License fee is set statewide by MCA 50-50-205 and collected by the local health authority; the fee is the same regardless of establishment type. State law preempts local fee amounts.
Turnaround: Typically 2-3 weeks; 4-6 weeks in spring/summer. Plan review approval valid 90 days (one 90-day extension available on request).
Mobile units are retail food establishments under MCA Title 50, Ch. 50. Montana DPHHS charges a one-time $115 mobile plan review fee.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery / market with deli | $85 (no more than two employees at any one time) / $115 (three or more employees) - statewide retail food establishment license (MCA 50-50-205) | Montana licenses all retail food establishment types under one fee, set by employee count. |
| Bakery / food processing | $85 / $115 (retail bakery = retail food establishment license, by employee count) | Wholesale food manufacturing requires a separate Montana DPHHS wholesale food license. |
| Bar / limited food service | $85 / $115 (retail food establishment license; same statewide schedule) | Alcohol licensing is separate through the Montana Department of Revenue. |
| Pushcart / mobile vending | $85 / $115 (mobile = retail food establishment license); Montana DPHHS mobile plan review $115 one-time | Mobile units are retail food establishments under MCA Title 50, Ch. 50. |
| Temporary / seasonal event | null - Flathead does not publish a temporary food fee; MCA 50-50-205 caps the temporary permit fee at the retail amount ($85/$115) and it is collected locally | Confirm the exact temporary fee with Flathead Environmental Health (406-751-8130). |