Mobile Food Units

Types of Mobile Food Units (MFUs):

• Food Cart: A food and beverage service establishment that is manually propelled by the operator.
• Seasonal Temporary Food Stand: A food and beverage service establishment that is stationary during operation and must be disassembled and transported between locations.
• Seasonal Permanent Food Stand: A food and beverage service establishment with a fixed, non-movable physical location that operates only during limited times of the year.

Mobile food units may operate at a single physical address for no more than 21 days within a calendar year unless approval has been obtained from all applicable authorities, including the property owner, sanitarian, city, event organizer, and any other relevant parties.

An exception applies when the mobile food unit is operating in conjunction with a permanently licensed establishment owned by the same operator. For example, a concession stand at a baseball park may allow food carts to operate at that location for more than 21 days if both licenses are held by the same entity.

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Licensing for Mobile Food Units:

Licensing for mobile food units in Minnesota can be complex due to the state’s delegated licensing system for food, pool, and lodging services. The map at the bottom of the page highlights the areas where the Minnesota Department of Health has jurisdiction for licensing and inspections, as well as the areas where local county agencies are responsible. The list to the side identifies cities that conduct their own licensing and inspections.

Your license is only valid within the jurisdiction where it was issued. For example:

• A license issued by the Minnesota Department of Health allows operation within the state-delegated jurisdiction areas.
• A license issued by a local delegated authority is only valid within that authority’s jurisdiction.

If you plan to operate in a different jurisdiction — whether moving from State to Local, Local to Local, or Local to State — always contact the delegated authority in that area to determine what licensing requirements apply.

In addition, be sure to contact the city and/or event organizer where you plan to operate, as additional permits or business licenses may be required.

For operation within Douglas and Pope Counties, mobile food units must be licensed through Horizon Public Health. If you do not hold a license issued by Horizon Public Health, you are not licensed to operate within these counties.

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What Type of License is Needed?

If you operate a Minnesota Department of Health–licensed mobile food unit and do not currently hold a Horizon Public Health license, there are two licensing options available for operating in Douglas and Pope Counties.

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What Happens if I Operate Without a License?

Operating a food establishment without the proper license is prohibited under county ordinance. Violations may result in prosecution, including penalties of up to 90 days imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Each day of operation without proper licensure is considered a separate offense.

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Minnesota Jurisdiction for Licensing and Inspections