Find information about permitting requirements for mobile food establishments in Florida.
Mobile food establishments are entities selling foods (other than fresh fruits and vegetables) from trucks, trailers or similar self-propelled conveyances, or non-fixed structures such as tables, booths or kiosks.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates mobile food establishments that sell only prepackaged foods or non-potentially hazardous food items, including:
Note: Mobile vendors with food service are permitted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Learn more about DBPR Mobile Food Service licenses.
For a summary of regulations, see our Mobile Food Permit Requirements [ Adobe PDF Document ].
A commissary is an approved permitted facility (such as a catering operation, restaurant or grocery store) that provides support services for a mobile food establishment, including storage of food and other supplies.
If you are selling only prepackaged non-potentially hazardous food (cookies, crackers, potato chips, etc.) from your mobile food establishment, a commissary may not be required.
All other mobile food establishments must complete a Commissary Letter of Agreement [ Adobe PDF Document ].
The Commissary Letter of Agreement [ Adobe PDF Document ] must be provided during your initial opening inspection, if not provided with the food permit application.
Twenty-one (21) days prior to opening, a food permit application should be submitted to FDACS.
Applications submitted by mail may experience a delay in processing and inspection.
Once the application and required documentation have been received, a field inspector will make contact within three to five business days to schedule an onsite inspection. The onsite inspection will typically be conducted within two weeks.
Food establishment permit fees are based on the food activities occurring at the food establishment.
Payment cannot be accepted by our inspectors in the field.
An email with payment instructions will be sent to the owner's designated email address once FDACS conducts an inspection and verifies that the provisions of the Florida Food Safety Act and Chapter 5K-4, Florida Administrative Code, have been met. Payment is required before the food permit can be issued. For fastest service, please pay online.
Food establishments with an active permit for preparing or processing foods at a brick-and-mortar facility (such as a commissary) are currently allowed to have one free mobile food permit. Note that a food permit application is still required for free mobile permits, along with the ability to meet initial inspection requirements.
If you need further assistance, email us at FoodSafety@FDACS.gov or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352).
Note: Pursuant to Section 570.161, Florida Statutes, you must provide FDACS with an email address.
The food establishment owner is required to submit a renewal application and permit fees prior to the expiration of their food permit each year. Visit our Food Permit Center to submit your renewal application and permit fees.
If an application for renewal of a food permit is not received by FDACS on or before its due date, a late fee not exceeding $100 must be paid in addition to the food permit fee before FDACS may issue the food permit. Food permits will not be issued until all fees — including the late fee — are received.
Permits are not transferrable from owner to owner or from one location to another, with the exception of mobile vendors who do not operate at a fixed location. A new food permit application, inspection, and documentation to meet the requirements for approved water source and wastewater (sewage) disposal are required if you incur an ownership or location change.
Mobile food establishments that process or prepare potentially hazardous foods (e.g., hot dogs and hamburgers) within the mobile unit should contact DBPR at (850) 487-1395. DBPR regulates all food service establishments. Learn more about DBPR Mobile Food Service licenses.
Mobile food establishments that operate on institutional property that is licensed and regulated as a food service establishment by the Florida Department of Health (DOH), including schools, universities, nursing homes, etc., should contact DOH at (850) 245-4250. Learn more at the DOH website.