Maryland has a rich culinary culture, especially when it comes to seafood (hello, blue crabs and Chesapeake Bay oysters). It’s that same passion for food that makes the Old Line State a great place to open a food truck.
From essential permits to food truck insurance, get the fast facts on how to start a food truck in Maryland with our handy guide!
Understand Food Truck Requirements in Maryland
Every aspiring Maryland food truck owner needs to meet the following requirements before applying for licenses and permits:
- Business classification: Your classification determines the structure of your business and how it’s taxed. Common classifications for food trucks include sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs).
- Business name: The name of your food truck business should be unique and easy to remember, while still clearly communicating what type of food you sell.
- Employer identification number (EIN): If your business has more than one owner or you have employees, you need to register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to receive this number.
- Plan review application: Many local health departments in Maryland require you to submit a plan review (like this one from Baltimore County) to confirm your truck adheres to regulations.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): This document is also called your proof of insurance, and many festivals and venues will ask for it before you’re allowed to sell there. Commercial kitchen landlords also want a copy of your COI when you apply to rent their space.
- Business plan: Your business plan contains all the essential information about your business, from your financials to your marketing strategy.
Obtain Food Truck Licenses in Maryland
Once you’ve met the above requirements, it’s time to start applying for the food truck licenses and permits you need to run your business. Operating without the required licenses can lead to fines or suspensions, so don’t cut corners!
Some permits are specific to local governments and are not issued at the state level; so, always check with your city or county to ensure you have all the necessary documents.
Mobile Food Service Facility License
- Confirms your food truck meets your local health department’s standards and regulations for mobile food businesses
- Cost: Varies by city/county
- Where to get it: Your local health department
Business License
- Allows your business to operate in the state of Maryland and requires several of the documents listed above during the application (EIN, business name, etc.)
- Cost: $100+
- Where to get it: Maryland OneStop
Sales and Use Tax License
- Allows you to collect and remit sales tax
- Cost: $0 (security deposit may be required)
- Where to get it: U.S. Small Business Administration
Food Handler’s Permit
- Requires your employees to pass an exam on proper food handling and safety techniques
- Cost: $10 per employee
- Where to get it: Learn2Serve (or other state-approved course)
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Permit
- Requires you/any managers to pass an exam
- Cost: $65
- Where to get it: Learn2Serve (or other state-approved course)
Follow Laws for Maryland Food Trucks
All food truck owners in Maryland must follow laws and regulations established to maintain public health and safety. Failing to comply with these laws, whether accidentally or not, can result in fines or suspensions.
Some of the most important laws to be aware of include:
- Commissary requirement: Maryland requires all food trucks to use a licensed commissary or commercial kitchen for storage, food preparation, and cleaning
- Food handler’s permit/food manager requirement: Depending on your city/county, your employees may be required to carry a valid food handler’s permit and/or you may need at least one certified food manager on-site during business hours
- Food allergen awareness training: Some local jurisdictions in Maryland require food businesses to have one staff member certified in food allergen awareness via a state-approved course
- Vehicle registration and insurance: You must register your food truck and carry commercial auto insurance to legally use it for your business
Get Maryland Food Truck Insurance
Insuring your business is essential to its success. When an accident happens, insurance can help cover your expenses so you don’t have to pay entirely out of pocket.
Some of the most essential coverages for Maryland food trucks include:
- Food truck insurance: Covers injuries to other people and damage to their property that you cause while doing business
- Commercial auto insurance: Covers damage to or caused by your food truck (most personal auto policies won’t cover any vehicles used for business)
You can get Maryland food business insurance for as low as $25.92 a month or $299 a year from Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP). Get your policy online today in 10 minutes or less!
Pro Tip: Learn more about what factors affect the cost of your food truck insurance policy.
Learn the Cost of Starting a Food Truck in Maryland
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, food truck business owners spend over $28,000 to meet their state and local legal requirements. However, the majority of the costs you face while starting your business are one-time expenses.
Some of these initial startup costs include:
- Food truck
- New: $80,000–$150,000
- Used: $30,000–$80,000
- Cooking equipment
- Grill/griddle: $800–$3,000
- Deep fryer: $500–$2,000
- Oven: $800–$4,000
- Refrigeration
- Refrigerator/freezer: $1,200–$4,000
- Prep table: $1,500–$4,000
- Safety and sanitation
- Commercial sink: $600–$1,500
- Handwashing sink: $150–$500
- Fire suppression system: $1,000–$3,000
- Technology
- Point of sale (POS) system: $300–$1,200
- Inventory management software: $15–$100 per month
Pro Tip: A smart pricing strategy is key to breaking even. Check out our list of tried-and-true menu pricing methods to cover your expenses and maintain your profit margins!
Sell at Food Truck Festivals in Maryland
From Oakland to Salisbury, Maryland is home to lively food festivals throughout the year. These events are the perfect place to expand your customer base and network with other food business owners in your home state.
Once you’ve met all requirements and gotten your licenses and permits in order, be sure to check out these popular foodie festivals:
Pro Tip:Hungry for more vending opportunities? Check out our directory for additional food festivals in Maryland!
FAQs About Starting a Food Truck Business in Maryland
Do I Need a Health Department Inspection for My Food Truck in Maryland?
Yes, all food trucks in Maryland must pass a health department inspection. After submitting your plan review, you must pass this inspection before receiving your Mobile Food Service Facility Permit.
Pro Tip: Follow our health inspection checklist to pass your next inspection!
Are There Specific Zoning Regulations for Food Trucks in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland has zoning rules for food trucks; however, these are determined by counties, cities, and special districts, rather than at the state level.
Some common zoning regulations include:
- Parking rules that restrict where you can park and sell food from your truck
- Limits for how close you can park your truck to schools or brick-and-mortar businesses
- Rules against parking in residential zones
What Are the Fire Safety Requirements for Food Trucks in Maryland?
At the state level, Maryland requires food trucks to follow National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. However, counties and cities also set their own requirements.
Almost every food truck in Maryland needs to meet these fire safety requirements:
- Automatic fire suppression system
- Fire extinguishers (Class K and general)
- Securely mounted propane cylinders
- Annual fire inspections
Alex Hastings
Seattle-based copywriter and (WA) licensed insurance agent Alex Hastings leverages her experience as a lover of fast-casual food, baked goods, and iced oat milk lattes. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Western Washington University. Before working at Veracity, she was a retail copywriter at Zulily and an English language teacher in South Korea. Alex is fully trained on FLIP insurance coverages and writes content that connects food and beverage business owners with the policies they need.
Seattle-based copywriter and (WA) licensed insurance agent Alex Hastings leverages her experience as a lover of fast-casual food, baked goods, and iced oat milk lattes. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Western Washington University. Before working at Veracity, she was a retail copywriter at Zulily and an English language teacher in South Korea. Alex is fully trained on FLIP insurance coverages and writes content that connects food and beverage business owners with the policies they need.
Kyle Jude
Kyle Jude is the Program Manager for Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP). As a dedicated program manager with 10+ years of experience in the insurance industry, Kyle offers insight into different coverages for food and beverage business professionals who are looking to navigate business liability insurance.
Kyle Jude is the Program Manager for Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP). As a dedicated program manager with 10+ years of experience in the insurance industry, Kyle offers insight into different coverages for food and beverage business professionals who are looking to navigate business liability insurance.