Licensing Modernization - Update
Revisions to the MDA food licensing law were signed into law on May 23, 2025, and are in effect starting August 1, 2025. Changes are now in place for all new food businesses, and existing food businesses will be updated as they renew their licenses. For more detail on the changes, please see House File 2446, lines 78.13 through 89.5. More information about the process, including summary reports, are on MDA’s Food Licensing Modernization webpage.
Mobile Food Establishments
Mobile food or temporary food establishments are mobile food units, food carts, seasonal permanent food stands, or seasonal temporary food stands that operate either on a limited basis or in a transient manner, moving from location to location. Temporary food establishments are commonly associated with, but not limited to, farmers' markets, carnivals, county or city fairs, or temporary events. Mobile food establishments require a Food Handler License, except if operating under a Special Event Food Stand License.
For more detailed information regarding the specific types of mobile food establishments please see the links below:
- Seasonal Temporary Food Stand
- A food and beverage service establishment that is a food stand which is disassembled and moved from location to location, but which operates no more than 21 days annually at any one location.
- Mobile Food Unit
- A food and beverage service establishment that is a vehicle mounted unit, either motorized or trailered, and readily movable, without disassembling, for transport to another location.
- Seasonal Permanent Food Stand
- A food and beverage service establishment which is a permanent food service stand or building, but which operates no more than 21 days annually.
- Food Carts
- A food and beverage service establishment that is a nonmotorized vehicle self-propelled by the operator.
- Special Event Food Stand
- A food and beverage service establishment which is used in conjunction with celebrations and special events and which operates no more than ten (10) total days within the applicable license period.
