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.

• Single Vendor (1 Truck or Trailer, Max 2 Days Per Week at One Location)
  • Some zoning districts may require additional review. Contact City Planning or call 407.246.2269 to confirm requirements.

• 1–2 Vendors, 3 or More Days Per Week at One Location
  • Request a meeting with City Planning to get started.

• 3 or More Vendors or Any Number of Vendors Operating 3+ Days Per Week
  • Request a meeting with City Planning to begin the process.

• 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

• Large Outdoor Events (100+ Attendees or Public Right-of-Way Impact)

  A Special Events Permit is required for any food truck roundups, block parties, festivals, or other organized events with 100+ attendees or public right-of-way impacts.

  • Requires a City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt and written permission from the event organizer (special event permit or letter).
  • A Special Events Permit is also required for events on City property, and for smaller events if they involve vending, alcohol, temporary structures, or street closures.
  • Learn more about planning an event in the City.
  • Apply for a Special Events Permit

• Vending at Camping World Stadium Events (e.g., Florida Classic, Bowl Games, Electric Daisy)
  • Requires a Business Tax Receipt.
  • Vendor must operate within the designated vending area.

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:

• Email: cityplanning@orlando.gov
• Phone: 407.246.2269