Fort Myers
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Fort Myers
Display all permits visibly on your food truck while operating.
Apply for a Temporary Placement Permit if operating on public property or during special events.
Secure a Business Tax Receipt from the City of Fort Myers.
Obtain a Mobile Food Establishment Permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Renew permits annually to stay compliant with health and safety standards.
Schedule a Fire Inspection if using propane or cooking equipment, conducted by the Fort Myers Fire Department.
Complete a Health Inspection through FDACS to ensure food safety compliance.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Fort Myers
Food trucks in Fort Myers, Florida, require several permits to operate:
Mobile Food Establishment Permit: Issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This requires a successful health inspection to verify food safety standards.
Business Tax Receipt: A permit issued by the City of Fort Myers to legally operate a food truck within the city.
Fire Safety Inspection: Required for trucks using cooking equipment like grills or propane tanks. Conducted by the Fort Myers Fire Department to ensure fire safety compliance.
Temporary Placement Permit: If operating on public property or at special events, a Temporary Placement Permit from Fort Myers Beach is necessary.
The process for obtaining these permits generally involves submitting applications, passing required inspections, and paying applicable fees. Some permits, such as the FDACS Mobile Food Establishment Permit, require renewal annually, while others may need to be updated depending on the truck's operating status.
Cost of Business Permit
$347
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Fort Myers
Health Inspections: All food trucks must pass an annual inspection by FDACS to ensure food safety standards are met. The inspection covers areas such as food storage, cleanliness, refrigeration, and equipment standards.
Food Safety Certifications: At least one person on the truck must complete a Food Safety Certification course, which is generally a Food Protection Manager Certification recognized by FDACS.
Truck-Specific Requirements: Food trucks must include a handwashing station for employees, adequate waste disposal systems, and meet all sanitation standards for food preparation areas. Trucks must also operate from a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage and prep.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Fort Myers
Food trucks are allowed to operate during regular business hours from 9 a.m to 10 p.m., but special permits may be required for late-night operations or during special events.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Fort Myers
Food trucks using propane, grills, or deep fryers must undergo an inspection by the Fort Myers Fire Department to ensure compliance with fire safety codes.
Fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and cooking equipment must meet local fire safety standards.
A Fire Safety Certificate may be required before commencing operations, especially if cooking equipment poses an increased fire risk.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Fort Myers
Food trucks are prohibited within 200 feet of school entrances during operational hours.
Trucks must comply with local parking regulations and may face restrictions on where they can park.
Special events may require additional permits or approval, particularly if they are hosted on public property or in busy commercial areas.
Trucks operating on public property or in high-traffic areas may need to apply for a Temporary Placement Permit or a Special Event Permit.
The information on this page is collected through collaboration with local food truck owners and occasional voluntary submissions from local government and health officials. Food Truck Profit is not a government agency and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. All food truck owners are strongly encouraged to consult directly with local government officials, including fire and health departments, to ensure compliance with all regulations. Food Truck Profit assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content provided.