Checklist✅ to Start a Food Truck in Florida
This list is sponsored content and the reason our seminar and these resources have been made available for you at no expense.
Step 1: Select your business name and register with the state of Florida
Why does this matter? Getting hit with a cease and desist is a huge distraction—make sure you're not infringing.
Once you’re clear, file for your business at sunbiz.org.
💡 Tip: File as a Subchapter S Corp. Avoid 3rd-party expediters—they become your registered agent and intercept your state mail.
Cost: $130
Step 2: Obtain Your Federal Tax ID Number (EIN)
Also called a TAX ID, EIN, or FEIN—they're all the same.
You’ll need the IRS form SS-4 to open your business bank account.
Step 3: Funding and Banking
💰 Startup Range: $35K–$100K
🏦 Suncoast Credit Union offers business checking and microloans (up to $50K).
Contact:
Christopher Bellido, Micro Enterprise Development Specialist
📧 christopher.bellido@suncoastcreditunion.com
📱 813-893-1993
🔗 More info on our sponsor page
Note: You must complete Steps 1 and 2 before opening a business bank account.
Step 4: Register for Florida Sales and Use Tax
Required for all food trucks.
Be careful about your launch date—they’ll expect returns from that date forward.
📝 Register for Sales & Use Tax
Step 5: Purchase Your Food Truck or Trailer
Used trucks = faster and more affordable.
Avoid trailers from Mexico or China—noncompliant and costly to fix.
🛻 Browse our Used Trucks for Sale
Step 6: Insurance
Recommended:
- Commercial Auto
- General Liability
- Workers Comp (optional if under 4 employees)
📍 Agent: Patricia Bailey, Fairchild Addison & McKone
📞 813-681-4893
📧 pbailey@famins.com
🔗 More Insurance Info
Step 7: Restaurant Equipment
Even used trucks often need new equipment.
🛠️ Restaurant Equipment Store
9190 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL
📞 727-586-1579
📧 restequipstore@aol.com
Step 8: Wrap Your Truck
A quality wrap = instant marketing.
🎯 We recommend: Wrap-Mode
📍 1100 N 50th St Suite 4A, Tampa
📞 813-621-6116
📧 info@wrapmode.com
Step 9: NFPA 1 Propane Safety Inspection
Required by the state of Florida.
🔥 Inspector: Ron Pierson, ProTech Gas
📞 386-559-7466
📧 gastechpro@gmail.com
Step 10: Commissary Considerations
You don’t need a commissary—just a location to:
- Fill with potable water
- Dispose of greywater
🧼 RV dumps, truck stops, restaurants (with permission), and car washes are valid.
You’ll need to list the addresses during inspection.
Step 11: Food Manager Certification
One certified food manager must be on board at all times.
🍽️ ServeItUpSafe.com offers online + in-person training and proctored exams.
Step 12: Public Food Service License & Plan Review
This license is valid statewide. Localities can’t require extra food permits for MFDVs.
📄 Start at the DBPR site
📧 Questions? dhr.planreview@dbpr.state.fl.us
Step 13: Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR)
Only one BTR is required in Florida for MFDVs, thanks to FL Statute 205.065.
Some counties may decline to issue them for trucks—check your local rules.
Step 14: Hire a Bookkeeper
📊 Keep your books clean. File your sales tax. Know your profitability.
We recommend: Winsome Business Essentials
Contact: Melissa Rose
📞 813-997-1851
📧 mrose@winsomebusiness.com
Step 15: Protect Your Ideas
Legal options to protect your brand:
- Copyright Office: 202-707-3000 — $35
- Trademarks:
- State: 850-245-6051 — $87.50
- Federal: 800-786-9199 — ~$500
- Patent Office: 800-786-9199
✍️ Consider an attorney to help file correctly.
Step 16: Choose a POS System
Avoid long-term contracts and leases.
🧾 We recommend: Square for simplicity and flexibility.
Step 17: Sponsored Shopping Locations
This is sponsored content from vendors we trust.
If any underdeliver, let us know.
Coming Soon:
- Hood Cleaners
- Fire Suppression Installation
- Food Truck Builder