Most Florida food trucks must run from an approved commissary. The commissary needs a DBPR license or an FDACS food permit. It must have safe water and a way to get rid of waste. Your truck must go there at least once a day when it is open.
Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026); DBPR FAQ: what services must my commissary provide? (checked Oct 19, 2026)Last checked Oct 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the agency.
The basic rules
- A food truck "shall operate from an approved commissary" with drinking water and a way to get rid of liquid and solid waste.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Trucks "must report to their commissary at least daily when in operation".Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- The owner files DBPR form HR-7022 for each commissary before using it.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026); DBPR form HR-7022 (commissary notification) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- No water, wastewater, food prep, food storage or dishwashing at a private home.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Self-sufficient trucks don't need a commissary or form HR-7022.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- A truck may hook up to an approved utility system "for no more than one day's operation".Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
What the commissary must have
- A DBPR food service license or an FDACS food permit.Source: DBPR FAQ: what services must my commissary provide? (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Clean water from an approved source.Source: DBPR FAQ: what services must my commissary provide? (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- A mop sink or another approved way to get rid of wastewater.Source: DBPR FAQ: what services must my commissary provide? (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- An OK from the water and sewer provider, or the local office, to take truck wastewater. DBPR says this "most likely will require a grease trap".Source: DBPR FAQ: what services must my commissary provide? (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Health department (DOH) approval if the extra wastewater goes to a septic system.Source: DBPR FAQ: what services must my commissary provide? (checked Oct 19, 2026)
If you store food, prep or wash dishes there
- The commissary also needs refrigeration, a prep area, storage for supplies and the unit, and a 3-compartment sink or an approved dishwasher. Hot dog carts must use one for this.Source: DBPR FAQ: what services must my commissary provide? (checked Oct 19, 2026)
What the commissary does
- It keeps a daily log and checks your license number before it serves your truck.Source: DBPR form HR-7022 (commissary notification) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
Common questions
- Does every Florida food truck need a commissary?
- No. Self-sufficient trucks don't need one. Other trucks must run from an approved commissary and report there at least once a day when open.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Can I use my home kitchen as a commissary?
- No. DBPR rules don't allow water, wastewater, food prep, food storage or dishwashing at a private home.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- What form do I need for my commissary?
- DBPR form HR-7022, one for each commissary, before you use it.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026); DBPR form HR-7022 (commissary notification) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- What does a commissary need to have?
- A DBPR license or FDACS food permit, clean water from an approved source, and a mop sink or other approved wastewater disposal. The water and sewer provider must agree to take truck wastewater.Source: DBPR FAQ: what services must my commissary provide? (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Does my commissary need a grease trap?
- DBPR says the water and sewer provider "most likely will require a grease trap" for truck wastewater. Ask your provider.Source: DBPR FAQ: what services must my commissary provide? (checked Oct 19, 2026)
Don't miss your due date
Get a free email reminder before your license is due.
Set a free reminder