Last updated: February 23, 2026
Starting a food truck in Florida is one of the most exciting ways to break into the food industry — the state’s year-round warm weather, tourism-driven economy, and food-friendly culture make it an ideal market. But unlike a lemonade stand, a food truck comes with real regulatory requirements. You need a state-level mobile food dispensing vehicle license from DBPR, fire suppression systems, food safety certifications, and proper insurance before you serve your first plate.
This guide covers every requirement, cost, and step to legally start and operate a food truck in Florida, whether you’re converting a used truck on a budget or investing in a fully custom build.
Food Truck Requirements in Florida at a Glance
| Requirement | Agency | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation (Articles of Organization) | FL Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) | $125 | 3–5 business days |
| Federal EIN | IRS | Free | Immediate (online) |
| DBPR Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle (MFDV) License | FL DBPR (MyFloridaLicense.com) | $347/year | 2–4 weeks (includes plan review + inspection) |
| Food Handler Training (all employees) | SafeStaff / approved provider | $7–$10 per person | Within 60 days of hire |
| Certified Food Manager | ServSafe / ANSI-accredited exam | $50–$275 | 1–2 weeks (exam + processing) |
| Fire Suppression System (UL 300) | Licensed fire protection contractor | $3,000–$6,000 install | 1–2 weeks |
| County Business Tax Receipt | County Tax Collector | $25–$100 | 1–2 weeks |
| Sales Tax Registration | FL Dept. of Revenue | Free (online) | 7–10 days for certificate |
| Commercial Vehicle Registration | FLHSMV | Varies by weight | Same day (in person) |
| General Liability Insurance | Commercial insurer | ~$500/year | Same day |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | Commercial insurer | ~$2,041/year | Same day |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance (4+ employees) | Commercial insurer | Varies | Same day |
How to Start a Food Truck in Florida (Step by Step)
Step 1: Form Your Florida LLC
File your Articles of Organization online at Sunbiz.org. Total cost: $125 ($100 filing fee + $25 registered agent fee). Processing takes 3–5 business days.
Your LLC name must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company” and must be distinguishable from existing entities on file. You’ll need a Florida Registered Agent with a physical street address in the state — you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Florida address.
If you want to operate under a different name (e.g., “Miami Heat Eats” instead of “Miami Heat Eats LLC”), file a Fictitious Name Registration for $50.
Step 2: Get Your Federal EIN
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number at IRS.gov. You’ll receive it immediately when applying online. You need this to open a business bank account, hire employees, and register for sales tax.
Step 3: Get Your DBPR MFDV License
This is the most important license for your food truck. Florida requires every mobile food dispensing vehicle to hold an MFDV license issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- Cost: $347/year (full license)
- Apply at: MyFloridaLicense.com
- Plan review required: New or converted vehicles must submit plans for DBPR review before construction/conversion is finalized
- Initial inspection: DBPR must inspect and approve the vehicle before you can begin operating
- Statewide operation: With your MFDV license, you can operate anywhere in Florida and cater events — no separate permits needed per city
Important — Florida Statute 509.102 (Occupational Freedom Act): Local governments cannot require additional licenses or fees beyond what DBPR requires. However, cities and counties can still regulate zoning, operating hours, noise levels, and proximity to brick-and-mortar restaurants. This law is a major advantage for Florida food truck operators — you won’t face the patchwork of local permits common in other states.
Step 4: Get Food Safety Certifications
Florida requires two levels of food safety training for food service operations:
Food Handler Training (All Employees)
- Who: Every food truck employee
- Deadline: Must complete within 60 days of starting work
- Provider: SafeStaff or other DBPR-approved provider
- Cost: $7–$10 per person
Certified Food Manager (At Least One)
- Who: At least one person per establishment must hold a Certified Food Manager credential
- Exam: ServSafe or any ANSI-accredited food protection manager certification exam
- Cost: $50–$275 (exam + study materials)
- Validity: 5 years
Step 5: Ensure Fire Safety Compliance
Fire safety is one of the most expensive but non-negotiable requirements for food trucks with cooking equipment. If your truck uses any grease-producing equipment (fryers, grills, griddles), you must meet these standards:
UL 300 Wet Chemical Fire Suppression System
- Required for: Any grease-producing cooking equipment
- Installation cost: $3,000–$6,000
- Service: Semi-annual inspection and maintenance required, $200–$500 per service
- Standard: Must comply with NFPA 96 (Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations)
Fire Extinguishers
- Class K fire extinguisher: Required for cooking operations involving grease and oils ($50–$150)
- ABC fire extinguisher: Required for general fire hazards ($50–$150)
- Both must be inspected annually and tagged
Propane Safety
- Propane systems must comply with NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code)
- Tanks must be properly secured, vented, and accessible
- Shut-off valves must be easily reachable
Step 6: Get Your County Business Tax Receipt
Despite the DBPR preemption on local food truck permits, you still need a general Local Business Tax Receipt from your county. This is not food-truck-specific — it’s required for any business operating in the county.
- Cost: $25–$100/year depending on your county
- Apply at: Your county Tax Collector’s office
- Renewal: Annual, due by October 1
Step 7: Register for Sales Tax with FL DOR
All prepared food sold from a food truck is taxable in Florida. There is no exemption for food trucks — unlike grocery items, prepared food is always subject to sales tax.
- State sales tax rate: 6%
- County discretionary surtax: 0.5%–1.5% on top (varies by county)
- Register at: Florida Department of Revenue (free online)
- You’ll receive a Certificate of Registration by mail
- Sales tax returns are due monthly or quarterly depending on volume
Step 8: Get Insurance
General Liability Insurance
Covers customer injuries, foodborne illness claims, and property damage at event locations.
