Frequently Asked Questions

In order to sell your catch directly to Louisiana consumers, you will need a Commercial Fisherman’s License and a Fresh Products License.

The Fresh Products License only covers the sale of your own catch and does not cover sales of another fisherman’s catch. If you plan on selling your catch combined with the catch of other commercial fishermen, you will need additional licenses.

The Fresh Products License does not allow you to sell to consumers located outside of Louisiana.

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Yes, if you purchase a Secondary Fresh Products License. A secondary license allows a fisherman to continue to fish while his or her spouse sells the catch. The Secondary Fresh Products License holder does not need an additional transport license to sell the commercial fisherman.s catch. In order to purchase a Secondary Fresh Products License,you must provide your spouse.s name and social security number to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The cost of the Secondary Fresh Products License is $5.00.

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If you plan to sell your catch to anyone other than a consumer, such as any person buying, acquiring or handling fish for sale or resale, including someone who will serve the seafood in a restaurant, you must have additional licenses.

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A Fresh Products License costs $20.00 for Louisiana residents and $120.00 for non-residents. This license is valid for one year, beginning on Jan. 1 and expiring December31.

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Fresh Products License holders need to keep two kinds of records: records of sales to the consumer and reports required by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

1. Records of Sales to the Consumer: You must keep records in English, of the quantity and species of seafood acquired and the date the seafood was acquired. The record must include the fresh products license holders full name and license number. The record also needs to indicate that the seafood was sold directly to the consumer. You must keep these records for at least three years.
2. Reports to LDWF: You must also submit monthly reports to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. These monthly reports must include all information required on the commercial receipt form and all of your trip tickets from that month.

The Fresh Products License holder must indicate in their records that the seafood was sold directly to the consumer. The consumer’s name or other personal information does not need to be recorded.

For sales to wholesale/retail dealers, the LDWF requires that the records indicate the name and license number to whom the seafood was sold. See below.

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Under Louisiana law, the sale of processed seafood is not allowed without special permits. However, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries allows for some minimal processing as long as the condition of the seafood is listed on the trip ticket when it is submitted to the Department. If you have a Fresh Products License you may fillet, de-head, or gut fish. You may also de-head or peel shrimp.

According to the enforcement division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, commercial fishermen with fresh product licenses may de-head or peel their shrimp or filet, gut, or de-head their fish. The LDWF trip tickets have special codes for the condition of the seafood.

Interview 1/24/2011, Lt. Col. Keith LaCaze;Information confirmed via interview with Captain Yokum on 2/11/2011;Confirmed 5/25/2011 with Trip Tickets Department– Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, Enforcement Division

NOTE: You may need a Permit to Operate issued by the Department of Health and Hospitals if you engage in processing activity.

If you plan on processing (cleaning, shucking, picking, peeling, or packing) your own or someone else’s catch, even on your own property, you will need a Permit to Operate. In order to get a Permit to Operate, the location must be inspected and approved by a Louisiana State Health officer. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals will not grant a permit for processing in a home or on a boat.

Remember: Even though the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries allows a commercial fisherman to sell peeled and de-headed shrimp and/or gutted, filleted, and de-headed fish, this activity requires a permit under the Department of Health and Hospitals.

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If you have a Fresh Products License, you may sell your own catch directly to a consumer from your house, boat or vehicle.

In order to sell from a mobile location such as a vehicle, the fresh products license holder must also be in compliance with parish and municipal mobile vendor regulations. The seller will also need to comply with the Department of Health and Hospital regulations.

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A Fresh Products License does not allow you to sell someone else.s catch from any location. If you are selling someone else.s catch, you must have a Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealer’s License or a Retail Seafood Dealer’s License. More details about the Wholesale/Retail Dealer’s License are found in that section of the FAQs.

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No. A commercial fisherman with a valid Fresh Products License can transport his own catch directly to the consumer. A commercial fisherman with a Fresh Products License does not need a Mobile Food Vendors Permit to sell his catch from his boat or his home.

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A Fresh Products License only allows you to sell your catch to a consumer within the state. If you plan on selling across state lines, you will need a Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealers License. Any facility in which seafood is stored must be registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Food Modernization Act mandates that registration be updated on a regular basis. A Seafood HACCP plan ( Hazard Analysis &Critical Control Points Plan) may also be needed.

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A Fresh Products License only allows a fisherman to sell directly to a consumer. The Fresh Products License does not cover sales intended for resale. If the catch is intended to be resold, the commercial fisherman will either need to be a licensed Wholesale/Retail Dealer or only sell to a licensed Wholesale/Retail Dealer.

A commercial fisherman may not sell to a person holding a Retail Seafood Dealers License.

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A Fresh Products license only permits the holder to sell seafood directly to the consumer. If a commercial fisherman plans to sell to a restaurant, either the commercial fisherman or the restaurant will need a Wholesale/Retail Dealer License.

