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 requir...
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