HB3509 - Food Truck Freedom Act Summary

• Local governments cannot require separate licenses, permits, or fees beyond an initial or reciprocal business license for food truck businesses, with licensing fees limited to actual processing costs.

• Food truck businesses with valid licenses and health permits from any Illinois jurisdiction must receive reciprocal licenses from other jurisdictions without additional qualification requirements or different expiration dates.

• Food truck businesses must obtain annual health department permits from the health department where the majority of operations occur, with reciprocal permits available at reduced fees reflecting lower administrative burden.

• Local governments cannot prohibit food trucks in zones where food service establishments are permitted, restrict total operating days per year, require distance buffers from restaurants, or mandate site plans for operations under 10 hours per week on private property with owner consent.

• Food trucks operating at private property events do not require local government permits or fees; food trucks at temporary mass gatherings (500+ people, 2+ hours) may operate stationary for up to 5 consecutive days under the same requirements as other food vendors.