Food Truck Permits & Licenses in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Required for all LLCs; annual report filing also required separately (see below)

Applies to all Florida LLCs; filed online via Sunbiz portal

Renews every 5 years for $50; county publication may be required in newspaper

Requires plan review ($322), initial inspection, and DBPR-approved sewage disposal plan; applies specifically to food trucks

Required for all food trucks serving food to the public; includes health/safety inspections

Certification from nationally recognized program (e.g., ServSafe); valid 5 years; required for food trucks per Florida Statute 509.032

Food trucks collect 6% state sales tax + local surtax; renews annually online

Florida's unemployment insurance tax; quarterly filings required

Food trucks selling prepared food must collect and remit Florida sales tax at the state rate (currently 6%) plus any applicable local discretionary surtax. Registration is mandatory via the FL DOR website.

LLCs taxed as corporations must file Form F-1120, F-1120S, or F-1065. Florida does not impose a personal income tax, but corporate income tax applies at 5.5% on net income. Most LLCs are pass-through entities and may not owe corporate tax unless electing corporate status.

Employers must withhold Florida income tax if applicable (note: Florida has no state income tax, so no withholding required). However, registration is still required for reporting purposes if federal withholding occurs. This applies only if the business has W-2 employees.

All employers with employees in Florida must register with FL DEO. Tax rate varies based on experience rating; new employers pay 2.7% on first $7,000 of employee wages annually.

Florida does not impose a general franchise tax or gross receipts tax. However, corporate income tax (5.5%) applies to C corporations and LLCs that elect corporate taxation. Pass-through entities (most LLCs) are not subject to this tax unless they have corporate status.

Also known as 'Business Tax Receipt' or 'Occupational License.' Required in all Florida counties and many cities. Food trucks must obtain one for each jurisdiction where they operate. Mobile vendors may need multiple receipts if operating in multiple cities.

In addition to the 6% state sales tax, food trucks must collect local discretionary surtax in applicable counties (e.g., Miami-Dade: +1.5%). Registration is included in the FL DOR sales tax permit application.

Required for all LLCs with employees or multiple members. Single-member LLCs without employees may use owner's SSN, but EIN is recommended for banking and liability protection.

Required in all Florida counties. Must comply with Florida Food Code (2023). Inspections may be unannounced. Vehicles must meet sanitation, refrigeration, and grease trap standards.

Required in unincorporated areas of all FL counties; food trucks classified under retail/food service

Examples - Miami: https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Departments/Business-Tax; Orlando: https://www.orlando.gov/Business-Tax

Required by county health depts (e.g., Orange County: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/healthcare/healthservices/foodsafety.aspx)

Varies widely; many cities require zoning verification (e.g., Tampa: Chapter 27 Zoning Code)

Required for propane/LP gas systems common in food trucks; NFPA 58 compliance

Many cities limit food truck parking (e.g., Jacksonville: 656.401 mobile vending)

Temporary magnetic signs often exempt; varies by jurisdiction

Required in false alarm reduction programs (e.g., Broward, Palm Beach Counties)

Separate from regular operations

Exempt for sole proprietors with no employees. Florida Statute 440.771 mandates coverage for all employers with four or more employees (full- or part-time). Agricultural employers have different thresholds. Food truck owners with employees must comply.

Florida law requires minimum liability coverage of $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 property damage liability (PDL). Commercial use requires commercial auto policy, not personal. Not covered under personal auto policies.

Not mandated statewide by Florida law, but required by most municipalities, health departments, and event organizers. Strongly enforced in practice. Often required for mobile food vendor permits. Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage.

A surety bond of $1,000 is required for mobile food establishments under FDACS Rule 5K-4.002. Enforced through local county health departments. Bond ensures compliance with food safety laws and payment of fines.

Not legally required by Florida state law, but de facto necessary due to risk of foodborne illness claims. Strongly recommended and often required by event organizers or landlords. Covered under general liability or commercial package policies.

Mandatory if the food truck holds a liquor license (e.g., beer/wine permit). Requires minimum $250,000–$1,000,000 in coverage depending on license type. Required by ABT Rule 61A-3.007. Not applicable to food-only operations.

Required in all Florida counties. Involves vehicle inspection, food safety compliance, refrigeration, handwashing stations, and grease trap. Issued by local health department under FDACS oversight.

Requires Class K fire extinguisher, proper grease management, and propane system inspection. Enforced during health and fire inspections.

LLCs with no employees and treated as disregarded entities may not need an EIN unless opening a business bank account or applying for permits requiring EIN. However, most food trucks will need an EIN to hire staff or open a business bank account. Apply online at no cost via IRS website.

As a single-member LLC, profits pass through to owner's personal tax return. Food truck owners must report all income on Schedule C and pay self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) via Schedule SE. Estimated tax payments required if tax liability exceeds $1,000.

Employers must provide a safe workplace. Requirements include accessible first aid supplies, proper handling of hot surfaces and grease, and training on fire safety and emergency procedures. Employers with 10+ employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 logs. No requirement for sole proprietors without employees.

