Food Truck Permits: Homestead vs Miami
How do food truck permits rules compare between Homestead, FL and Miami, FL?
Homestead has fewer restrictions than Miami.
Homestead, FL
Miami-Dade County
Food trucks in unincorporated Miami-Dade County require a mobile food dispensing vehicle license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, plus a county Certificate of Use and Business Tax Receipt.
View full Homestead rules →Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Miami food trucks must hold a Florida DBPR Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle (MFDV) license ($347 annually) plus a City of Miami Certificate of Use and Business Tax Receipt. Florida state law (HB 1193, F.S. §509.102) preempts city bans, but Miami Code §35-223 restricts vending on most public rights-of-way and requires private-property operation with owner consent.
View full Miami rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Homestead | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| State License | DBPR required | - |
| County | CU and BTR required | - |
| Health | FL DOH inspection | - |
| Commissary | Kitchen agreement needed | - |
| Zoning | Chapter 33 applies | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Homestead FAQ
What permits do food trucks need in Miami-Dade?
A DBPR mobile food dispensing license, county Certificate of Use, Business Tax Receipt, and FL DOH health inspection. A commissary kitchen agreement is also required.
Where can food trucks operate?
In zones permitted under Chapter 33. Some areas require minimum distances from restaurants. Residential areas may have hour restrictions. Check specific zoning for your location.
Miami FAQ
Where can I park my food truck in Miami?
Almost exclusively on private property with written owner consent — Miami Code §35-223 bans vending on most public sidewalks and streets. Some city parks allow it via separate concession agreements. Food truck rallies at private lots are the dominant model.
How long does a Miami food truck permit take?
The DBPR MFDV license takes 2–4 weeks after state inspection. Add 2–3 weeks for the City of Miami Certificate of Use and Business Tax Receipt, and 1 week for the Miami-Dade local BTR.
How much does a Miami food truck permit cost?
$347/year for the DBPR MFDV license, plus a Miami Business Tax Receipt (~$45–$300 depending on category), a Miami-Dade BTR (~$45), and a Certificate of Use ($150–$300). No annual city food permit thanks to state preemption.
Compare other topics
See how Homestead and Miami compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool