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🍔 Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors/Food Truck Permits

Coral Gables vs North Miami

How do food truck permits rules compare between Coral Gables, FL and North Miami, FL?

North Miami has fewer restrictions than Coral Gables.

Coral Gables, FL

Miami-Dade County

Heavy Restrictions

Food trucks in Coral Gables face heavy regulation. While Florida law (effective 2020) prevents cities from requiring a local business license beyond the state license, Coral Gables regulates food truck locations, hours, and aesthetics through its zoning code. The Board of Architects aesthetic standards apply. Operations in the public right-of-way are restricted.

View full Coral Gables rules →

North Miami, FL

Miami-Dade County

Some Restrictions

Food trucks operating in North Miami must hold a valid Florida DBPR mobile food dispensing vehicle license and Miami-Dade County health permit. Since 2020, Florida law preempts cities from requiring a separate local business license for food trucks. The city regulates locations, hours, and operational standards through its code of ordinances.

View full North Miami rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactCoral GablesNorth Miami
State LicenseDBPR mobile food license requiredDBPR mobile food license
Local Business LicensePreempted by FL law (2020)-
Aesthetic ReviewBoard of Architects standards-
Health PermitMiami-Dade County requiredMiami-Dade County required
Code Enforcement(305) 460-5216-
Local License-Preempted by FL law (2020)
Commissary-Agreement required
Planning Dept-(305) 895-9825

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Coral Gables FAQ

Do I need a Coral Gables business license for a food truck?

No. Since 2020, Florida law prevents cities from requiring a local business license beyond the state-issued DBPR mobile food dispensing vehicle license. However, the city regulates locations, hours, and aesthetics.

Can food trucks operate anywhere in Coral Gables?

No. The city restricts food truck locations, particularly in the downtown district and near Miracle Mile. Private property operations require written owner authorization. Special events require event permits.

What aesthetic standards apply to food trucks?

The Board of Architects oversees aesthetic standards for commercial activities in Coral Gables. Food truck appearance and signage in public areas may be subject to review to maintain the community's historic character.

North Miami FAQ

Do I need a North Miami business license for my food truck?

No. Since July 2020, Florida law preempts cities from requiring a separate local business license for mobile food dispensing vehicles. You need a valid DBPR state license and Miami-Dade County health permit.

Where can food trucks operate in North Miami?

The city regulates food truck locations through its code of ordinances. Operations on private property require written owner authorization. Special events require event permits. Contact the Planning Department at (305) 895-9825 for location regulations.

What health and safety requirements apply?

A Miami-Dade County health permit, valid DBPR license, commissary agreement, and current fire safety equipment (fire extinguishers) are all required. Health inspections are conducted by Miami-Dade County.

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