Food Dealer License Costs in Wisconsin
Food dealer license fees in Wisconsin range from $100 to $500 per year, varying by municipality, establishment size, and risk category. Annual renewal is required.
A Food Dealer License in Wisconsin costs between $100 and $500, with a state average of $175. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Municipality and local health department fee schedule
- Establishment size (number of seats or square footage)
- Risk category (pre-packaged only vs. full food preparation)
- Type of operation (restaurant, catering, retail food, temporary)
- Whether late renewal penalties apply
Cost by Municipality
Food Dealer License fees across Wisconsin municipalities. Fees are based on official fee schedules and may vary by project scope.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | Food dealer license $100–$450/year depending on operation type and size. Pre-packaged food retail on the lower end; full restaurant operations on the higher end. Late renewal penalty $100. | -43% below avg |
| City of Madison | Retail food establishment license $175–$350/year. Fee based on risk category and number of operations. Initial health inspection included. | At average |
| City of Green Bay | Food dealer license $100–$300/year. Restaurant licenses $150–$300 based on seating capacity. Catering operations $100–$200. | -43% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | Food establishment license $125–$275/year. Annual health inspection included. Late renewal fee applies after expiration. | -29% below avg |
| City of Racine | Food dealer license $100–$250/year. Restaurant operations on the higher end. Pre-packaged food sales on the lower end. | -43% below avg |
| City of Appleton | Food establishment license $100–$250/year. Includes initial inspection. Re-inspection for violations may incur additional fees. | -43% below avg |
Fee data is sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified quarterly. Fees shown may represent base rates — actual costs depend on project valuation and scope. Use the Fee Calculator for project-specific estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a food dealer license to sell baked goods from home in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has a cottage food exemption that allows home bakers to sell certain non-potentially-hazardous baked goods (cookies, breads, cakes without cream fillings) directly to consumers without a food dealer license, provided annual sales do not exceed $25,000. However, selling at farmers markets or through retail stores may require additional permits depending on the municipality.
How often do I need to renew my food dealer license?
Food dealer licenses in Wisconsin must be renewed annually. Renewal typically involves paying the annual fee and passing a routine health inspection. Many municipalities send renewal notices 30–60 days before expiration. Late renewals often incur a penalty of $100 to $200. Operating with an expired license can result in closure orders.
What happens if I fail the health inspection?
If your establishment fails a health inspection, you will be given a list of violations that must be corrected. Critical violations (food temperature issues, contamination risks) may require immediate correction. Non-critical violations typically allow a 30-day correction period. A re-inspection is scheduled to verify compliance. Some municipalities charge a re-inspection fee of $50 to $150.
Need permit costs for every project?
Access real-time fee data across all Wisconsin municipalities. Know the exact cost before you bid, and get notified when fee schedules change.