DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Food truck owners who travel across the Wiregrass could soon spend less time dealing with inspections and more time serving customers under a new Alabama law aimed at streamlining statewide operations.
Senate Bill 197, now Act 2026-398, was approved by the Alabama Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey. The law became effective July 1, 2026, with the new statewide inspection system for mobile food units taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Under the new law, a mobile food unit will need one valid health inspection from the county health department where its commissary is located and one valid fire inspection conducted by an authorized fire official. Once those certificates are obtained, they will be recognized statewide, allowing food trucks to operate anywhere in Alabama without obtaining additional local health or fire inspections.
For communities across the Wiregrass—including Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark, Headland, Geneva, Abbeville and surrounding areas—the change could make it easier for food trucks to participate in festivals, community events, farmers markets and other gatherings that regularly welcome vendors from across Alabama.
The law does not eliminate local oversight. Health and fire officials will still have the authority to inspect mobile food units and take action if they identify an immediate public health or safety concern. Cities and counties may also continue requiring business licenses and compliance with local ordinances.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, operating a mobile food unit without the required statewide health and fire inspection certificates could result in a Class C misdemeanor. A second violation may also result in a 30-day prohibition from operating.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, was requested by food truck operators seeking to reduce duplicate inspections while continuing to meet health and fire safety standards statewide.
