Sanibel 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 December 1 (Lee 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 (Sanibel / Lee County)

1. City of Sanibel Business Tax Receipt
   Required for all Sanibel-based businesses, including home occupations and real estate rentals (annual and short-term). Off-island businesses need a Business Tax Registration ($50/yr); DBPR-licensed off-island contractors exempt.
   ⏰ Expires September 30; renewal July 1 to September 30; penalties from October 1
   Source: City of Sanibel: Business Tax Receipts
2. Lee County Business Tax Receipt
   The city says a Lee County receipt is also required.
   ⏰ Expires September 30; renew after July 1
   Source: City of Sanibel: Business Tax Receipts · Lee County Tax Collector: Business Tax Application