Food Truck Permits & Licenses in Savannah, Georgia

Required for food trucks outside city limits in Fulton County.

Required for all LLCs to legally form the business entity. Online filing via eCorp portal.

All active LLCs must file annual registration online. Late fee $25 if filed by June 1.

Register for Sales & Use Tax (Account ID 101), Withholding Tax if employees. Food sales require sales tax permit.

Required for all food service operations including mobile food units (food trucks). Plan review required pre-opening.

Specific to mobile food facilities. Requires construction plan review, HAACP plan, and passing inspection per Rule 511-6-1.

Required if using assumed/business name different from LLC name. Filed with SOS.

Mandatory for food trucks selling taxable prepared food. 4% state + local rates apply.

All food trucks selling prepared food must collect and remit Georgia sales tax. The statewide rate is 4%, plus any applicable local rates (e.g., TSPLOST). Registration is done via the Georgia Tax Center (GTC).

LLCs with employees must register for income tax withholding, even if pass-through taxed at the federal level. Applies to wages paid to employees in Georgia.

Employers with one or more employees must register. New employers pay 2.7% on first $9,500 of each employee's wages annually until experience rating is established.

All LLCs in Georgia are subject to the franchise tax regardless of income. The tax is based on the LLC's net worth or $50 minimum. Due each year even if no activity.

Most cities and counties require a local business license or privilege tax for food trucks. Examples: Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens-Clarke County. Fees and requirements vary. Contact local government for specifics.

Most food trucks using propane for cooking equipment may be subject to fuel use tax. However, propane used solely for cooking (not propulsion) may be exempt. Confirm with DOR. Registration required if taxable fuel is used.

Even single-member LLCs may need an EIN for banking or tax purposes. Obtained via IRS Form SS-4 or online application.

All businesses, including food trucks, must obtain. Food service classification applies.

Covers minimum wage ($7.25/hour federally), overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), recordkeeping, and youth employment rules. Applies to food truck workers regardless of mobile nature. State law may provide greater protections.

FDA issues the Food Code as a model, but adoption and enforcement are state/local. However, federal law (21 U.S.C. § 343) prohibits adulterated or misbranded food in interstate commerce. Food trucks must follow current FDA Food Code standards for food handling, storage, temperature control, and hygiene. Interstate operations may increase FDA scrutiny.

All food truck businesses must register their facility with FDA under the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. Registration must be renewed every 2 years during the period October 1–December 31. Done electronically via FDA’s online system. Applies even if only preparing food domestically.

Food truck owners must renew FDA food facility registration biennially. Failure to renew results in automatic cancellation. Registration number must be provided to state/local health departments.

All Georgia LLCs must file an annual registration with the Secretary of State. The filing is due annually on the anniversary of the LLC's formation date. Failure to file results in late fees and potential administrative dissolution.

Food trucks must obtain and renew a business license from the city or county where they operate. Requirements and fees vary significantly by municipality. For example, Atlanta requires an annual business license renewal through the Department of City Planning.

Mobile food vendors must obtain a permit from the local county health department. The permit must be renewed annually and is subject to inspection. For example, Fulton County requires annual renewal and inspection of mobile units.

A Georgia Sales and Use Tax Certificate is issued upon registration and does not require annual renewal. However, businesses must remain compliant with filing requirements. If the license is canceled, reapplication is required.

An EIN is a one-time registration. However, businesses must maintain accurate IRS records and report changes (e.g., responsible party, address) within 60 days using Form 8822-B.

LLCs taxed as disregarded entities (single-member) file Schedule C with Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. Due annually by April 15. Extensions available via Form 4868.

Most LLCs are pass-through entities and do not file Georgia Form 700. However, if the LLC has elected corporate tax treatment, Form 700 must be filed annually.

Self-employed individuals and LLCs must make estimated tax payments quarterly using Form 1040-ES. Due dates are not fixed to calendar quarters but follow IRS schedule.

Individuals and pass-through entities expecting to owe $500 or more in Georgia income tax must make quarterly estimated payments using Form IT-511-ES.

Mobile food units are subject to routine and complaint-based inspections by the local health department. Inspections ensure compliance with food safety, storage, and sanitation regulations.

