Hillsborough County, FL Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- retail sales peddler required
- Food permit
- FL Dept. of Agriculture
- Lease
- required, kept on-site
- Zoning permit
- not required
Summary
Hillsborough County requires temporary food truck vendors to hold a county occupational license, a state food permit, and a signed property lease, all kept on-site for inspection.
Temporary vendors located on private property shall conform with the following requirements. Approval of a Conditional Use zoning permit is not required. ... The vendor shall possess a current Hillsborough County occupational license for a "retail sales peddler" valid at the proposed vendor location. The license shall be kept on site during business hours and shall be made available for review by Hillsborough County upon request.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 6.11.101.02 of the Land Development Code governs temporary vendors, including food trucks, on private property in unincorporated Hillsborough County, and no Conditional Use zoning permit is required. Operators must hold a current Hillsborough County occupational license for a 'retail sales peddler' valid at the vendor's specific location, a Florida Department of Agriculture food permit unless selling only raw produce or legumes, and a valid lease from the property owner. All three documents must stay on-site during business hours for county review on request. Building permits are needed for any structures, tent permits come from the Fire Marshal, and licensed contractors must pull permits for electrical connections.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the retail sales peddler license, state food permit, or property lease on file can trigger Code Enforcement fines against the property owner under Sec. 6.11.101.02(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits does a food truck need in unincorporated Hillsborough County?
Does a food truck need a Conditional Use zoning permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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