Sarasota Food Truck License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. Florida Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle (MFDV) license (DBPR Hotels & Restaurants)
   Food trucks are licensed by the state. Florida law stops cities and counties from requiring their own separate food-truck license or permit fee. Fee: $347 a full year ($178.50 half year).
   ⏰ Renews every year on December 1 (Sarasota County district)
   Source: Florida DBPR: Hotels and Restaurants food service fees · Florida DBPR: Hotels and Restaurants district offices and expiration dates · Florida Statutes §509.102 (food trucks; state preemption)
2. Business name and entity filings (Sunbiz)
   LLCs and corporations file an annual report ($138.75 for an LLC). Using a name other than your legal name? Register it as a fictitious name.
   ⏰ Annual report: May 1 ($400 late fee). Fictitious name: renew every 5 years
   Source: Florida Division of Corporations: File Annual Report · Florida Statutes §865.09 (fictitious name registration)

Local (Sarasota / Sarasota County)

1. City of Sarasota Local Business Tax
   Required for businesses and licensed professionals in city limits, including home businesses. Each state-licensed person also pays a Professional Business Tax. New businesses get a $50 zoning review.
   ⏰ Valid October 1 to September 30; due by September 30 (notice mailed in July)
   Source: City of Sarasota: Local Business Tax
2. Sarasota County
   Sarasota County repealed its county business tax on July 9, 2024.
   ⏰ None
   Source: Sarasota County Tax Collector: County Business Tax Repealed