Food truck owners expressed strong opposition to a proposed legislation that would make it illegal for food trucks to operate at gas stations in Jacksonville.
Ordinance 2025-0159, introduced by Councilman Joe Carlucci, would prohibit food trucks from preparing and/or selling food or beverages at gas stations.
“The goal is really quite simple: Prevent highly combustible food trucks at a highly combustible gas station,” Carlucci told the Jacksonville Planning Commission at its March 20 meeting.
But those who oppose the bill argue that it addresses a non-existent problem and threatens their livelihoods.
“This is a bad bill,” District 14 Councilman Rahman Johnson stated. “There’s no reason for us to come in and create a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist. Yes, we want to make sure the food trucks are safe, but that needs to be the focus—making sure that all food trucks and trailers are safe, not just looking at ones at gas stations.”
The proposed legislation is also raising concerns about enforcement and potential fines.
“We don’t know who is going to bear the burden of the fine, who is going to enforce this,” Johnson added. “There are still so many questions to be answered.”
Johnson emphasized the importance of food trucks in food deserts.
“You need to have something so people can go and get fresh, affordable options, and food trucks provide that. It’s a small business opportunity,” Johnson said.
Food truck owners stressed the importance of location consistency for their businesses.
“These people have set up at these different locations, whether it’s a store or a gas station,” Chef Love, owner of Chef Love Sol Cuisine, said. “They have clientele that’s coming there, so they depend on that location.”
Finding suitable locations for food trucks can be challenging.
“Each owner who owns the property has to approve it,” Robert Germano owner of American Smokehouse Barbecue & Part Trout River Food Park owner, explained. “You have to have a certain amount of space for the food truck, as well as the parking.”
Safety regulations, such as the requirement for food trucks to be at least 10 feet apart, were also discussed.
“If there is a problem, they believe that 10 feet is a good enough distance,” Germano said. “So how is that a problem? At a gas station, I’m sure there’s plenty of places inside the gas station that the food truck could park that would be within a safe distance.”
The owners believe more conversation is needed regarding regulations.
“One thing you don’t want to do is cause hindrance for the vendors,” Love stated. “They need to be able to make money and have a comfortable way to live.”
The discussion also touched on the need for more food truck parks in the city.
“It would be great if we had more of these types of locations,” Love said. “Of course, away from the north side, but South Side and Orange Park, yeah. Why not?”
They also expressed a desire for city support in providing resources for food trucks.
“We just don’t want them to put handcuffs on us, so to speak,” Love said. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”
News4JAX reached out to Councilman Carlucci and we are waiting for a response.