What Permits & Licenses You’ll Need
When launching a food truck in Miami, you’ll need several permits, licenses, and approvals from state, county, and city authorities. These ensure your operation is legal, health-conscious, and compliant with zoning, safety, and tax rules.

Here’s a general roadmap to guide you through the process in Miami:
Plan your business structure
Register your business (LLC, sole proprietor, etc.) with the State, and file with SunBiz if required. (Miami.gov)

Check zoning & location
Before spending on a vehicle or building out, verify whether the location where you want to operate is zoned to allow mobile food vendors. If using private property, get the property owner's authorization. If using public property or street locations, check local ordinances or restrictions. (Miami-Dade County)

Obtain Certificate of Use (CU)
Necessary for many mobile operations depending on city rules. Need to submit your property, use description, floor plans (if applicable), occupancy/completion/CO, or certificate if structures are involved. (Miami.gov)

Apply for Business Tax Receipt
After or in conjunction with CU. (Miami.gov)

Secure health/food permits
If selling/preparing food: state or county health department inspections, meeting requirements for safe food handling, possibly commissary use, equipment, water/waste disposal, etc. (FDACS)

Set up safety & fire compliance
Make sure equipment, ventilation, and suppression systems are correct; schedule inspections.  

Obtain vehicle, insurance, and inspections
Vehicle registration, proof of insurance (liability), photos, inspections of the mobile unit. For PortMiami also additional insurance coverage, higher fees. (Miami-Dade County)

Pay fees & renew regularly
Many permits/licenses in Miami require renewal annually. Be aware of renewal deadlines to avoid fines or suspensions. (Miami-Dade County)

Here’s a general roadmap to guide you through the process in Miami:

Operating hours in certain zones may be regulated.

Location restrictions: public right-of-way vs private property, distance from residences, property line setbacks, parking zones. (Miami-Dade County)

Music or noise / amplified sound may be restricted. (Miami-Dade County)

Signage restrictions — what signs you can use, how large, and what type.

Electrical service/hookups must be safe, and any extension cords or utility connections must be approved. (Miami-Dade County)

The sale of alcoholic beverages typically needs separate licenses (if allowed) and is often restricted.

If you plan to serve at PortMiami:
You need a PortMiami Food Truck Permit, which has higher fees. Initial permit & renewal fees are significant. (Miami-Dade County)

Proof of insurance naming PortMiami and Miami-Dade County as additional insured. (Miami-Dade County)

Business registration with the State, photos of the vehicle, vehicle registration, etc. (Miami-Dade County)

The costs can vary greatly depending on the exact location, the foods served, and whether you’re using PortMiami. For example:
PortMiami’s food truck permit: Initial fee ~$3,350 (cooking on site), or lower if just pre-packaged food. Renewal is several thousand. (Miami-Dade County)

Local business tax receipt: depends on the city/county scale.

State/health department fees: variable depending on the type of food, inspections.

Fire/safety inspection fees.

Timeline: Can take weeks to a few months, depending on how complete your documents are, how busy departments are, if inspections are scheduled promptly, etc.

Tips to Avoid Delays
Have all plans, diagrams, and vehicle specs ready before you apply.

Use a professional commissary or commercial kitchen if required. Delays often occur from a lack of proper kitchen/cleaning facilities.

Double-check all insurance policies to meet required minimums. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Be proactive with the health department/fire department. Pre-inspections or walkthroughs help.

Keep track of all renewal deadlines (Business Tax Receipt, health permits, fire inspections, etc.).