Food trucks can use statewide inspection certificates starting January 2027

Vendors with valid health and fire certificates can skip separate local health and fire inspections required as a condition of operating. Coverage includes mobile food businesses such as trucks, boats, and carts. Health certificates come from the county where the unit returns daily for servicing and resupply. Fire certificates come from authorized local fire departments. Officials can still inspect operating units and stop operations immediately for significant health or life safety violations. Health and fire safety officers can also inspect and take appropriate action when they reasonably believe there is an immediate risk to public health or safety. Vendors must still follow other local rules, including business license requirements. The inspection exemption applies on and after January 1, 2027.

The State Fire Marshal must set a uniform statewide fire inspection process and maintain a list of authorized local fire departments. Inspections cover mobile food units and must meet state fire safety standards for cooking equipment, propane systems, and electrical appliances. Kitchen exhaust hoods must be cleaned and tagged at least every six months. Their fire suppression systems must also be serviced and tagged at least every six months. A certified gas fitter must perform an annual pressure test of propane systems. Vendors must keep equipment and maintenance records available. Changes to appliances, operating procedures, or safety equipment may void the fire certificate. The law took effect July 1, 2026. Each fire inspection certificate is valid for six months.

An owner who operates a mobile food unit, or allows it to operate, while missing either required certificate commits a Class C misdemeanor, a criminal offense. Owners must have both a valid health inspection certificate and a valid fire inspection certificate issued under this law. On a second or later violation, the owner is barred from operating the mobile food unit for 30 days. These penalties apply on and after January 1, 2027.