Winter Haven 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 (Polk 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 (Winter Haven / Polk County)

1. City of Winter Haven Business Tax Receipt
   Issued by the Building Division to all businesses in city limits. Check zoning, fire-protection and license requirements before starting; the application needs Planning and Fire sign-offs.
   ⏰ Renewal fees due October 1 every year
   Source: City of Winter Haven: Building Permits & Licenses (Business Tax Receipts) · City of Winter Haven: Business Tax Receipt Checklist and Application (PDF)
2. Polk County Business Tax Receipt
   The city application checklist requires a copy of your Polk County receipt before the city receipt is issued.
   ⏰ Verify the county renewal date with the Polk County Tax Collector
   Source: City of Winter Haven: Business Tax Receipt Checklist and Application (PDF)