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If you are selling your own catch directly from your boat, home, or automobile, you will not need a Mobile Food Vendors Permit from the Department of Health and Hospitals.

However, you may need a Permit to Operate issued by the Department of Health and Hospitals.

If you are not processing (cleaning, shucking, picking, peeling, or packing) your catch, you do not need a Permit to Operate from the Department of Health and Hospitals.

If you plan on processing (cleaning, shucking, picking, peeling, or packing) your own or someone else.s catch, even on your own property, you will need a Permit to Operate. In order to get a Permit to Operate, the location must be inspected and approved by a Louisiana State Health officer. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals will not grant a permit for processing in a home or on a boat.

Remember: Even though the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries allows a commercial fisherman to sell peeled and de-headed shrimp and/or gutted,filleted, and de-headed fish, this activity requires a permit under the Department of Health and Hospitals.

The Department of Health and Hospital regulations are state regulations distinct from the mobi le vendor regulations that may be mandated by your parish or municipality. Please make sure to check with your local parish for mobile vendor permit requirements.

Please call the Department of Health and Hospitals for details: 225-342-7773.

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Yes. At least once a year, your scale must be inspected by the Department of Agriculture. This is to ensure that it is accurate and suitable for commercial use. The cost of having your scale certified varies by the amount of weight it can measure.

Please call The Department of Agriculture for details: 225-922-1341.

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Most parishes require that each fisherman selling his catch register with the parish to pay sales tax.

Please call The Department of Revenue, Sales Tax Division (225-219-7356) and your parish for details. Additional information can be found in the section devoted to specific parish regulations.

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A Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealer is any individual person, firm, association,corporation or partnership that buys, acquires or handles any species of seafood (whether processed or not) in Louisiana for sale or resale.

Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealers include, but are not limited to, any person who makes sales of seafood on a wholesale basis, including any dock, distributor, broker, fish factory, platform, processing plant or anyone shipping fish out of or into the state for resale.

A Wholesale/Retail License allows the license holder to buy and sell other people’s catches. It is required to buy, acquire or handle a catch from any person for sale or resale,even if the acquired catch is sold along with your own.

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A Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealer is the only licensee who can legally purchase seafood from a commercial fisherman and resell that seafood (whether it is processed or unprocessed). The holder may acquire seafood from either a commercial fisherman or another licensed Wholesale/Retail Dealer.

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A valid Wholesale/Retail License holder may sell to another Wholesale/Retail Dealer, a licensed Retail Dealer or a consumer. Under the Wholesale/Retail License, you do not need a Fresh Products License to sell to consumers. Additionally, a Wholesale/Retail License holder may act as a Retail Dealer.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has separate licenses for sales from a fixed business location and for sales from a vehicle. Each license costs $250.00 for residents and $1,105.00 for non-residents. You will need multiple licenses if you plan to sell from more than one location.

In order to apply for a license in the name of your business, you must submit a copy of your occupational license or the registration certificate filed with the Secretary of State (if a Federal Tax ID is not obtained).

If a Wholesale/Retail Dealers license is in the name of an individual (as opposed to a business association), the license is only valid for that individual.

This license is valid for one year, beginning on Jan. 1 and expiring Dec. 31.

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Wholesale/Retail License holders need to keep two kinds of records: records of purchases and sales and reports required by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

1. Records of Purchases and Sales: You must keep records in English, of the quantity and species of seafood acquired, the date the seafood was acquired, and the full name and license number of the commercial fisherman, Wholesale/Retail Dealer, or the out-of-state seller from whom the seafood was acquired. The record also needs to indicate the quantity and species of seafood sold and the name and/or license number of the person to whom the seafood was sold. You must keep these records for at least three years.
2. Monthly Reports to the Department: All purchases from a commercial fisherman must be recorded on trip tickets documenting each transaction. At the time of the transaction, the license holder keeps one part of the form and another portion oft he form is given to the commercial fisherman. Your trip tickets must be submitted to LDWF each month. The trip ticket must contain various information including: your name and license number;the commercial fisherman’s name, license number and signature;the transaction date;the type of species;the quantity and units of each species;the size and condition of each species;the unit price of each species;and the permit number for those species that require a permit to harvest.

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If you have a valid Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealers License for a vehicle, the license will cover all transportation activities of the license holder.

If you have a valid Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealers License for a permanent business location, you will also need to purchase a Seafood Transport License. A Seafood Transport License purchased in connection with a Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealer’s License authorizes the delivery of seafood to and for a wholesale dealer.

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Out-of-state buyers purchasing seafood from a Louisiana Wholesale/Retail Dealer for resale are not required to be licensed in Louisiana when receiving the shipment.

