To open a food truck in Tennessee, you will need to acquire several licenses and permits. These include completing a Farm Based or Mobile Food Questionnaire, obtaining a business license, a lease agreement, well water inspection approval, a floor plan of the mobile vehicle, and a certification from a USDA facility. In Davidson County, additional requirements include a Use Permit, a 90-day temporary permit, and compliance with NFPA 1 and 58 for propane tank use. In Murfreesboro, a Food Truck Permit is required. As of May 12, 2023, a new law requires a single, "gold standard" state fire permit.
1. Farm Based or Mobile Food Questionnaire
- Purpose: This questionnaire is used to assess your food truck business.
- How to Register: The completed questionnaire can be emailed to NewFood.Business@TN.gov or mailed to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
2. Business License
- Purpose: This license is required to legally operate a business in Tennessee.
- How to Register: Registration is done with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
3. Lease Agreement
- Purpose: This is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of your business location.
- How to Register: The agreement must be signed, dated, and notarized.
4. Well Water Inspection Approval
- Purpose: This approval ensures that your water source is safe and clean.
- How to Register: Approval is obtained from the local Health Department or Tennessee Environment and Conservation.
5. State Fire Permit
- Purpose: This permit demonstrates fire safety and electrical code compliance.
- Estimated Cost: The fee should not exceed the cost of inspecting the unit and issuing the permit.
- How to Register: The permit is issued by the state fire marshal and requires an annual inspection.
6. Food Truck Permit (Murfreesboro)
- Purpose: This permit is required to operate a food truck in Murfreesboro.
- How to Register: The permit can be obtained from the Planning Department located on the second floor of City Hall or printed from the website.
Useful Information Source Links:
- Tennessee Department of Agriculture
- Metro Public Health Department
- Murfreesboro Planning Department
- HB 814
Learn more about local food delivery trends and insights:
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