state and local regulations.

1. Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle License (MFDV)

This license is the foundation of your legal ability to operate as a food truck in Florida. Issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through its Division of Hotels and Restaurants, it serves as official confirmation that your mobile kitchen meets the state’s sanitation, construction, and operational standards.

Without an MFDV license, selling prepared food anywhere in Florida is illegal, regardless of whether you’re serving on public or private property. To get started, visit the DBPR’s official website, click on the Hotels and Restaurants section, and then choose Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle or Theme Park Food Cart depending on your operation.

From there, you can download the licensing guide and application forms. The process involves filling out a detailed application, submitting it along with any required documents, and, in some cases, completing a plan review if your unit’s new or has been modified. You will also need to pass an in‑person inspection where an officer checks everything from your equipment layout to water supply and waste disposal systems.

This is important because it’s your formal proof that your operation has met statewide health and safety requirements. Many event organizers and local jurisdictions will not allow you to participate without a valid, visible MFDV license on your truck.

2. Sales tax registration

The Florida Department of Revenue issues this registration, and it’s your official green light to charge customers sales tax and send that tax to the state.

If you’re selling food in Florida, most of those sales are taxable, and skipping this step can lead to fines, back payments, and even the suspension of your business activities. You need it because tax laws apply no matter how small your operation is, and staying on the right side of them shows that you run a legitimate, trustworthy business.

This registration also ties directly into how you set your menu prices, since Florida has a 6% state sales tax and many counties add their own surtax. That means you must know exactly where each sale happens and record it correctly so you can report the right rate for each county.

You can get started by applying online through the Florida Department of Revenue’s website. Once you’re approved, keep your tax account active, file returns on time, and use a point-of-sale system that tracks location-specific sales automatically so you can focus on serving food instead of stressing over paperwork.

3. Certified food manager and food handler certifications

Florida requires at least one certified food manager on your team, and every person who handles food must complete food handler training. The certified food manager credential shows that you, or a designated lead, understand in depth how to keep food safe, maintain sanitation, and avoid hazards like cross-contamination or temperature abuse.

The food handler training ensures every member of your staff knows the basics of handwashing, food storage, and safe preparation. These requirements are not just boxes to check; they’re your first line of defense against foodborne illness, which can ruin your reputation and even shut down your business.

You can get both through DBPR-approved training providers, many of which offer convenient online courses as well as in-person options. Once certified, keep those documents current and available on the truck, because inspectors will ask to see them, and event organizers often require them before you can serve.

4. Commissary agreement if your unit’s not self-sufficient

If your food truck is missing any required onboard facilities such as a handwashing sink with both hot and cold water, a three-compartment sink, correctly sized fresh and wastewater tanks, or approved refrigeration, you will need a commissary agreement in place.

A commissary is a licensed commercial kitchen that provides you with a safe, inspected space to store food, refill water tanks, dispose of wastewater, clean and sanitize equipment, and prepare menu items when you’re not on the road. Florida’s DBPR requires every mobile unit to have access to such a facility to meet strict health codes, and home kitchens don’t qualify.

This is important because health inspectors will ask to see your signed commissary agreement during inspections, and some cities will not approve your event permit without it. You can secure one by renting space from a shared-use kitchen, partnering with a restaurant that offers commissary services, or leasing from another DBPR-licensed food service facility. Once you have the agreement signed, submit it with your MFDV application and keep a copy on your truck for easy access.

5. Local business tax receipt

While your MFDV license allows you to operate statewide, many Florida cities and counties, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, require you to hold a local business tax receipt before you can serve within their boundaries. This document confirms your business is registered locally, that you have paid any required local taxes, and that you comply with city or county regulations specific to that jurisdiction. Without it, you could face fines or even be told to stop operating on the spot.

Fortunately, getting one is a straightforward process. You can visit your city or county tax collector’s office in person or go through their online application portal if available.

For example, Miami-Dade’s tax collector site allows you to apply and pay online, Orlando’s City Hall accepts applications through its Business Tax Receipt division, and Hillsborough County (Tampa) offers both walk-in and online services. The process typically involves filling out an application, providing your business and owner details, showing your state-issued MFDV license, and paying the required fee.

Once approved, keep your local business tax receipt on your truck at all times so you can show it during inspections or when requested by event organizers.

6. Zoning and parking permits

Zoning and parking rules determine where you can legally operate. Some cities ban food trucks from parking within a certain distance of schools or restaurants, while others have designated food truck zones or require written permission from property owners. You need to comply because violating zoning can lead to fines, towing, or losing your right to operate in that area.

To get the right permits, call your city’s planning or zoning department, explain your intended service locations, and follow their process for obtaining approval or parking permits for public spaces.

7. Health inspection approval

Your DBPR health inspection is more than a formality. It’s the state’s way of making sure your operation is safe for the public. Inspectors will check that your sinks work, water is at the right temperature, refrigeration holds food cold, hot holding keeps it hot, sanitizer is ready to use, and pests are kept out.

You get it by scheduling an inspection through DBPR after you apply for your MFDV license, making sure your truck is fully set up and stocked, and having all required documentation ready for review.