Mobile food establishments are subject to routine inspections by the DOH or local health department. Inspections evaluate food handling, storage, equipment sanitation, and compliance with Florida Food Code. Unannounced inspections may occur annually or more often.

Some municipalities require fire safety inspections for mobile food units, especially those using propane or open flames. Contact local fire department for requirements. Not universally required across Florida.

Employers must register for Florida withholding tax, withhold wages, and file returns. Frequency based on payroll volume. Must also file Form W-2 and 1099-NEC annually.

Employers must file Form 941 (quarterly) and Form 940 (annually) for federal payroll taxes. EIN is required for employers. Even single-member LLCs with employees must comply.

Employers must display OSHA workplace poster (OSHA 3165) and other labor law notices (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, EEO) in a visible location. Free downloads available at dol.gov. Not required for owner-only operations.

The state Mobile Food Establishment permit and local county permit must be visibly posted inside the food truck where customers can see them. Failure to display may result in citations during inspection.

Businesses must keep records of all sales, purchases, tax returns, and supporting documents for at least 4 years. Must be available for inspection upon request by FL DOR.

IRS recommends keeping business tax records for at least 3 years. Keep employment tax records for at least 4 years. Recommended to retain indefinitely if fraud is suspected.

LLC must maintain active status by filing annual report and paying fees. Must notify Sunbiz of changes in registered agent or principal address within 30 days.

Required in nearly all Florida counties. Must be renewed annually. Some cities (e.g., Tampa, Orlando) require separate city business tax receipts.

Food trucks are considered 'places of public accommodation' under Title III of the ADA. Must ensure accessible ordering and payment (e.g., counter height, clear path of approach). While mobile units have some flexibility, DOJ requires 'readily achievable' modifications. Examples: accessible menu boards, staff trained to assist disabled customers. Not required to install permanent ramps if structural changes are not readily achievable.

FDA issues the Food Code, which serves as a model for state and local health departments. While FDA does not directly regulate food trucks, Florida adopts the FDA Food Code through its state health regulations. Federal guidance includes requirements for food handling, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and employee hygiene. Compliance is enforced by local health departments under state authority.

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising rules under the FTC Act. Food truck operators must ensure all advertising (e.g., menu boards, social media) is truthful and not misleading (e.g., 'organic' claims must be substantiated). Applies to all businesses offering goods/services to consumers. 'Locally sourced' or 'all-natural' claims must be accurate.

FLSA sets federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours), recordkeeping, and youth employment standards. Applies to food truck businesses with annual revenue over $500,000 or engaged in interstate commerce (e.g., using supplies from out of state). Even smaller operations often meet interstate commerce threshold due to out-of-state food sourcing.

All employers, including food truck LLCs, must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every employee. Employers must retain I-9 forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. E-Verify is not mandatory for most food trucks unless contracting with federal government.

Most food trucks are under 10,001 lbs GVWR and thus exempt from federal DOT regulations. If over threshold, operator may need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), vehicle registration with FMCSA, and compliance with hours-of-service rules. Check vehicle VIN documentation to determine GVWR.

Most food trucks do not store enough oil to trigger SPCC requirements. However, if storing large volumes of used cooking oil or fuel, an SPCC plan may be required. EPA generally exempts vehicles used for transportation. Onboard fuel tanks are exempt. Typically not applicable to standard food trucks.

Federal Basic Permit (Form 5100.33) required for any business manufacturing or selling alcohol. Most food trucks do not sell alcohol directly. If selling, must also comply with Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) licensing. Not required for incidental use (e.g., cooking with wine).

Florida adopts the FDA Food Code. Compliance includes proper food storage, temperature control, hygiene, and allergen labeling. Inspections conducted by county health departments. Not a direct federal enforcement, but based on federal model.

Mobile units selling these items may require continuous federal inspection or exemption. Must meet FSIS sanitation and labeling rules.

All Florida LLCs must file an annual report by May 1st each year. Failure to file results in late fees and potential administrative dissolution. The report includes business address, registered agent, and principal officer information.

Mobile food vendors must renew their Mobile Food Establishment (MFE) permit annually. Renewal application and fee must be submitted before December 31. Inspection may be required at renewal. Fees are subject to change; verify with local county health department.

In addition to the state MFE permit, most Florida counties require a local mobile food unit permit. Renewal deadlines and fees vary. For example, Miami-Dade County requires annual renewal with inspection. Contact local health department for jurisdiction-specific requirements.

Florida sales tax license (Sales and Use Tax Permit) does not require annual renewal but must be maintained in good standing. Sellers must file regular sales tax returns. License can be suspended for non-filing. Must reapply if canceled.

Frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually) is assigned by FL DOR based on expected sales volume. Returns are due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period (e.g., January return due February 20). Electronic filing required.

LLC owners must make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes. Payments are due quarterly. Single-member LLCs report on Schedule C; multi-member on Form 1065.

Florida does not impose a general corporate income tax unless the LLC elects corporate taxation or is part of a pass-through entity electing PTET. Most small food truck LLCs are pass-through entities and not subject to state income tax unless they elect otherwise. Verify tax structure annually.