Mobile Food Service Licenses

There are three categories of mobile food vehicles licensed by the division: Hot Dog Carts (HTDG, Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles (MFDV) and Temporary Commercial Kitchens (TECK).

What is a Hot Dog Cart License?

Hot Dog Carts are a type of mobile food service license that limit food preparation to frankfurters (hot dogs and precooked sausages) only. Many operators supplement the basic hot dog/condiment menu with prepackaged goods such as chips and bottled or canned soft drinks.

Basic Requirements

  • Be a vehicle – provide a VIN#
  • Be mobile – can move*
  • Have overhead protection – usually an umbrella
  • Have a hand sink
  • Have equipment to keep food at safe temperatures – refrigeration/steam tables
  • Have power to keep the equipment running – commonly an LP-gas tank
  • Have a plumbing system that allows you to wash hands while operating
  • Only food preparation is frankfurters
  • Have a commissary

*A side photograph of the cart showing its wheels must be submitted at time of application

Hot Dog Cart (HTDG) Guide

 

What is a Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle License?

A Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle license is a vehicle mounted food service license where the vehicle has adequate hand washing and dishwashing facilities, food protection, refrigeration, power and plumbing system. A MFDV operator performs food service activities inside the vehicle like food storage, cooking or preparation of food and dishwashing.

Basic Requirements

  • Be a vehicle –  provide a VIN#
  • Be mobile – can move*
  • Have protection from the elements and vermin – walls, ceiling, floor
  • Have a solid (i.e. glass, plexiglass, etc.) sliding service window
  • Have dishwashing capacity – a 3 compartment sink
  • Have a separate hand sink
  • Have equipment to keep food at safe temperatures – refrigeration/steam tables
  • Have power to keep the equipment running – a generator or temporary connect to electricity
  • Have a plumbing system that allows you to wash dishes and hands while operating
  • Have either a commercial water/ sewer location or a commissary

*A side photograph of the vehicle showing its wheels and open service window must be submitted at time of application

Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle (MFDV) Guide

 

What is a Temporary Commercial Kitchen License?

Temporary Commercial Kitchens (TECK) are mobile kitchen facilities that are typically used when fixed kitchens are unavailable e.g., have been damaged by a fire, or when a fixed kitchen is being refurbished. They may also be used after a natural disaster, such as a hurricane and are contained in a variety of modular structures, such as portable cabin structures, modular buildings, towed trailers, or standard freight containers. TECKs have self-contained utilities, including, but not limited to, gas, water, electricity, or liquid waste disposal. Temporary Commercial Kitchens cannot be tents.

Basic Requirements

  • Be a portable structure or vehicle – can move*
  • Have protection from the elements and vermin – walls, ceiling, floor
  • Have a solid (i.e. glass, plexiglass, etc.) sliding service window
  • Have dishwashing capacity – a 3 compartment sink
  • Have a separate hand sink
  • Have equipment to keep food at safe temperatures – refrigeration/steam tables
  • Have power to keep the equipment running – a generator or temporary connect to electricity
  • Have a plumbing system that allows you to wash dishes and hands while operating
  • Have either a commercial water/ sewer location or a commissary

*A side photograph of the vehicle or structure showing its portability and open service window must be submitted at time of application

Temporary Commercial Kitchen (TECK) Guide

Need Help?

All requests for public records, complaints, forms, and applications for licenses can be obtained by contacting the Customer Contact Center.

Steven von Bodungen, Director

Division of Hotels and Restaurants
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011

Telephone: 850.487.1395
Email: dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com