Mobile Food Vendors

Mobile food vendors are individuals 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.

Mobile Food Vendors Regulated by FDACS

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates mobile food vendors who sell only prepackaged foods or non-potentially hazardous food items, including:

• Foods that are not temperature controlled for safety, including ice confections, coffee, tea, soft drinks, pastry products, popcorn and candies;
• Raw fish products that include no processing on site; and
• Fresh-squeezed juice meeting specific requirements.

How to Obtain a Mobile Food Permit

Step 1: Review the Permit Requirements.

For a summary of regulations, see our Mobile Food Permit Requirements [ 600.8 kB ] .

Step 2: Complete a Commissary Letter of Agreement.

A commissary is an approved 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 vendors must complete a Commissary Letter of Agreement[ ].

The Commissary Letter of Agreement is to be submitted at your initial opening inspection.

Step 3: Submit a Food Establishment Inspection Application.

If you plan to process or prepare food at a commissary, you are required to obtain a food permit. You must apply for a food permit no more than 14 days prior to your anticipated opening date.

The application must be accompanied by the Commissary Letter of Agreement[ ].

Ways to Apply

Online   By Mail [ 97.4 kB ]

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 within two weeks.

Before your inspection, ensure that the applicable equipment for a safe food operation is working and that processes for food safety can be described by the onsite person in charge. Refrigeration units, thermometers and any other equipment required for your operation should be in working order for the field inspector to verify prior to permitting.

Step 4: Pay Your Permit Fees.

Food Establishment Permit Fees[ ] are determined at the time of initial inspection and are based on the type of food establishment operation. Fees cannot be determined prior to inspection, and payment cannot be accepted by our inspectors in the field.

An invoice with payment instructions will be emailed to the owner's email address provided once you have an inspection summary of  “Met Inspection Requirements”  or “Met Inspection Requirements — Check-Back Needed." If you do not have an email address, your invoice will be mailed. Payment is required before the food establishment permit can be issued.

Step 5: Contact Us If You Have Questions or Need More Information.

Email us at foodinsp@FDACS.gov.

Issuance of the Food Permit

Permits will be mailed within approximately two weeks of the successful completion of the application process, which includes receipt of payment.

Annual Renewal

The food establishment owner is required to submit a renewal application and make payment prior to December 31 of each year.

Late Fees

A late fee of $100 will be assessed if a renewal application and payment for the food permit are not received by December 31. Food permits will not be issued until all fees — including the late fee — are received. 

Change of Ownership or Location

Mobile vendors are allowed to operate from one non-permanent location to another. If you have an ownership change of address or contact information, the owner is required to log in to our Food Permit Center and update the information.

Mobile Food Vendors Regulated by Other Agencies

Full Service Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles that process or prepare potentially hazardous foods, such as hot dogs and hamburgers, within the mobile unit should contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395.

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.