How to Start a Mobile Food Cart Business

1.1 Proof of Commissary

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation and/or the Department of Agriculture licenses commercial commissaries in the state of Florida. To operate a mobile food cart business in Florida, you must provide proof of a commissary membership.

The cost of a commissary membership varies from city to city. Fees can range from $400 to $800 per year with additional storage fees for your cart and food.

1.2 Plan Review

If you purchase a new or used cart that has not been licensed in Florida within the last 12 months, you will be required to submit a floor plan (schematics) of the cart you are purchasing to the Health Department and Department of Agriculture / Department of Professional Regulation. This process is called a “Plan Review”.

A Plan Review certifies your cart will meet all state mobile food business regulations. There is a one-time fee to submit your cart plan for review. This fee is paid directly to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You have the option to apply for your license only or to apply for your license and plan review at the same time. You should apply for plan review and your license at the same time to make the process easier.

The health inspector may have questions about your cart during Plan Review. Don’t guess the answers. Contact your cart manufacturer for the information.

1.3 Cart Photos

You will be required to provide at least two photos of your cart to the health department. These photos must show the equipment and propane tank area. Though you are only required to provide two photos, the more you have available the better.

If you are purchasing a Top Dog Cart, we will provide you with several photos of your cart at various angles.

1.4 Safe Food Handling Certification

To start a mobile food cart business in Florida you must complete and pass a Food Safety Certification course. This is required to get your license. You will have 30 days to complete certification after your final health inspection.

Additional Resources
Division of Hotels & Restaurants Food Manager Certification (pdf)

1.5 Completing Your License Application

Before submitting your application, make sure you have:

• Proof of Commissary Form (DBPR HR-7022) and a copy of the commissary’s water bill
• Cart schematics and at least two photos of your cart
• Payments for your license and plan review fees.

You can download the application from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website or submit your application online.

A full year’s license is $347.00 and a half-year is $178.50. Licensing fees are paid directly to the DBPR district office for your county. Be sure to locate your district office before sending your payment.

After completing your application and payments, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation will contact you to confirm your application. If there is any missing information, they will let you know. Missing information or required cart features will delay your license. This is why you want to make sure your cart will meet all requirements before you submit your license application.

Once your license requirements are met, a state health inspector will contact you to schedule your cart inspection.

Once you’ve obtained your license, you are ready to submit your cart for health inspection. This inspection will take place at your commissary location.

Your commissary may have a checklist of items needed for your cart inspection. Typically, the inspection includes reviewing food preperation areas, cold storage, sink(s) and water tanks. Periodically throughout the year, inspections will be conducted randomly to review your cart cleanliness and maintenance.

3.1 Your Location

Before you can open a mobile food business in Florida you need to choose a location (or locations). The best locations are usually in high traffic areas such as near office buildings or schools, farmer’s markets, festivals, busy intersections, and parks (to name a few).

Begin by choosing several possible locations. Then find out if they are on public or private property (you can call the local Chamber of Commerce for this information). Locations on public property may require you to carry additional permits. Locations on private property may require a rental agreement with the land owner.

In some cities, mobile food vendors are only allowed to operate in certain areas or during certain hours. You will need to contact the city or county where you are opening your business to find out if there are any location restrictions.

3.2 Your Business Name

If you plan to name your business anything other than your legal name, you need to register a fictitious name with the State of Florida. A fictitious name is any name under which a person transacts business in Florida, other than his/her legal name. ( For example: TDC Manufacturing, LLC /  DBA Topdogcarts.com) When choosing a name for your business, care should be taken to make sure:

• The name is not already being used by someone else.
• The name is not associated with trademarked or copyrighted entities such as sports teams, characters or mascots. You can be fined or forced to change your company name if it is found in violation of copyright or trademark law.

Make a list of names you would like to use, then check the internet to make sure they aren’t taken. Once you have chosen a name, visit the  Florida Department of Fictitious Names  to register your name. 

3.3 Taxes

You need to obtain a Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN)  from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) before you can open any business in the United States. Also known as a Tax Identification Number, this number is assigned by the IRS to identify businesses operating in the United States. You may complete the application online to receive your EIN immediately.

To open a mobile food cart business in Florida, you need to contact your county tax collector to inquire about collecting tax in the county where your business is located. You also need to register your business with the Florida Department of Revenue. You may contact both of these offices after getting your EIN.

3.4 Vehicle Registration

You are required to register your mobile food cart with the Department of Motor Vehicles in the same way you would register a trailer. To complete your registration, you will need:

• The Manufacturer’s Statement of Ownership (vehicle title)
• Bill of Sale (invoice)
• VIN# from your cart
• A valid photo ID

3.5 Liability Insurance

 We recommend you purchase liability insurance for your mobile food cart business in Florida. Check with your car insurance carrier to see if they offer liability coverage for mobile food cart businesses. There are also companies who offer coverage specific to mobile food vendors, such as FLIP.