Tampa 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 February 1 (Hillsborough 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 (Tampa / Hillsborough County)

1. City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt
   Apply through the city's Business Tax application for a new business operating in the City of Tampa; an on-site inspection may be required.
   ⏰ Due September 30 each year (state law)
   Source: City of Tampa: New Business Tax Receipt Application · City of Tampa: Business Tax, How do I… · Florida Statutes §205.053 (business tax due dates and penalties)
2. Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt
   Collected from businesses operating in Hillsborough County. Renewal opens July 1.
   ⏰ Expires September 30; late penalties start October 1
   Source: Hillsborough County Tax Collector: Business tax renewal information