A Florida hot dog cart needs a DBPR license. It costs $347 a year, or $178.50 for a half year. The cart needs a hand sink, a cover overhead and a commissary. Hot dogs are the only food you can make on it.
Source: DBPR food service fees (checked Oct 19, 2026); DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026)Last checked Oct 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the agency.
Hot dog cart fees
- Hot dog cart license, full year$347Source: DBPR food service fees (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Hot dog cart license, half year$178.50Source: DBPR food service fees (checked Oct 19, 2026)
What the cart needs
- A VIN, and the cart must be mobile.Source: DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Overhead protection, usually an umbrella.Source: DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- A hand sink, with plumbing for handwashing.Source: DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Equipment to keep food at safe temperatures, and power (often LP gas).Source: DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- A commissary.Source: DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- When you apply, a side photo that shows the wheels.Source: DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026)
What you can serve
- Frankfurters (hot dogs) are the only food you can prepare.Source: DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Chili, cooked onions and peppers, cheese and cheese sauce may only be served in single-serve packs or pre-packaged containers.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Relish, raw onions and peppers can be served straight from the cart.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
Washing up
- You don't need a utensil-washing sink on the cart if you wash at a commissary or a fixed food business.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
Common questions
- How much is a hot dog cart license in Florida?
- $347 a year, or $178.50 for a half year.Source: DBPR food service fees (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Can I serve chili or cheese sauce from my hot dog cart?
- Only in single-serve packs or pre-packaged containers.Source: DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Does a hot dog cart need a sink?
- It needs a hand sink. It doesn't need a utensil-washing sink if you wash at a commissary or a fixed food business.Source: DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026); DBPR rules, chapter 61C (March 2026) (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- Does a hot dog cart need a commissary?
- Yes. DBPR lists a commissary as a basic requirement.Source: DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- What photo does DBPR want for a hot dog cart?
- A side photo that shows the wheels.Source: DBPR mobile food licensing guide (checked Oct 19, 2026)
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