- Average cost: ~$500/year
- Typical coverage: $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate
- Many event organizers and commissaries require proof of general liability before allowing you on-site
Commercial Auto Insurance
Your personal auto policy will not cover a food truck. You need a commercial auto policy.
- Average cost: ~$2,041/year
- Covers accidents, collision, comprehensive damage, and liability while driving the vehicle
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
Bundles general liability with commercial property coverage (equipment, inventory, signage).
- Average cost: ~$1,020/year
- Often more cost-effective than buying general liability and property coverage separately
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Required in Florida for non-construction businesses with 4 or more employees (including LLC members and corporate officers).
- LLC members and officers count toward the employee threshold
- Owners can file for an exemption through the FL Division of Workers’ Compensation
Vehicle Registration & Commissary Requirements
Commercial Vehicle Registration
Your food truck must be registered as a commercial vehicle with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
- CDL not required if your vehicle is under 26,001 lbs GVWR — most food trucks fall well under this threshold
- A standard Class E driver’s license is sufficient for most food trucks
- Register in person at your local FLHSMV office
Commissary Requirements
Whether you need a commissary depends on your truck’s setup:
- Self-sufficient vehicles do NOT need a commissary. Your truck qualifies as self-sufficient if it has: a handwash sink, a 3-compartment warewashing sink, adequate fresh water and wastewater tanks, and proper refrigeration.
- Non-self-sufficient vehicles must use an approved commissary — a licensed commercial kitchen where you store food, prepare items, clean equipment, and dispose of wastewater.
- Monthly commissary rental: $400–$2,000 depending on location, hours, and amenities included
If you’re building or buying a truck, investing in full self-sufficiency can save you thousands per year in commissary fees and give you more flexibility on where and when you operate.
Cost to Start a Food Truck in Florida
Budget Build (Used/Converted Truck)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Used Food Truck (converted) | $30,000–$50,000 | Inspect thoroughly before buying |
| LLC Formation (Sunbiz) | $125 | One-time |
| Federal EIN | Free | Online at IRS.gov |
| DBPR MFDV License | $347 | Annual renewal |
| Food Handler Training | $7–$10 | Per employee |
| Certified Food Manager Exam | $50–$275 | Valid 5 years |
| Fire Suppression System (UL 300) | $3,000–$6,000 | Required for grease equipment |
| Fire Extinguishers (Class K + ABC) | $100–$300 | Must be inspected annually |
| County Business Tax Receipt | $25–$100 | Annual |
| General Liability Insurance | ~$500/year | $1M/$2M coverage |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | ~$2,041/year | Required for food truck |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $2,000–$5,000 | Food, packaging, smallwares |
| Point-of-Sale System | $300–$1,000 | Square, Clover, etc. |
| Branding / Wrap / Signage | $2,500–$5,000 | Vehicle wrap recommended |
| Estimated total: $50,000–$80,000 | ||
Premium Build (New Custom Truck)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Custom Food Truck | $100,000–$200,000 | Built to spec with full equipment |
| LLC Formation + EIN | $125 | One-time |
| DBPR MFDV License | $347 | Annual |
| Food Safety Certifications | $60–$285 | Handler + Manager |
| Fire Suppression System (UL 300) | $3,000–$6,000 | Often included in custom builds |
| Fire Extinguishers (Class K + ABC) | $100–$300 | Must be inspected annually |
| County Business Tax Receipt | $25–$100 | Annual |
| General Liability Insurance | ~$500/year | $1M/$2M coverage |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | ~$2,041/year | Required |
| Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) | ~$1,020/year | Recommended for premium builds |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $3,000–$8,000 | Premium ingredients, packaging |
| Point-of-Sale System | $500–$1,500 | Advanced system with reporting |
| Branding / Wrap / Signage | $5,000–$10,000 | Professional design + full wrap |
| Generator (if not built-in) | $3,000–$8,000 | Commercial-grade quiet generator |
| Estimated total: $125,000–$250,000 | ||
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a food truck license in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires a Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle (MFDV) license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The full license costs $347/year and allows you to operate statewide and cater events. Apply at MyFloridaLicense.com. New or converted vehicles must pass a plan review and initial inspection before operating.
Can cities require additional food truck permits?
No. Under Florida Statute 509.102 (the Occupational Freedom Act), local governments cannot require additional licenses or fees beyond what DBPR mandates. However, cities and counties can still regulate zoning, operating hours, noise levels, and proximity to other food establishments. You’ll still need a county business tax receipt for general business purposes.
Do I need a commissary for my food truck?
Only if your truck is not self-sufficient. If your vehicle has a handwash sink, 3-compartment warewashing sink, adequate fresh water and wastewater tanks, and proper refrigeration, you do not need a commissary. Non-self-sufficient vehicles must use an approved commissary kitchen, which typically costs $400–$2,000/month.
Is food truck food taxable in Florida?
Yes. All prepared food sold from a food truck is subject to Florida sales tax at 6% plus a county discretionary surtax of 0.5%–1.5% depending on the county. You must register with the Florida Department of Revenue and collect sales tax on every sale.
How much does it cost to start a food truck in Florida?
A budget build using a used or converted truck typically costs $50,000–$80,000, including the vehicle, licensing, fire safety equipment, insurance, and initial inventory. A premium build with a new custom truck runs $125,000–$250,000, including a professional wrap, advanced POS, and higher-end equipment.
Do I need a CDL to drive a food truck?
No, as long as your vehicle is under 26,001 lbs GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) — which covers the vast majority of food trucks. A standard Florida Class E driver’s license is sufficient. You do need to register the truck as a commercial vehicle with FLHSMV.