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Front Page » Government » On Miami’s menu for food trucks: red tape

On Miami’s menu for food trucks: red tape

Written by on January 7, 2020
  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
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On Miami’s menu for food trucks: red tape

More speed bumps could be rolling out for food trucks wishing to operate in the City of Miami. 

The city commission is to vote on first reading today (1/9) on adding requirements for food trucks operating on private land in the city. 

The legislation, sponsored by Commissioner Ken Russell, would add more requirements for food trucks present in the same location more than three times a week or parked on site overnight. Prior to receiving a business tax receipt, the food trucks would have to provide a notarized letter or affidavit from the property owner allowing the truck to be located on the premises, as well as a site plan approved by the Zoning Department.

Additionally, those food trucks could not locate on parking spaces required by other vehicles unless total parking spaces exceed the number required. And if patrons eat on site, food trucks would have to ensure there are public restrooms.

The legislation also notes that food trucks are barred from driveway aisles, no-parking zones, landscaped areas, loading areas and parking lanes. 

Back in October 2018, the city commission approved a “Food Trucks” section in the city code, regulating food trucks and food truck gatherings. 

During the discussion, commissioners emphasized the need to ensure that proper regulations be placed on food trucks so they wouldn’t undermine brick-and-mortar restaurants.

At the time, Barnaby Min, the current deputy city attorney, said most food trucks had been operating in the city illegally. 

Commissioner Joe Carollo said then that food trucks would be detrimental to the businesses in his district. At his behest, food truck use is not allowed in district 3, which includes Calle Ocho.

City code currently mandates that food trucks get a business tax receipt, which is obtained by showing certificates of inspection from the Miami-Dade County Department of Health and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants; proof of valid insurance; vehicle identification number; and a valid peddler’s business tax receipt from Miami-Dade County.

Among other current restrictions, food trucks can’t operate within 500 feet of a food establishment; gasoline, natural gas or another combustible energy source establishment; or on single-family or multi-family residential properties.

2 Responses to On Miami’s menu for food trucks: red tape

  1. R PULIDO

    January 9, 2020 at 12:46 pm

    I never find a food truck less expensive than a restaurant with take out.

    Not all food truck are pretty..

    The food truck is a quick solution in local art fest but not in any places

  2. Dawson Allen

    January 12, 2020 at 1:40 am

    Miami should allow more small-scale convenience stores to be operated in primarily residential areas, so that basic non-perishable groceries and household supplies can be purchased within walking distance of more homes.

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