How to Apply for a Food Truck Permit in Florida

Before You Apply

Before submitting your application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), you need several things in place. Rushing the application without these prerequisites will result in delays or denial.

• Business entity: Register your business with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz.org). Most food truck operators choose an LLC for liability protection.
• EIN: Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS if you are forming an LLC or plan to hire employees.
• Commissary agreement: Secure a written agreement with a DBPR-licensed commissary kitchen. This is mandatory — DBPR will not process your application without it.
• Vehicle: Have your food truck or trailer built out or purchased and ready for inspection. The vehicle must meet all Florida equipment standards before you can be licensed.
• Food Manager Certification: At least one person on staff should hold a valid food manager certification from an ANSI-accredited program (e.g., ServSafe). While Florida does not require every food truck employee to be certified, having a certified manager on every shift is strongly recommended and may be required by your commissary.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Create a MyFloridaLicense Account

Visit the DBPR website and create an account on the MyFloridaLicense portal. This is the online system where you will submit your application, upload documents, pay fees, and track your license status. Keep your login credentials in a safe place — you will use this portal for annual renewals as well.

Step 2: Complete the MFDV License Application

Select the application for a Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle license under the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. The application asks for:

• Business name, address, and entity type
• Owner and operator information
• Vehicle description (make, model, year, VIN)
• Commissary name, address, and DBPR license number
• Menu or description of food items to be served
• Seating capacity (typically zero for food trucks)

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

Upload the following documents through the MyFloridaLicense portal:

• Signed commissary agreement with the commissary's DBPR license number
• Proof of business registration (Sunbiz filing confirmation)
• Copy of your food manager certification
• Vehicle registration in the business name or owner's name
• Proof of liability insurance (general liability and auto insurance at minimum)

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

The initial MFDV license application fee is approximately $347. This covers the application processing and your first year of licensure. Payment is made online through the portal. Fees are subject to change, so verify the current amount on the DBPR website before submitting.

Step 5: Schedule and Pass the DBPR Inspection

After DBPR processes your application, an inspector from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants will contact you to schedule an initial vehicle inspection. Unlike most states where county health inspectors handle this, DBPR inspectors conduct all food truck inspections in Florida. During the inspection, the inspector will verify:

• Three-compartment sink is properly installed and functional
• Handwashing sink has hot and cold running water, soap, and paper towels
• Refrigeration units maintain 41°F or below
• Hot-holding equipment maintains 135°F or above
• Potable water system and wastewater tanks are properly sized and connected
• Ventilation hood and fire suppression system are installed and tagged
• All food-contact surfaces are smooth, non-porous, and easily cleanable
• Proper waste disposal setup
• Food is stored properly and sourced from approved suppliers

Step 6: Receive Your License

If your vehicle passes inspection, DBPR will issue your MFDV license. You must display the license in a visible location on your food truck at all times during operation. Your license number is public record and can be looked up by customers or event organizers through the DBPR verification portal.

Register for Sales Tax

With your MFDV license in hand, register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect sales tax. Florida charges 6% state sales tax on prepared food, plus a county discretionary surtax that varies by location (typically 0.5%–1.5%). You can register online through the Department of Revenue website at no cost. Once registered, you will receive a sales tax certificate that must also be displayed on your truck.

Timeline and What to Expect

The entire process from application submission to receiving your license typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on inspection scheduling and whether any corrections are needed. Common reasons for delays include:

• Incomplete commissary agreement or expired commissary license
• Vehicle equipment deficiencies found during inspection
• Missing documentation or incorrect business entity information
• Application fee payment issues

Plan to have your truck fully built out and equipped before applying. It is far more efficient to pass inspection on the first attempt than to reschedule after making corrections.

Annual Renewal

Your MFDV license must be renewed annually through the MyFloridaLicense portal. The renewal fee is approximately $347. DBPR will send a renewal notice, but it is your responsibility to ensure your license does not lapse. Operating without a valid license can result in fines and immediate closure.

Statewide Mobility Under SB 1193

Thanks to Senate Bill 1193 (2020), your DBPR-issued MFDV license is valid statewide. Local governments cannot require you to obtain additional food service permits or licenses. They may regulate where you park, what hours you operate, and how far you must be from brick-and-mortar restaurants, but they cannot impose duplicate licensing. This means one license opens up every market in Florida — from Key West to Pensacola.