According to food truck and ice cream vendors, some cities in South Florida are making it hard to ply business. Cities like Coral Springs and Sunrise, for example, have either banned food trucks and ice cream truck outright or have imposed many regulations and restrictions on the businesses. In Sunrise, outdoor sales have been banned since the late 1980s. Since 1993, food trucks have had the option of applying for a temporary permit to sell their products, but these permits are valid for only three days, so few vendors have tried. If there is a special event where food trucks want to work in Sunrise, they must apply for a permit in advance, paying $100 to set up in vacant property or $50 in a developed area. Food truck owners also need to provide a $250 refundable clean-up fee.
In Pembroke Pines, food truck vendors need to have an invitation from an existing business (such as a shopping mall) to ply their trade and this invitation must be in writing. In Coral Springs, food trucks and vendors were banned after 1985. The ban was in response to a child being struck and killed by a car after buying an ice cream. Vendors feel it is not just to limit businesses if cars cause accidents, but in Coral Springs the ban is enforced strongly. First-time violators get a warning but a subsequent violation results in a $50 fine and possible impoundment of the truck.
In some cases, vendors still head into these cities, but claim that the number of customers remains small. Hollywood and Dania Beach, among other communities, do not have as many restrictive regulations but vendors say that business is not always strong. In Boca Raton, trucks are not allowed to make excessive noise while in Delray Beach, they cannot be parked too long in one spot.
Do more restrictions on food vendors and food trucks mean fewer truck accidents in Hollywood and other Florida communities? Food vendors claim that they use safe practices and have an excellent safety record. They note that in cases where accidents occur near food trucks, they are often car accidents caused by distracted or impatient drivers – not by the food trucks themselves. Some vendors also believe that the restrictions on business are related to pressure from restaurants who do not want the competition.
Communities have passed rules against food trucks, and part of the reason is because some lawmakers feel that these restrictions reduce the risk of car accidents in Hollywood and other Florida communities. They note that while food trucks themselves may not be in accidents, their presence increases pedestrian traffic and even car traffic in areas, which can result in secondary traffic accidents in Hollywood and other communities.
If you have been injured in a traffic accident in South Florida, it will not matter much to you whether you were injured in a secondary accident or not. Of course, your primary concern will be to protect yourself and your family. Accidents can devastate your life for months or years to come and can create significant expenses as well. If your accident was caused by someone’s negligence, you may have a legal claim that allows you to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other expenses you may have incurred due to your injuries. To learn more – and to protect your rights – contact the Flaxman Law Group today. If you have been injured, you can arrange a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.