Florida Commissary Kitchen Requirements

Florida DBPR-compliant commissary kitchen documentation covering the required commissary agreement, servicing standards, and wastewater disposal for food truck operations.

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What this document covers

Florida requires all Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles to operate from a licensed commissary facility or approved servicing area. The commissary must hold a valid DBPR license as a food service establishment, and the arrangement must be documented in a signed commissary letter submitted with your MFDV license application. Florida's commissary requirements are particularly focused on wastewater disposal (no dumping into storm drains — a serious issue in Florida's environmentally sensitive coastal areas), potable water supply, food storage, and equipment cleaning. DBPR inspectors verify your commissary arrangement during both your initial license application and subsequent inspections — they will check that your listed commissary is still licensed and will ask about your servicing schedule. If your commissary arrangement lapses, your MFDV license is at risk.

Key sections included

DBPR commissary letter requirements
Licensed commissary facility standards
Wastewater disposal compliance
Potable water supply provisions
Food storage at commissary
Equipment cleaning and sanitization facilities
Servicing schedule documentation
Commissary change notification to DBPR

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a restaurant's kitchen as my commissary in Florida?

Yes, if the restaurant holds a valid DBPR food service establishment license and agrees to provide the required services (wastewater disposal, water supply, food storage, equipment cleaning). You need a signed commissary letter from the restaurant owner. Many food truck operators start with this arrangement before moving to a dedicated commissary.

What happens if my commissary loses its DBPR license?

Your MFDV license is at immediate risk. You should notify DBPR and secure a new commissary arrangement as quickly as possible. Operating without a valid commissary is a critical violation that can result in MFDV license suspension. Have a backup commissary relationship established before you need it.

How does Florida handle wastewater from food trucks?

Florida is especially strict about wastewater disposal due to environmental sensitivity. All wastewater must be disposed of at an approved dump station — typically at your commissary or a designated municipal facility. Dumping into storm drains, parking lots, or any surface water is a serious violation of both DBPR regulations and Florida DEP environmental law.

Document details

State: Florida
Legal basis: Florida Administrative Code 61C-4.0161; DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants guidelines; FDA Food Code §8-201.13(B) as adopted by Florida
Enforced by: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Hotels and Restaurants
Penalty for absence: MFDV license denial or suspension. DBPR critical violation for operating without a valid commissary arrangement. Fines up to $5,000 under Florida Statutes §509.261. Environmental violations for improper wastewater disposal: additional fines from Florida DEP of $10,000+ per occurrence.
Category: Licensing & Permits

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