Permits for a Food Truck in Biloxi, Mississippi

Most Mississippi municipalities require a business privilege license. Fee varies by locality and business type, generally $25-$500+. Mississippi does not have a statewide business license. Contact your city/county clerk.

Local business privilege license required by Mississippi municipalities and counties. Mississippi does not have a state-level general business license. Each city/county sets its own fees, typically based on gross receipts or flat fee.

Registration with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding and with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) for unemployment insurance tax.

Registration to withhold Mississippi state income tax from employee wages. Mississippi income tax rate dropping to flat 4.4% by 2026. All employers must register.

Registration with Mississippi Department of Employment Security for unemployment tax. Required for employers with 1+ employees. New employer rate approximately 1.0% on first $14,000 per employee.

Mississippi requires workers' compensation for employers with 5+ employees. Competitive-state system. Workers' Compensation Commission administers claims.

Mississippi requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with 5 or more employees. Construction employers with 1+ employees must carry coverage.

Annual permit from Mississippi State Department of Health for food service establishments. Fee based on risk level: Risk 1 $40, Risk 2 $132.25, Risk 3 $198, Risk 4 $264.50. Fees paid online before inspection is scheduled.

Permit required for all food service establishments in Mississippi. Issued by the Mississippi State Department of Health. Requires plan review, facility inspection, and ongoing compliance.

Certification for food handlers in Mississippi. At least one certified food protection manager required per establishment. Individual handler training recommended. Approved courses available online.

Mississippi ABC also issues a food truck alcohol permit ($225) for mobile food vendors serving alcohol. For food-only trucks, the MSDH food establishment permit is required. Local jurisdictions may have additional mobile vendor permits.

Local permit for business signage. Regulated by municipal zoning ordinances. MDOT regulates outdoor advertising on state highways.

Registration with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for sales tax collection. Required for all businesses making retail sales. Mississippi state sales tax is 7%. Registration is free.

Registration with Mississippi Department of Revenue for sales tax collection. State rate 7%. Required for all businesses selling tangible goods or taxable services.

Registration with Mississippi DOR for state income tax withholding. Mississippi has graduated rates from 0% to 4.7% (rate dropping to 4.4% in 2026). Required for all employers.

Verification from local zoning authority that proposed business use is permitted. Important for alcohol businesses in Mississippi where dry/wet status varies by county.

Local zoning verification that proposed business use is permitted in the zoning district. Required before most local business licenses in Mississippi municipalities.