Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles (food trucks, etc.) and Hot Dog Carts require licensure by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Please note: Ice cream trucks must follow a different process with the County, see below.
To apply, call (850) 487-1395 or apply online:
- Visit www.myfloridalicense.com and click the "Apply or Manage My License" button.
- Choose "Hotels and Restaurants"
- Choose "Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles or Hot Dog Cart"
Manatee County only has jurisdiction over the unincorporated area of the county and does not issue vending permits or licenses. However, we require the following regulations be adhered to:
- Food vendor must be located on active commercial property with the approval of the property owner. Food vendor cannot block any drive aisles or parking spaces.
- Food vendor cannot be located in the County Right-of-Way.
- Food vendor cannot provide seating. Food is only to be dispensed from the mobile cart/vehicle.
Note: Permanent power supply will reclassify use from Mobile Food Dispensing to Restaurant and will require Final Site Plan approval.