Flint, MI Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Ice cream/confections only
- License term
- Expires April 30 annually
- Council can cap
- New licenses if market is full
- Insurance required
- $10k/$20k/$5k coverage
Summary
Flint requires its own City Clerk license, on top of state vehicle registration, before anyone can sell ice cream or confections from a truck or cart on city streets.
No person shall operate a motor vehicle, cart, pushcart, or any other type of vehicle for the purpose of engaging in the business or occupation of selling ice cream or ice cream products on the streets, sidewalks and other public places of the City without a license for that purpose from the City issued by the City Clerk.
(b) Definitions. CART or PUSHCART. All such forms of conveyance not included within the definition of “vehicle” as used herein. ICE CREAM, ICE CREAM PRODUCTS or CONFECTIONS. Any frozen product made from cream and/or milk of any kind in connection with any other substance; and sherbet, ice or any imitation ice cream made of water, milk solids or substances, mixtures or compounds offered for sale in imitation of or to resemble ice cream or sherbet. VEHICLE. Any vehicles which are self- propelled by self-contained mechanical means such as internal combustion engines, but shall not include those which are propelled merely by pushing, pedaling or other means of manpower. (Ord. 856, passed 5-2-1949; Ord. 1327, passed 5-7-1956; Ord. 3073, passed 9-26- 1988)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2016 Code: Local legislation current through Ordinance 3821, passed 3-1-2012).
Full Breakdown
The city's only mobile food-vending license covers ice cream and confections: City of Flint Code § 12-186(a) bars operating a motor vehicle, cart, pushcart or other vehicle to sell ice cream products on streets, sidewalks or other public places without a City Clerk license. Under § 12-187, a motor vehicle must also be properly licensed and equipped under the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code, and every driver needs a valid Michigan license, before the city will issue its permit. The City Council can refuse new licenses under § 12-188 once it decides enough vehicles already serve the public, and operators must carry $10,000/$20,000/$5,000 liability and property-damage insurance under § 12-194.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the license, or losing required insurance, is grounds for suspension by the City Administrator or revocation by the City Council under §§ 12-190 and 12-194.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Flint have a general food truck permit for tacos, burgers, etc.?
Can Flint refuse to issue a new ice cream vehicle license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flint
Compare Flint to another location·View the Michigan food trucks & mobile vendors overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.