Permits
Coffee and cart permits in Alabama
To sell coffee in Alabama, you work with your county health department for food and mobile vending permits, then add a business license and state tax registration. Pick your county below for the department that handles your area and the steps to open.
67 counties in Alabama. 13 have a detailed permit page below. For any other county, check your ZIP and we will point you to the right health department.
Statewide rules in Alabama
In Alabama, food establishment permits are issued by county health departments under the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Division of Food, Milk and Lodging.
- Food & vending permits
- ADPH Division of Food, Milk and Lodging, food establishment permits (issued by county health departments)
- Sales tax rate
- 4% state base rateTypical combined range: 4%-13%Counties, cities, and special or transit districts add local sales tax on top, so your combined rate depends on your exact address.Alabama DOR tax rate lookup
- Food safety cards
- A Certified Food Protection Manager per establishment under ADPH food service rules.
Official links, last verified July 14, 2026. Requirements vary by city and change over time.
Confirm the current steps and fees before you apply.