Rankin County, MS Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

Food trucks operating in Rankin County must hold a Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) mobile food establishment permit under the MS Food Code (based on 2017 FDA Food Code) and pass an initial plan review plus annual inspection. Operators also need a Mississippi Secretary of State business registration, a Mississippi Department of Revenue sales tax permit (7% state + local), and a municipal privilege license in each city where they operate — Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Richland, and Pelahatchie each issue their own. A commissary agreement with a permitted fixed facility is required for food prep, water, and waste disposal. ServSafe or equivalent food manager certification is required for at least one person per unit. Propane tanks must be inspected; a Class K or ABC fire extinguisher is required. Mississippi's Right to Farm Act §95-3-29 does not protect commercial mobile vending. Dillon's Rule in Mississippi means cities have only the authority the legislature grants — but municipal privilege licensing authority is clearly granted under §27-17.