Palm Coast Approves New Ordinance for Food Trucks

The City of Palm Coast has adopted an Ordinance, creating clear rules for Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles (MFDVs), commonly known as food trucks. This ordinance updates the City’s Unified Land Development Code to allow food trucks in more locations while ensuring safety, cleanliness, and compliance with state law.

Florida law, Section 509.102, Florida Statutes, says cities cannot ban food trucks from operating everywhere in their jurisdiction. Instead, cities can set reasonable rules about where and how food trucks operate. Palm Coast has always allowed food trucks at special events, but growing demand led City Council to explore ways to expand opportunities for food trucks beyond special events.

The new ordinance does three major things:

1. Adds Food Trucks and Temporary Kitchens to the City’s Land Development Code
   Food trucks can now operate in certain commercial and public zoning districts. They are allowed as a principal use in General Commercial (COM-2), Heavy Commercial (COM-3), Industrial (IND-1), and nonresidential portions of Master Planned Developments (MPDs). They can also operate as an accessory use to existing businesses in COM-1, COM-2, COM-3, IND-1, Public/Semipublic (PSP), Parks and Greenways (P&G), and MPDs.

1. Establishes Standards for Food Truck Sites
   The ordinance sets rules for site size, spacing, and amenities. For example:
   • A food truck park (principal use) must have at least 20,000 square feet, provide restrooms, dining areas, and parking.
   • Each food truck space must be at least 500 square feet.
   • Food trucks operating as an accessory use do not need extra parking or restrooms beyond what the main business already provides.

1. Creates Operating and Safety Rules
   • Food trucks cannot operate between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
   • They must stay clear of fire lanes, sidewalks, and emergency access areas.
   • Each truck must have a fire extinguisher and follow rules to prevent spills or wastewater discharge.

The ordinance also requires the property owner or their authorized agent to submit an application to the City. For food truck parks, a technical site plan is required. Accessory-use food trucks only need a simple concept plan.

City Council approved the ordinance unanimously. “Food trucks have become an important part of our community, offering residents and visitors more dining choices and supporting local small businesses,” said Palm Coast’s Mayor Mike Norris. “This ordinance gives food trucks the opportunity to grow while making sure operations are safe and well-managed. It’s a win for Palm Coast.”

Food trucks have been a staple in Palm Coast for years, providing unique dining experiences and helping local nonprofits through events like Food Truck Tuesday. By adopting this ordinance, Palm Coast expands legal and safe food truck operations while giving residents more opportunities to enjoy them.

Full details on how to apply for a food truck permit will be discussed at the February 17, 2026, City Council business meeting at 9 a.m. The agendas for all meetings can be viewed at: https://www.palmcoast.gov/agendas/meetings/city-council/2026

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