Food Truck Permit Requirements in Miami, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants — Mobile Food Unit License

   Florida's DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants licenses mobile food dispensing vehicles (food trucks) at the state level under Ch. 509, F.S. Food trucks serving food requiring temperature control must be licensed and pass inspection. Licensing is preempted to the state (s. 509.102, F.S.): counties and municipalities may not require a separate food-truck license, registration, or permit fee.

   Official government source

   $347/year license (half-year $178.50) + $50 one-time application fee·2–3 weeks (online application via DBPR)

   $347/year license (half-year $178.50) + $50 one-time application fee

   2–3 weeks (online application via DBPR)

2. Florida Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

   Required to collect and remit Florida sales tax (6% state + local surtax) on food and beverage sales. Registration is free and can be done online through the Florida Department of Revenue.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online registration)

   Free

   Immediate (online registration)

3. Florida Food Handler Training

   Every DBPR-licensed food service establishment (including mobile food units) must have at least one certified food protection manager (ANSI-CFP accredited program such as ServSafe), and a certified manager must be present whenever four or more employees are engaged in food storage, preparation, or service (Rule 61C-4.023, F.A.C.). All other food employees must complete food safety training (s. 509.049, F.S.).

   Official government source

   $80–$150 (food manager exam and course); $15–$30 per food handler·1–2 days for exam

   $80–$150 (food manager exam and course); $15–$30 per food handler

   1–2 days for exam

1. Miami-Dade County Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle (MFDV) License

   All food trucks operating in Miami-Dade County must obtain a Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle license from the Miami-Dade County Department of Health. The truck is inspected before the license is issued. The license must be renewed annually and posted inside the vehicle.

   Official government source

   $387/year (standard MFDV license fee)·2–4 weeks after application, inspection, and fee payment

   $387/year (standard MFDV license fee)

   2–4 weeks after application, inspection, and fee payment

2. City of Miami Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

   Required for any business operating within City of Miami limits. Formerly called an Occupational License. Issued by the Miami Finance Department. Must be renewed annually by September 30.

   Official government source

   $45–$300 depending on business type and number of employees·1–2 weeks

   $45–$300 depending on business type and number of employees

   1–2 weeks

3. Miami-Dade County Commissary Agreement

   Food trucks operating in Miami-Dade County must operate from an approved commissary (a licensed commercial kitchen for food prep, restocking, and sanitation). You must provide a signed commissary agreement from an approved facility with your license application.

   Official government source

   $200–$600/month (commissary rental, varies by facility)·Arranged before license application

   $200–$600/month (commissary rental, varies by facility)

   Arranged before license application

4. City of Miami Zoning Approval / Vending Location Permit

   Food trucks vending in specific locations (parks, sidewalks, or private lots) may need zoning approval or a special event permit from the City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department. Private property vendors need written property owner consent.

   Official government source

   Varies by location type ($0–$500)·1–4 weeks

   Varies by location type ($0–$500)

   1–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Miami-Dade County Health — Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles
• City of Miami — Local Business Tax Receipt
• Florida DBPR — Hotels and Restaurants Licensing
• Florida Department of Revenue — Sales Tax

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