Utah food permit fees: budget for 2025

If you're starting a food business or hiring new staff in Utah, the cost of permits can catch you off guard. Between individual food handler cards and full food establishment permits, fees vary by county and provider. This guide breaks down the 2025 costs so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Food handler permit costs: what each worker pays

Every food handler in Utah must obtain a permit from their local health department before handling food served to the public. To get that permit, you must complete a state-approved training course and pass an exam. The training provider then sends your certificate to the health department, which issues the official permit.

The state mandates a $15.00 permit fee that approved providers collect and pass to the health department. On top of that, providers charge their own course fee. Here's what you can expect to pay per worker:

• Online courses: Prices range from about $6.99 to $25.99 total, including the $15 health department fee. For example, one provider charges $8 plus the $15 fee, while another lists a total of $25.99. Some providers bundle the fee into a single price, like $22.95 or $24.99.
• In-person classes: Local health departments often offer classroom training. For instance, Weber-Morgan Health Department charges $25 for its in-person class, and Davis County charges $25 as well. These classes typically last 75 minutes and you leave with your card.

Remember, the permit is valid for three years. So the per-year cost is roughly $5 to $8 per worker—a small price for compliance.

Food establishment permit fees: the bigger budget item

If you're opening a restaurant, food truck, or any retail food establishment, you'll need a permit from your local health department or the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). These fees are separate from individual food handler permits and can be substantial.

Here are some examples from Utah counties:

• Davis County: A new food establishment must pay a $750 plan review fee before opening. This covers the application, plan review, and risk assessment.
• Utah County: The 2026 fee schedule lists an Agritourism Food Establishment Permit at $300, a School Food Permit at $340, and a School Concessions Permit at $280. These give you a sense of the range for different establishment types.
• Southwest Utah Public Health Department: A conditional permit for change of ownership costs $220, which includes a menu and operational review plus a pre-opening inspection.

Plan review fees are typically paid before the permit is issued. The UDAF notes that all relevant plan review and registration fees must be paid before a food establishment registration can be issued.

Additional costs to plan for

Beyond the base permit fees, budget for these extras:

• Commissary kitchen (for food trucks): roughly $300 to $1,500 per month, depending on the kitchen and your usage.
• State license: In Salt Lake City, the Utah state license costs approximately $550 initially and $330 for renewal each year. Local business licenses may add more.
• Follow-up inspections: Some counties charge for re-inspections if violations are found. Check your local fee schedule.

How to budget for 2025

1. Count your workers: Multiply the number of food handlers by the per-person cost (typically $15–$25 each).
2. Check your county's fee schedule: Visit your local health department's website for the exact food establishment permit fees. They vary widely.
3. Include plan review fees: If you're opening or remodeling, add the plan review cost (e.g., $750 in Davis County) to your startup budget.
4. Plan for renewals: Mark your calendar—food handler permits expire every 3 years, and establishment permits often renew annually.
5. Consider training format: In-person classes may cost more but provide immediate certification. Online courses are often cheaper but you'll wait for the official permit in the mail.

Quiz: test your knowledge

Which of the following is the state-mandated permit fee for a Utah food handler permit?

• $15.00
• $25.00
• $50.00

Correct answer: $15.00. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services requires approved providers to collect a $15.00 permit fee on behalf of the local health department.

How the Featured Expert Can Help

Utah State Food Handlers offers live, in-person food safety certification classes across Utah, with quick, affordable, state-approved training and online payment. Their hands-on instruction helps food service professionals obtain their permits fast. Visit Utah State Food Handlers to find a class near you.