09/22/2026
Mobile Food Truck Operators: You should have received a more detailed version of the following information! If you did not receive it, check your spam folder or call us to update your desired contact email. 812-282-7521 Ext *206.
Upcoming changes to MOBILE retail food establishments: Everyone will be affected, some more than others.
• The state has recently passed HB 1577, creating IC 16-42-28, moving us to Statewide Mobile Food Permits.
• All current mobile operating permits expire on December 31st, 2026.
• All Mobile Retail Food Establishments (MRFE) will need to obtain a Statewide Operating Permit.
• The MRFE Statewide Operating Permit will be $450. (We will not collect payment until plan reviews are completed.) This will allow you to change counties without obtaining or paying for another county permit.
• Mobile definition:
o Sec. 2. (a) As used in this chapter, "mobile retail food establishment" means a retail food establishment that is readily movable.
(b) The term includes a retail food establishment that:
(1) has wheels;
(2) is on skids;
(3) is mounted on a vehicle; or
(4) is a marine vessel.
(c) The term does not include a vehicle used solely to transport food.
If you meet the definition of a Mobile as per IC 16-42-28-2, you will no longer be able to obtain a Temporary Permit. This includes those who only operate once per year.
• If you do not meet the above definition, you can no longer qualify for a Statewide Mobile Permit (example: you operate under tents and tables and a movable sink you pull off of a transportation trailer), and you must obtain temporary permits for each event (up to 30 days per calendar year in Clark County).
• All MRFE will need to submit an initial Plan Review Application 30 days before operating. The Plan Review Application will be shared once we receive it.
• I have attached a Tier chart showing the Menu Types and requirements. Some of our current Mobiles will not be able to be permitted if they do not meet these requirements. Example: if you prepare any type of food, you will need a permanently installed sewage tank 15% larger than your fresh water tank. Temporary, movable containers, such as buckets, jugs, or ‘blue boys,’ will no longer qualify, and you will have to upgrade your vehicles to comply with the new law in order to be permitted by the state.
• Mobiles must return to their commissary or servicing areas as required in order to be permitted. Note: If you operate with a servicing area, all aspects of the food operation must occur on the mobile unit. For example, if you cook with a giant stock pot, your sinks need to be large enough to submerge the entire pot. If you utilize fresh fruits and veggies, you need to be able to have enough water to wash your produce and operate daily. If you cannot perform all tasks on the mobile, you will be required to get a commissary.
We will be working closely with you all in order to make this process as smooth as possible. There are new forms and databases that we all will have to learn, so bear with us!
More information is coming, but if you have any questions, please reach out, and we will do our best to answer them.
