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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in Ohio

To sell coffee in Ohio, 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.

88 counties in Ohio. 27 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 Ohio

In Ohio, retail food establishment and mobile food unit permits are issued by local health districts under the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) Division of Food Safety, which administers the statewide food code.

Food & vending permits
ODA Division of Food Safety (permits issued by local health districts)
Sales tax permit
Vendor's License, Ohio Dept. of Taxation via Ohio Business Gateway
Sales tax rate
5.75% state base rateTypical combined range: 6.5%-8%Counties, cities, and special or transit districts add local sales tax on top, so your combined rate depends on your exact address.Ohio Taxation sales/use tax rate changes
Food safety cards
A Certified Food Protection Manager for each licensed establishment under ORC 3717; food handler training for employees is encouraged.

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 Ohio