Food & Beverage

Palm Coast approves food trucks to set up outside of town center

Photo: Adobe Stock

January 26, 2026

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The City Council of Palm Coast, Florida, unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading that significantly loosens restrictions on food trucks, including allowing them to operate outside of the town center, according to a report by Flagler Live.

The new rules establish two categories for mobile food dispensing vehicles.

Principal use: Allows one or more trucks to operate permanently on lots of at least 20,000 square feet. These sites require full site plan approval and permanent amenities, including restrooms, seating and parking.
Accessory use: Permits trucks to operate incidentally at existing businesses or events. While these also require 20,000-square-foot lots, they are exempt from seating and restroom requirements.

The ordinance addresses long-standing frustrations from local vendors who were previously limited to monthly "Food Truck Tuesday" events or special permits. Sheila Hines, owner of Sheila's Funnel Cakes, praised the move, noting the city has historically been difficult for small businesses.

Council members directed staff to refine several provisions before the final vote, including relaxing proposed limits on operating hours for accessory trucks.

A second and final reading is scheduled for Feb. 3. If passed, the ordinance will officially open the city to broader mobile vending for the first time since 2013.