Panama City Food Truck License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. Florida Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle (MFDV) license (DBPR Hotels & Restaurants)
   Food trucks are licensed by the state. Florida law stops cities and counties from requiring their own separate food-truck license or permit fee. Fee: $347 a full year ($178.50 half year).
   ⏰ Renews every year on June 1 (Bay County district)
   Source: Florida DBPR: Hotels and Restaurants food service fees · Florida DBPR: Hotels and Restaurants district offices and expiration dates · Florida Statutes §509.102 (food trucks; state preemption)
2. Business name and entity filings (Sunbiz)
   LLCs and corporations file an annual report ($138.75 for an LLC). Using a name other than your legal name? Register it as a fictitious name.
   ⏰ Annual report: May 1 ($400 late fee). Fictitious name: renew every 5 years
   Source: Florida Division of Corporations: File Annual Report · Florida Statutes §865.09 (fictitious name registration)

Local (Panama City / Bay County)

1. City of Panama City Occupational Business Tax Receipt
   Required for service businesses in city limits; $25 to $2,500 a year by occupation. Apply and renew online (GovOS); state license copy required for regulated work. Retail merchants follow a separate merchant tax.
   ⏰ Due by October 1; 10% October rising to 25% in January, $250 in February
   Source: Village of Pinecrest: Local Business Tax Receipt
2. Bay County Business Tax Receipt (verify)
   A county receipt may also be required; the city page does not say so. Confirm with the Bay County Tax Collector.
   ⏰ Verify
   Source: Village of Pinecrest: Local Business Tax Receipt