8. Fire safety inspection

If your truck uses propane, fryers, grills, or any open flame, the local fire marshal will need to inspect it. They may check:

• If a Class K fire extinguisher is present and accessible
• If the suppression system is serviced and properly tagged
• If propane tanks are secure and lines are in good condition
• Whether or not the truck’s ventilation meets regulatory requirements

Contact your local fire department to schedule an inspection and get their checklist so you can be ready. The content is sometimes different depending on the type of food truck you operate and where you plan to station your business.

9. Vehicle registration and insurance

Running a food truck in Florida means your vehicle is classified as a commercial vehicle, and that comes with specific legal responsibilities. The first is registering your food truck with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), just like any other business vehicle. This process includes providing proof of ownership, your vehicle identification number (VIN), a completed application, and paying the required fees.

Depending on your truck’s size and weight, and whether you’re towing additional equipment such as a smoker or trailer, you may also need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). While not every operator will need one, check with FLHSMV or your local DMV office to confirm where your setup falls.

Beyond registration, proper insurance coverage is a must before you ever hit the road. At a minimum, Florida food truck owners should carry:

• Commercial auto insurance to cover physical damage to the truck and liability in the event of an accident while driving
• General liability insurance to protect you from claims related to injuries, property damage, or foodborne illnesses that might occur during your business operations
• Workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees, which covers them in case of job-related injuries, whether it’s burns in the kitchen or slips while setting up at an event

Your food truck is your livelihood, and insurance is financial protection against the unexpected. Partner with an insurance provider that understands Florida’s food truck industry so they can tailor coverage to your specific equipment, service style, and regulatory environment.

Many cities and event organizers will require proof of insurance before allowing you to operate, so don’t delay this step. Take the time to compare providers and make sure your coverage meets or exceeds both legal requirements and practical needs.

9. Alcohol license (if serving alcohol)

If you plan to serve beer, wine, or liquor from your food truck, you will need to obtain a liquor license from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT). Florida’s alcohol laws are strict, and this step is non‑negotiable. Serving without the correct license can lead to expensive fines, the loss of your business license, and even legal action.

The good news is that plenty of mobile businesses in Florida have successfully added alcohol service, and you can too if you understand which license you need and how to get it.

Florida does not have a one‑size‑fits‑all license for alcohol sales. The type of drinks you serve, and whether they will be consumed on‑site or sold to go, will determine the license type. For example, you may apply for a beer and wine consumption on‑premises license, a package sales license for sealed beverages to go, or a special license for full liquor service in a defined location.

If you intend to sell alcohol at events, you might need a temporary license that covers the event dates and location. In some cases, partnering with an already‑licensed vendor or caterer is the fastest way to operate legally. Be clear about your business model so you apply for the correct permit.

The process generally involves submitting an application through the ABT’s online portal, providing details about your business and proposed service locations, obtaining zoning and location approval from the city or county, passing a background check, and paying the required fees.

Some areas will also require you to post public notices or attend a hearing before approval. Depending on the license type and location, this can take a few weeks to several months, so it’s best to begin early, ideally while you’re working on your other permits and setup.

You can start by visiting the Florida ABT’s official website to review license categories and start your application. Keep in mind that alcohol licenses must be renewed annually, so mark your calendar and prepare renewal paperwork well ahead of time to avoid interruptions in service.

Renewal times you should remember

Staying on top of deadlines is just as important as getting your licenses in the first place. Missing a renewal can mean fines or losing the ability to operate until you’re back in compliance. Here’s a quick reference table of Florida food truck licenses and permits with their typical renewal schedules

License or Permit	Issuing Authority	Renewal Timeline
Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle (MFDV) License	Florida DBPR, Division of Hotels and Restaurants	Annually
Sales tax registration	Florida Department of Revenue	No renewal; keep account active and file as required
Certified Food Manager Certification	DBPR-approved providers	Every 5 years
Food Handler Certification	DBPR-approved providers	Every 3 years
Commissary agreement	Licensed commercial kitchen or commissary	Renew annually or per agreement terms
Local business tax receipt	City or County Tax Collector	Annually
Zoning/Parking permit	City or County Planning/Zoning Department	Varies by location and permit type
Health Inspection approval	Florida DBPR	Annually, or as scheduled by DBPR
Fire safety inspection	Local Fire Marshal	Annually or per local requirements
Vehicle registration	Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles	Annually
Commercial auto insurance	Insurance Provider	Ongoing policy; renew annually or per policy terms
General liability insurance	Insurance Provider	Ongoing policy; renew annually or per policy terms
Workers’ compensation insurance	Insurance Provider	Ongoing policy; renew annually or per policy terms
Alcohol license (if applicable)	Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco	Annually

Steer your Florida food truck toward success

Opening a food truck in Florida takes more than great recipes. It mixes smart business planning, legal compliance, and building trust with the communities you serve.

Every permit you secure is protection for your customers’ health, your team’s safety, and your long‑term success. Moreover, meeting each requirement demonstrates to customers, event organizers, and inspectors that you are committed to quality and safety. This keeps your operations running efficiently, helps you avoid penalties, strengthens your reputation, and opens the door to more opportunities as your business grows.