TO: Indian River County Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich Jr., County Administrator
FROM: Chris Balter, Director, Planning & Development Services
DATE: July 02, 2025
SUBJECT: Overview of Regional Food Truck Regulations and Policy Considerations for
Indian River County
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BACKGROUND
Food trucks, officially classified by the State of Florida as Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles (MFDVs), have become an increasingly common fixture in the culinary and small business landscape. In response to this trend, many counties and municipalities throughout Florida have adopted local ordinances allowing food trucks to operate under clearly defined conditions. While Florida Statutes preempt local governments from imposing their own licensing or permit fees for these vehicles, local jurisdictions maintain the authority to regulate zoning, operational hours, site compatibility, and aesthetic standards.
Currently, Indian River County does not have a dedicated ordinance governing mobile food vendors. As interest in food truck activity continues to grow among vendors, event organizers, and property owners, the absence of a formal regulatory framework presents challenges in ensuring consistency with zoning standards, code enforcement practices, and preservation of the County’s small-town character.
ANALYSIS
In response to Board direction, Planning staff conducted a comparative review of food truck regulations across the following Florida jurisdictions:
• Brevard County
• City of Melbourne
• City of West Melbourne
• City of Palm Bay
• City of Port St. Lucie
• St. Lucie County
• City of Fort Pierce
• Martin County
Most jurisdictions reviewed treat food trucks as accessory uses permitted within designated commercial or industrial zoning districts. Common regulatory elements include restrictions on hours of operation (typically between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.), daily removal requirements, and prohibitions on operation in residential zones. Many also include appearance and compatibility standards that restrict tents, seating, amplified sound, and external signage to maintain a clean, temporary aesthetic.
Additionally, food trucks are generally allowed to operate on public property only when part of a permitted, government-sanctioned event. This approach ensures that public safety and land use compatibility are maintained while supporting local festivals and community programming.
In contrast, Indian River County currently lacks specific zoning and operational regulations for MFDVs. Vendors are subject only to general zoning and state-level business and health requirements. Without a dedicated ordinance, there is no consistent framework to regulate location, duration, appearance, or potential impacts on adjacent uses.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
N/A
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
At the May 6th Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board directed staff to research how other jurisdictions regulate mobile food vendors and to present a comparative analysis of those findings for the Board’s consideration.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Depending on Board direction, staff may return with a draft ordinance outlining proposed regulations for mobile food vendors in Indian River County.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
N/A
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Board receive and consider the presentation outlining regional food truck regulations and provide direction to staff regarding the potential development of a food truck ordinance for Indian River County. This ordinance would be designed to reflect best practices observed in peer communities while preserving the County’s small-town character and ensuring compatibility with existing land uses.