Start a Food Truck in Jacksonville, FL
A step-by-step guide to opening a food truck around Jacksonville, FL.
Information last reviewed 2026-11-09.
1. Write down your concept and numbers
Decide what you will sell, who will buy it and what each plate costs you. A short menu you can cook fast is the best start for a truck.
2. Set up your business
Form a business entity (many owners choose an LLC), get a federal tax ID (EIN) and open a business bank account.
3. Choose and equip your truck
Buy or lease a truck, trailer or cart and have it fitted with the cooking, refrigeration, hand-washing and fire-safety equipment your local health department requires.
4. Get your permits and licenses
Rules differ by state, county and city, so check the details for your area below.
- Florida licenses food trucks at the state level. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Hotels and Restaurants, issues the Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle license after inspecting the vehicle.
- Under Rule 61C-4.0161 a mobile food dispensing vehicle operates from an approved commissary, and a truck that is not self-sufficient reports to its commissary at least once a day. Tell DBPR about each commissary on form HR-7022.
- Florida law limits local governments' power to add their own food truck permits (see section 509.102 of the Florida Statutes), but cities can still regulate things like parking and business tax receipts. Confirm with your city.
Official and local sources
Rules and fees change. Confirm with the agency before you apply.
5. Arrange a commissary and insurance
Many areas require a licensed commissary kitchen for prep, water and waste. Get general liability and commercial auto insurance before you operate.
6. Plan where you will sell
Look at breweries, markets, offices, festivals and events. Add your stops to a schedule so customers can find you.
7. Sign up for EasyEats
EasyEats is the point of sale built for food trucks. Take orders and card payments from one tablet, let customers order ahead, and post your locations so people can find you.
Food truck associations
Orlando Food Truck Association (ORLFTA) The organization coordinates corporate and private event bookings, advocates for local vendor interests, and tracks regional street food regulations. Miami Food Truck Association (MIAFTA) Serves Miami-Dade and South Florida operators. It functions as a collective for local truck owners, focusing on event catering matchmaking, municipal compliance, and promoter coordination. Jacksonville Food Truck Association (JAXFTA) Mobile Food & Beverage Association of Marion County (MFBAMC) Focuses on maintaining sanitation and operating standards, vendor collaboration, and vetted event placement. Tampa Bay Food Trucks The primary organizing and booking network for trucks throughout Tampa, St.Petersburg, and Clearwater. Coordinates recurring rallies, private corporate catering, and municipal logistics across the Tampa Bay area. Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) It actively lobbies at the state Capitol regarding Chapter 509 preemption rules—which prohibit local cities and counties from banning mobile food dispensing vehicles (MFDVs) or imposing duplicative local licensing fees.
Curious who is already out there? See food trucks near Jacksonville, FL. Permit rules for the rest of Florida are in the Florida guide.