Food truck entrepreneurs can build a business on their own steam. You can choose your cuisine and location and change the plan each day. But to operate your food truck in California legally, first you’ll need a few health and food safety permits for the business and your staff.
It’s important to calculate these permit costs if you are planning to start a food truck business. To help, we’ve put together a useful list of the safety permits your food truck business will need and how to get them.
Mobile Food Facility Permit
Mobile food facility permits ensure that food trucks have a safe and adequate prep space. This permit certifies that the truck itself is up to the food safety standards of California. The requirements and costs vary by county and the details of your operation. Expect the price to range somewhere between $100 and $1,000.
Public Health Permit
In many counties in California, you will also need a Public Health Permit, which relates to all businesses that serve food or drink. You will need to apply, pass inspection, and pay for the permit or license before you can begin doing business. The cost of a Public Health Permit also depends on your location and operation details. Typically, it ranges from about $100 to $1,000.
Food Seller’s Permit
All vendors who sell food in California also need a Food Seller’s Permit. You can register for this online. This permit will allow you to charge state sales tax on your food truck business sales. The official cost is free, but you may be asked to pay a security deposit.
Food Safety Certification
At least one person on each food truck team will need a Food Safety Certification. This requires a special exam that addresses the legal requirements for safe food handling, preparation, cooking, storage, and serving. Depending on your region, this may include the requirement to use a food truck commissary to meet food prep standards. The food safety class and exam cost about $150.
Employee Food Handler’s License
Each one of your food truck employees will need to maintain and carry their food handler’s license. These can be obtained by anyone who takes a class and passes the food safety standards exam, but it is less intensive than a food safety certification. Food handler’s licenses cost about $15 per employee in most counties, though the class may cost between $15 and $75 per seat.
Starting Your Food Truck Business in California
Food trucks are extremely popular in California, loved by locals and tourists alike. However, maintaining food safety requires layers of permits that can add to your startup costs. Legion Food Trucks has the insight and resources you need to get past the initial hurdles and begin selling your hand-picked food truck cuisine. Contact us for more information on how we can help you in acquiring the necessary permits to run your food truck business.
