Mobile Food Vending Pilot Program

Zoning: Zoning districts that allow an eating and drinking use. (MU-,AC-, IC or Planned Developments a compatible FLU designation)

Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. – midnight

Frequency:

• 2 times per week, per site, 6 a.m.– midnight
• 2 times per year if school, religious institution, etc., is in residential zoning (R-) zoning
• Permanent placement requires Planning Division approval.

Setbacks: All mobile food vendors must be setback a minimum of 5-ft from any public rights-of-way, and 50-ft. from residential zoning districts (R-1, R-2, etc.).

Improved Surface: All mobile food vendors must locate on an improved parking surface and on an improved property that is not vacant (i.e. vending shall be accessory to an operating principal use).

State License: All mobile food vendors must obtain the required state license prior to obtaining a business tax receipt from the City of Orlando.

Business Tax Receipt: Subsequent to the City of Orlando’s business tax receipt, vendors must obtain a business tax receipt from Orange County.

Pedestrian Circulation: All mobile food vendors may not disrupt the pedestrian circulation, vehicular ingress and egress from a property, or landscaped areas of the property.

Parking Access: Mobile food vendors may not block access to required parking for the development on which the property they are operating.

Alcohol Sales: No alcohol is allowed to be sold from mobile food vendors.

Signs: No additional signage is allowed on a development site for mobile food vendors.

Trash: Mobile food vendors are required to provide trash receptacles for their operation (minimum 48-gallon size), and provide proper disposal of trash and waste associated with their operation. A minimum of one trash can must be provided; but, more may be needed to adequately serve their operation. Recycling containers shall also be provided for any containers that are recyclable.

Cleanliness: Vendors must keep clean the subject property where they operate, including rights of ways within 25-ft of the subject property of their operation. This includes grease, trash, paper, cups, cans and any other items associated with the vending operation.

Outdoor Storage: All operations shall be contained within the approved vending vehicle approved by the state.

Noise: No amplified music, speakers or other noise is allowed as part of the operation.

Styrofoam Ban: Styrofoam cups or packaging, single use straws, and single use plastic bags are prohibited for use by vendors operating on city properties, parks and rights-of-way, consistent with emerging city policy.

Revocation: If at any time the state revokes or suspends food vendor’s license, or the license expires, any approval or authorization by the city under this program is revoked or suspended immediately.

The issuance of mobile licenses (both mobile vending and mobile services) is prohibited in any planned development that does not allow home occupations, including the following: 

• Bryn Mawr: Unit 5, Unit 7, and Unit 8
• Bryn Mawr South: Unit 3
• The Villas at Signal Hill: Unit 1
• Shadybrook Village 
•  Autumn Green Village
• Cherry Hill Village
• Ventura
• Rosewood Colony Phase

Parking: All mobile businesses are subject to Section 58.926 for the parking of commercial vehicles.  

• Commercial vehicles can't be parked in residential or office zoning districts unless conducting business for that day. 
• Commercial vehicles can't be parked in residential or office zoning districts overnight unless they are stored in an enclosed garage.

What if I’m joining an established event, like a food truck roundup, block party, or festival?

A City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt is still required. Bring permission from the event organizer, such as an Orlando Police 18A permit or a letter from the food truck management company, to Permitting Services to obtain your BTR. To host an event that requires blocking off streets, using amplified noise (speakers or microphones), or that will contain 100 or more people, contact the Orlando Police. A neighborhood block party hosted by a group registered with the City is free.

Can I host a food truck at my home for a party?

Generally, no; operating a food truck in residential-only zoning (R districts, e.g., R-1, R-1N, R-2A) is prohibited. However, if your home is in non-residential zoning, and if all other standards are met (such as not blocking sidewalks), it is permitted.