Temporary Food Permits
A temporary food service application must be submitted at least five business days before the first day of operation.
Temporary food establishments serve food from the same location for a short time frame, no longer than 14 consecutive days. A temporary food establishment is any place where food is processed, stored, prepared, served, or offered for sale. An example is a hot dog booth at a fair. To find out if a temporary food license is required for your event, please review the Temporary Food Safety & Licensing Guide. If you still have questions, please call the Environmental Health Division at (517) 546-9858.
Food Service Fees
Temporary Food Service Establishment Fees |
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| Completed application received 5 days or more prior to event | $260 + $9 state fee ($5 non-profit) |
| Completed application received less than 5 days prior to event | $390 + $9 state fee ($5 non-profit) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make food at my home to sell?
- No, Michigan law does not permit making food in your home kitchen for sale at an event when you have a temporary food establishment license. You need to make all your food on site at your temporary licensed food stand or in a commercial kitchen commissary (with written permission from the licensed kitchen, page 3 of the application).
- Without a license, you can make and sell certain types of food from your Michigan home kitchen under the state’s Cottage Food Law. These must be non-potentially hazardous foods that can be sold directly to consumers, and there are specific labeling, sales, and product restrictions to follow. You do not need a license or inspection to operate under this law. See what’s allowed and what’s required: Cottage Food One Pager.
What do I need to do to serve food at the farmer’s market?
- Food License: If you’re preparing and serving food (hot or cold), you’ll likely need a license from the local health department. If you just want to do a limited amount of events in Livingston County a year, obtain a temporary food permit(s).
- Cottage Food Law Exemption: If you’re selling low-risk homemade goods (like baked goods, jams, or dried herbs), you may qualify under Michigan’s Cottage Food Law and avoid licensing. However, you must label products properly and follow specific guidelines. Contact MDARD for further information.
- Vendor Approval: Each farmers market has its own rules. You must apply and be approved by the market manager, who enforces vendor policies. Contact the specific market.
Last Modified April 28, 2026
