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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in Florida

To sell coffee in Florida, 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 Florida. 38 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 Florida

In Florida, a cafe or cart is licensed by the DBPR Division of Hotels & Restaurants (mobile units get an MFDV license); sellers of prepackaged items only are permitted by FDACS.

Food & vending permits
DBPR, mobile food dispensing vehicle (MFDV) licenseFDACS, retail food permit (prepackaged only)
Sales tax permit
Sales tax & resale certificate, FL Dept. of Revenue
Sales tax rate
6% state base rateTypical combined range: 6%-8.5%Counties, cities, and special or transit districts add local sales tax on top, so your combined rate depends on your exact address.Florida DOR sales tax and discretionary surtax rates
Food safety cards
At least one Certified Food Manager, plus food handler training for all employees.

Typical license fees

Florida licenses food service through the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Amounts are per year and already include the $10 education fee.

Brick and mortar cafe with seats
About $262 a year
Counter or kiosk with no seats
About $242 a year
Mobile cart, trailer, or truck
About $347 a year
Catering
About $263 a year
Pop-up or farmers market vendor
About $91 for a short event

A $50 application fee applies to new licenses and plan review is free. Renewal dates are staggered by district.

Fee schedule, last verified July 14, 2026.

Official links, last verified July 14, 2026. Requirements vary by city and change over time.
Confirm the current steps and fees before you apply.

Counties with a detailed permit guide in Florida