STATE-administered flat schedule. Food establishments are permitted by the Virginia Department of Health (here, the Prince William Health District) under the Virginia Food Regulations (12VAC5-421); the fee is a uniform $40 statewide, not set by the county. Retail food stores selling packaged food (groceries/markets) are regulated by the Virginia Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS), not VDH.
Turnaround: Submit the food service permit application at least 30 days prior to opening (after plan review approval).
A commissary/base of operations is required. Mobile units permitted by VDH; the $40 flat fees apply statewide.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caterer | $40 - a caterer is a Food Establishment permitted by VDH at the statewide flat $40 annual fee (plus a one-time $40 plan review for a new facility). | Virginia does not price food establishments by type; the flat $40 applies statewide. |
| Grocery / market with deli | null - retail food stores (groceries/markets selling packaged food) are regulated by the Virginia Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS), not VDH. A grocery with a deli / hot-food prep / seating is a VDH Food Establishment at the flat $40 annual fee. | Virginia splits retail food stores (VDACS) from food establishments/food service (VDH). |
| Temporary / seasonal event | $40 - Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) permit, annually (a TFE operates <=14 consecutive days for a single event). If you already hold a VA temporary permit for the calendar year, no additional $40 - only a new application per event. | Statewide VDH flat fee. |
| Pushcart / mobile vending | $80 total to start - Mobile Food Unit / push cart: $40 permit + $40 plan review (confirmed on Prince William Health District materials); $40 annual permit thereafter (statewide VDH flat fees). | A commissary/base of operations is required. |