Table of Contents

Mobile Vending and Services Guide

Determine Your Type of Mobile Business

To operate a mobile food truck, trailer, service, or retail business within the Orlando city limits, including for special events, you must follow the steps below to determine which type of permit or approval is required.

Please note: All mobile businesses are also required to obtain a Business Tax Receipt before operating in Orlando.

Mobile Vending (i.e., Food Trucks, etc.)
 Days at Single Location  No. of Vendors  Application Required of You
 2 or less
  1  Business Tax Receipt
 2+  Not Permitted
 3+  1  Determination
 2  Determination
 3+  Master Plan via Board Approval 

*All mobile vendors must comply with City Code sections 58.720-58.723.

**Mobile vending is not permitted within the Semoran and Semoran Gateway Special Plan areas.

 

Mobile Vending Events (i.e. Event with Food Trucks, etc.)
 Event Frequency  No. of Vendors  Application Required of You
 Less often than once every 6 months   1 or 2  Determination
 3+  Master Plan via Board Approval 
 More often than once every 6 months  1 or 2  Determination
 3+  Master Plan via Board Approval

*All recurring (more often than once every six months) mobile vendors events must comply with City Code sections 58.720-58.723.

 

 Mobile Services by Appointment (i.e., Traveling Pet Groomer, etc.)
 No. of Mobile Service Vehicles  Days at a Single Location  Application Required of You 
 1  1 (appointment only)  Business Tax Receipt
 2+  Not Permitted
 2+  n/a  Not Permitted

*Services must occur on an appointment basis for one customer at a time at their home or a predetermined location.

**If your service is not listed in section 58.731, Zoning Official approval is required.

 

  • Mobile Services at Customer’s Location (By Appointment)
    • Services must occur on an appointment basis for one customer at a time at their home or a predetermined location.
    • Catering at a private home: Permitted when the truck is serving invited guests only (not open to the public). If the gathering meets Special Events criteria (vending, alcohol, temporary structures, or street closures), a Special Events Permit is required. Vendors must also hold a Business Tax Receipt.
    • Must comply with City Code Sections 58.720–58.723.
    • If your service is not listed in Section 58.731, Zoning Official approval is required.
  • Mobile Services at a Set Site
    • Your vehicle cannot:
      • Be parked on public streets or in on-street parking spaces.
      • Be parked on an unimproved surface (dirt, gravel, grass) or within a landscaped buffer.
      • Block any entrances, driveways, or pedestrian access.

Operating at Special Events or Stadiums

  • Vending at Camping World Stadium Events (e.g., Florida Classic, Bowl Games, Electric Daisy)

Apply for a Business Tax Receipt

  1. Gather required documents:
    • State license (DBPR or Department of Agriculture, if applicable)
    • Sunbiz registration or EIN/SSN
    • Permission letters or inventory list, if applicable
  2. Get a Business Tax Receipt.
  3. Once submitted, you will receive a billing summary within 7 business days.

Operating Guidelines

  • Always display your Business Tax Receipt on-site.
  • Operate only on paved, improved surfaces.
  • Do not block sidewalks, driveways, or building entrances.
  • Food vendors must maintain:
    • 5-foot setback from public rights-of-way
    • 50-foot setback from residential zones
  • Provide 48-gallon trash and recycling containers on-site.
  • Amplified music or signage requires special approval.

Renewals, Updates, and Closures

  • Renew your receipt annually by September 30. Invoices are sent each July.
  • Late penalties apply starting October 1.
  • To update or transfer a BTR, submit a new application and pay the applicable fee (minimum $3, maximum $25).
  • To close a BTR, email businesstax@orlando.gov with the subject line “CLOSE BTR” and include your business name and number.

Need Help?

For questions about zoning, permits, or mobile vending requirements, contact:

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