Each row is the verification state of one aspect for Florida, taken from the data we hold. A check does not mean every local amendment or county fee was individually reviewed.
These come from the FDA Food Code — a model code that nearly every state adopts and amends, with enforcement that varies by jurisdiction. Treat them as commonly required, not universal: your menu, your state’s adopted edition, and your local authority (AHJ) may impose different or additional requirements.
Labels flag how firm each item is — Common baseline core Food-Code expectation · Frequently required usual on plan review · Varies locally set by local/plumbing code · Verify with AHJ confirm the specifics locally. The finer details (drainboard count, which sanitation listings are accepted, interceptor sizing) are plan-review and plumbing-code matters that vary by jurisdiction; the notes below are FoodServiceNerd planning guidance, not a code citation.
Varies locally Also required in most kitchens: a mop/service sink, mechanical exhaust hood (Type I over grease/smoke), adequate hot water, indirect waste/air gaps on food & warewashing equipment, and a grease interceptor where local plumbing code requires it — which apply, and their sizing, are set locally.
Licensing authority: FL Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Hotels & Restaurants. Regime: STATE-ISSUED with statutory preemption.
BEST CASE FOR OPERATORS. Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle (MFDV) licence, $50 application + $347 annual ($178.50 half-year), licence year runs June 1 - May 31. Under F.S. 509.102 cities and counties CANNOT require a separate food truck licence, registration or permit beyond the MFDV, cannot charge a duplicate fee, and cannot ban food trucks from their entire jurisdiction. They retain zoning, hours, noise and proximity-to-restaurant rules. Preemption does NOT apply to ports, airports or seaports. Plan review required for new builds, major remodels or units closed 18+ months (form HR-7031); initial inspection before operating. Commissary Letter of Agreement (FDACS-14223) required; Certified Food Protection Manager on site during all operating hours; food handler training within 60 days of hire. Prepackaged-only vendors use FDACS instead of DBPR. Local business tax receipt still commonly required. Temporary event permits from local environmental health may apply per event.
Mobile/food-truck reciprocity: YES - strongest in the dataset. F.S. 509.102 preempts local food truck licensing
New builds and remodels almost always require a plan review and a pre-opening inspection. Submit your equipment layout early — the sink count, hood, and hot-water sizing are the usual sticking points.
Confirm the current mobile/retail food licence class, fees, forms and inspection scheduling with the state agency before applying.
Food-permit basics, inspection grading and your local health-department contact, county by county. Fees and plan review are set locally — find yours below.