Food trucks using propane or open flame must pass fire safety inspections. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department conducts annual inspections for mobile vendors operating within city limits.

Includes inspection for extinguishers, propane tanks, and ventilation.

Requires certified food manager, commissary agreement, and initial inspection.

Chapter 30 of Zoning Ordinance regulates street vendors/mobile food trucks.

Requires approved commissary and handwashing setup.

Designated vending zones only; daily location permits may apply ($10/day).

Must comply with Rule 511-6-1 for mobile food facilities.

Requires base of operation/commissary inspection.

Food trucks classified under retail food service.

NFPA 1/58 compliance for LP gas.

Mandatory for employers with three or more employees, full-time or part-time, in Georgia. Food truck LLCs with employees must carry coverage. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt unless they elect coverage. Coverage must be obtained through a licensed insurer or approved self-insurance program.

Not mandated by Georgia state law for all businesses. However, many cities and counties (e.g., Atlanta, Savannah) require general liability insurance as part of local food truck licensing. Strongly recommended due to risk of third-party injury or property damage. Often required for event participation or private property operation.

Businesses must keep records (sales, expenses, receipts, etc.) for at least 3 years. Employment tax records must be kept for at least 4 years. Recommended to retain for 7 years for safety.

Employers must display the Minimum Wage poster (FLSA), OSHA poster, and other required federal notices in a conspicuous location. State-specific posters (e.g., Georgia Workers' Compensation) also required.

All employers with 3 or more employees in Georgia must carry workers' compensation insurance. Coverage must be maintained at all times and proof may be requested during audits.

The food truck must display its business license, mobile food vendor permit, and health inspection grade (if applicable) in a visible location to the public, typically inside the service window.

At least one employee (often the manager) must complete a 16-hour ANSI-accredited food safety training course. Certification does not expire but may be required to be renewed if regulations change. Some counties require annual refresher training.

Food trucks must be registered annually with the Georgia DOR. Renewal is due each year based on the owner's birthday month or assigned renewal month.

Required under Georgia law for all commercial vehicles. Food trucks are considered commercial motor vehicles and must carry liability insurance meeting minimum limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage (25/50/25). Proof of insurance (Form SR-22) may be required for high-risk drivers.

Not a state-level requirement. Some cities (e.g., Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah) require a surety bond as part of the food truck business license to ensure compliance with local codes and tax obligations. Bond amounts and requirements vary. Example: Atlanta requires a $1,000 bond for mobile food vendors.

Not legally required by Georgia, but highly recommended for food businesses. Covers claims related to foodborne illness or contamination. Often bundled with general liability. May be required by event organizers or private property agreements.

Mandatory for any food truck that holds a liquor license in Georgia. Required as part of compliance with alcohol licensing regulations. Coverage must include dram shop liability. Only applies if the business has obtained a valid alcohol permit (e.g., Class B license for on-premises consumption).

Even single-member LLCs without employees may need an EIN to open a business bank account or comply with state requirements. Application is free via IRS Form SS-4.

A single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C of owner's Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships and must file Form 1065. LLC taxed as corporation must file Form 1120. Food truck revenue is subject to self-employment tax.

Employers must provide a safe workplace, train employees on hazards (e.g., hot surfaces, fire extinguishers, slips), maintain OSHA Form 300 logs if 10+ employees, and display OSHA poster (available free online). Mobile workplaces like food trucks are covered.

Food trucks are places of public accommodation under Title III of ADA. Must serve customers with disabilities (e.g., communicate menu clearly, allow service animals, avoid discriminatory practices). Physical modifications not typically required for mobile units unless structural changes are feasible. No safe harbor for mobile food units, but DOJ evaluates on case-by-case basis.

Non-road diesel engines (e.g., auxiliary generators) must comply with EPA emission standards under 40 CFR Part 1039. Most food trucks using small diesel generators may qualify for de minimis exemptions, but must not tamper with emission controls. EPA does not typically regulate propane cooking appliances.

All advertising (e.g., menu boards, social media) must be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Applies to claims about ingredients, sourcing (e.g., 'organic', 'locally grown'), and pricing. FTC enforces against deceptive practices under Section 5 of the FTC Act.

Employers must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization. Applies to all U.S. employers. E-Verify is not federally mandated unless federal contract exists. Retain forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.