$50K–$175K
Real startup cost range
5–8
Permits you actually need
4–16wk
Weeks to get permitted
60%
Of trucks fail in year 1
Why Food Truck Academy
Most food truck content is written by people who have never opened one. We use real data.
Honest numbers
We don't tell you what you want to hear. We tell you what a food truck actually costs, startup, permits, ongoing, all of it.
State-specific
California and Texas are not the same. Every state guide covers the exact permits, timelines, and gotchas for that state.
AI assessment
Answer 8 questions and get a real readiness score, not a motivational quiz. If you're not ready, we'll tell you why.
Pick Your State
Texas
⚠ As of July 1, 2026 (HB 2844), one statewide DSHS license replaced city-by-city permits — but cities still control zoning and fire code, so a state license does not guarantee you can park where you want.
California
⚠ California requires a California-specific health permit from every county you operate in, Los Angeles County alone takes 60–90 days to approve.
New York
⚠ NYC Mobile Food Vendor permits are lottery-based and capped, the waitlist is years long. Most vendors operate under a licensed vendor's permit through a commissary arrangement.
Stay in the Loop
New state guides, permit changes, and honest operator interviews. No fluff.