Jacksonville
Table of Contents
State
Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Jacksonville
Comply with Zoning and Parking Restrictions, particularly in areas near schools or high-traffic zones.
Register for a Business License with the City of Jacksonville to legally operate.
Pass an Initial Health Inspection and comply with sanitation requirements.
Obtain a Mobile Food Vending Permit from the City of Jacksonville’s Environmental Health Section.
Renew Permits Annually to maintain operational status.
Use a Licensed Commissary Kitchen for food preparation, storage, and waste disposal.
Complete a Food Safety Certification Course recognized by the Florida Department of Health.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, food trucks are required to obtain several key permits:
Mobile Food Vending Permit: Issued by the City of Jacksonville’s Environmental Health Section, this permit is necessary for food trucks to operate. Applicants must submit an application, provide proof of food safety certification, and pass a health inspection.
Food Safety Certification: Operators must complete a food safety training course that meets Florida Department of Health guidelines before applying for the mobile food vending permit.
Commissary Kitchen: Food trucks must operate out of a licensed commissary kitchen for food storage, preparation, and waste disposal. Proof of this relationship must be provided with the permit application.
Business License: A business license must be obtained from the City of Jacksonville to legally operate a food truck within city limits.
Zoning and Location Permits: Food trucks must adhere to local zoning laws, including parking restrictions and requirements for operating in certain areas (such as near schools).
Cost of Business Permit
$200 - $400
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Jacksonville
Inspections: Food trucks must pass an annual health inspection conducted by the Jacksonville Environmental Health Section. Inspections cover food safety practices, cleanliness, equipment standards (e.g., refrigeration, cooking appliances), and sanitation requirements.
Food Safety Certification: Operators must complete a Food Safety Manager Certification course approved by the Florida Department of Health. This ensures they are knowledgeable about food handling and safety protocols.
Truck-Specific Requirements: Trucks must have an onboard handwashing station, adequate waste disposal systems, and proper refrigeration to ensure safe food storage and handling. These must meet state and local health codes.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Jacksonville
Food trucks are generally allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. However, there may be exceptions for specific zones or events that allow extended hours.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Jacksonville
Fire Safety: Food trucks with cooking equipment such as grills, fryers, or propane tanks must undergo an inspection by the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department. The truck must meet fire safety standards, including fire extinguishers and suppression systems. A fire inspection certificate may be required before operating the truck, particularly for those with high-risk cooking equipment.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Jacksonville
Prohibited Zones: Food trucks cannot operate within 200 feet of school entrances during school hours.
Zoning Regulations: Food trucks must adhere to Jacksonville's zoning laws, including parking restrictions in certain areas such as residential zones or high-traffic commercial districts.
Event-Specific Permits: If operating at festivals or events, additional permits may be required, and the event organizers will typically manage the permitting process.
Parking Compliance: Operators must ensure they park in permitted locations to avoid fines and penalties for illegal parking, especially in high-traffic zones.
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.