How to Fill Out the Florida DBPR Food Truck Application (Field by Field, 2026)

This walks the actual application, field by field. For what Florida requires overall — the preemption law, costs and timeline — start with how to start a food truck business in Florida, or your city guide: Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville.

Florida issues one statewide licence, so this is one form for the whole state. What differs by city is only the business tax receipt, zoning and fire.

Step 1 — Pick the right form

Three forms sit next to each other on the DBPR site and people grab the wrong one constantly.

HR-7031 covers mobile food dispensing vehicles and temporary commercial kitchens.

Plan review is required when the unit is: newly built, remodelled, or re-opened after being closed at least 18 months. A change of ownership does not require plan review, provided there is no interruption in operation, construction or remodelling. The Division must approve plans before construction, remodelling or licensing — not after.

Step 2 — Take the self-sufficiency test before anything else

This single question decides whether you need a commissary, and it is answered by equipment, not by intent. DBPR defines a self-sufficient vehicle as one containing, as part of the vehicle:

1. A three-compartment sink for washing, rinsing and sanitising equipment and utensils
2. A separate handwash sink
3. Adequate refrigeration and storage capacity
4. Full power utilities — electrical, LP gas, or a portable power generation unit
5. A potable water holding tank
6. A liquid waste disposal system in accordance with the Food Code

Miss any one and you are not self-sufficient, and a commissary is required.

Step 3 — The eleven sections, in order

Section 1 — Office Use Only. Leave blank, but read it: it states the $50 one-time application fee + licence fees. Both are due with the application.

Section 2 — Food Service License Type.

Section 3 — Application Type. Select one only.

Section 4 — Other Required Information. Your Florida Sales Tax Number, with a box to tick if exempt. Get it from the Department of Revenue on 1.800.352.3671 before you apply — it is not something to chase mid-application.

Section 5 — Ownership Information. Runs over two pages. You will also need your FEIN from the IRS (form SS-4, 1.800.829.4933).

Section 6 — Main Address (MA). This becomes the establishment's address of record.

Section 7 — DBA and Commissary or Water/Sewer Location (LL). The one people get wrong. For mobile food dispensing vehicles and hot dog carts, the licence location is the primary commissary address — not where you park, not where you store the truck, not your home.

Section 8 — Mailing Information (LM). Either a separate mailing address or reuse Section 6.

Section 9 — Supporting Documents. The checklist. See the next step.

Section 10 — Menu, Equipment and Construction Information.

Section 11 — Affirmation by Written Declaration. Signed under §559.79, Florida Statutes, certifying you are empowered to execute the application.

Step 4 — What to attach

Section 9 is where applications stall. Have these ready before you start:

• Minimum two sets of scaled plans showing all kitchen equipment, plumbing fixtures, bars and storage areas. DBPR keeps one set. Submit extra sets if you need them stamped for local authorities.
• DBPR HR-7022, Commissary Services Notification — one for every commissary you will use. DBPR states plainly that plans cannot be approved without it.
• Proposed menu, as a separate document.
• Equipment specifications, if any proposed equipment is not customary for food service.
• Florida Sales Tax Number or proof of exemption.
• FEIN.

Step 5 — Create the online account

Every applicant and licensee must create and maintain a DBPR online service account. It is how you self-print and maintain the licence, and you can file the whole application online instead of on the paper form. Do this first — discovering it at the end is a needless delay.

Step 6 — After the paperwork

Plan approval is not a licence. A separate licence application, payment of licence fees, and an inspection of your vehicle and equipment are required before licensing. Then the local layer your city still controls — business tax receipt, zoning, fire — which is covered on the Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville pages.

The five that actually get Florida applications rejected

1. Wrong form. HR-7030 is for fixed establishments; HR-7036 skips a plan review you may still need.
2. Claiming self-sufficiency without all six items. It is an equipment checklist, not a judgement call.
3. A home address in Section 7. The licence location is the commissary. Private residences are not permitted for food service, water or wastewater.
4. Missing HR-7022. One per commissary, or plans do not get approved.
5. Paying the licence fee only. The $50 one-time application fee sits on top.

Sources: DBPR HR-7031 Application for Mobile Public Food Service Establishment License with Plan Review (official, 2024 May, 61C-1.002 FAC) · DBPR HR-7022 Commissary Services Notification · DBPR Guide to Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles · DBPR Customer Contact Center 850.487.1395. Fee amounts vary by licence type and application period — confirm against the current DBPR fee schedule. Verified 20 August 2026.