To open a food truck in the city of Miami, FL, you will need to obtain several licenses and permits. These include a Certificate of Use (CU), a Mobile Food Permit, a Business Tax Receipt, and potentially a license from one of the Florida agencies depending on the type of food you are selling and where you are operating.
1. Certificate of Use (CU)
Purpose: This certificate is required to ensure that your food truck operation complies with the zoning districts and site restrictions in Miami. It is renewable on an annual basis.
How to Register: The application package should include an outline from the applicant describing the business’s operations and service hours. A copy of the required State license for food service establishments is also needed. The application can be submitted to the Miami-Dade County City Hall office.
2. Mobile Food Permit
Purpose: This permit is required for mobile food establishments selling only prepackaged foods or non-potentially hazardous food items.
Estimated Cost: Determined at the time of initial inspection.
How to Register: The process involves reviewing the permit requirements, completing a Commissary Letter of Agreement (if you're not selling only prepackaged non-potentially hazardous food), and submitting a Food Establishment Inspection Application to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The permit must be renewed annually before December 31.
3. Business Tax Receipt
Purpose: This receipt is required for tax purposes.
How to Register: After obtaining the Certificate of Use, you need to provide a copy of your completed Certificate of Use and the Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN) for your business to the City of Miami.
4. State Agency License
Purpose: This license is required depending on the type of food you are selling and where you are operating.
How to Register: You will need to get a license from one of these Florida agencies: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, or Department of Health.
More Resources
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
- Miami-Dade County
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
- City of Miami
- Florida Department of State
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