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When purchasing seafood from out of state and bringing the seafood into Louisiana to sell, you must purchase only from persons legally licensed to sell seafood in that state. In order to sell in Louisiana, you must be legally licensed to sell within the state.

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In order to sell to people outside of Louisiana, you must have a valid Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealers License or a transport license purchased in connection with a Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealers License.

Note: There are special rules and license requirements for the sale of crabs and oysters.

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If you only purchase seafood from a licensed Wholesale/Retail Dealer and you only sell cooked seafood for immediate consumption by a consumer, you do not have to have a Wholesale/Retail License.

If you purchase seafood from out of state, you will need a Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealers License or a Retail Seafood Dealers License.

If you own a restaurant or retail grocer and you acquire seafood directly from Wholesale/Retail Dealer and transport this seafood yourself, you are required to have a Retail Seafood Dealers License and applicable transport license.

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In order to purchase seafood directly from a commercial fisherman, the restaurant must have a Wholesale/Retail License.

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If you are selling your own catch along with seafood from other commercial fisherman and you plan to sell from a mobile location, you will need a Mobile Vendors Permit from the Department of Health and Hospitals. This permit must be approved by the Department. There is a $10 per month permit fee for food vendor pushcarts stands, and mobile units.

If you require a Mobile Vendors Permit, you should contact the nearest parish health unit to obtain a permit.

You may also need a Permit to Operate issued by the Department of Health and Hospitals.

If you are not processing (cleaning, shucking, picking, peeling or packing) your catch, you do not need a Permit to Operate.

If you plan on processing (cleaning, shucking, picking, peeling or packing) your own or someone else.s catch, even on your own property, you will need a Permit to Operate. In order to get a Permit to Operate, the location must be inspected and approved by a Louisiana State Health officer. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals will not grant a permit for processing on a home or boat.

Remember: Even though the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries allows a commercial fisherman to sell peeled and de-headed shrimp and/or gutted,filleted and de-headed fish, this activity requires a permit under the Department of Health and Hospitals. The DHH technically requires a permit for the minimal processing allowed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

NOTE: This is one of the main inconsistencies with the LDWF and DHH. The LDWF technically considers de-heading‘processing’ but the enforcement division says that commercial fisherman or licensed Wholesale/Retail Dealers may de-head or peel their shrimp. However, the Health Dept. considers this ‘processing’ and requires a permit.

The Department of Health and Hospital regulations are state regulations distinct from the mobile vendor regulations that may be mandated by your parish or municipality. Please make sure to check with your local parish for mobile vendor permit requirements. 

Please call the Department of Health and Hospitals for details: 225-342-7773.

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Yes. At least once a year, your scale must be inspected by the Department of Agriculture. This is to ensure that it is accurate and suitable for commercial use. The cost of having your scale certified varies by the amount of weight it can measure.

Please call The Department of Agriculture for details: 225-922-1341.

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Most parishes require that Wholesale/Retail Dealers register with the parish and the state to pay sales tax.

Please call The Department of Revenue, Sales Tax Division (225-219-7356) and your parish for details.

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A Retail Seafood Dealer is any individual person, firm, association, corporation or partnership that buys, acquires or handles any species of seafood (whether processed or not) in Louisiana for resale.

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A Retail License holder may buy, acquire, or handle a catch from a licensed, Louisiana Wholesale/Retail Dealer. He or she may not purchase fish directly from a commercial fisherman.

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Retail Seafood Dealers may only sell directly to the consumer for personal or household use. License holders may not make wholesale transactions (sales intended to be resold).

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has separate licenses for sales from a fixed business location and for sales from a vehicle. Each license costs $105.00 for residents and $405.00 for non-residents. You will need multiple licenses if you plan to sell from more than one location.

If the Retail Seafood Dealer License is in the name of an individual (as opposed to a business association), the license is only valid for that individual.

This license is valid for one year, beginning on Jan. 1 and expiring Dec. 31.

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You must keep records of the quantity and species of fish acquired, the date the fish was acquired, and the name and license number of the Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealer (or the out-of-state seller) from whom the fish was acquired.

License holders must also keep records of the quantity and species sold, the date the sale was made, and the name of the person to whom the seafood was sold.

These records must be in English and be maintained for three years.

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You will need to purchase a Transport License. This license will allow you to pick up seafood from a valid Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealer and transport the product to your place of business. This license costs $30.00 for each vehicle.

The spouse of a commercial fisherman with a secondary fresh products license may sell the fisherman’s catch directly to the consumer without a Transport License. This is included under the Fresh Products License section.

There is no secondary license for the spouse of a Retail License Dealer. A Seafood Transport License must be purchased in connection with a Retail Seafood Dealer’s License.

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If you plan on selling to people outside of the state, you will need a Wholesale/Retail License.

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Seafood may only be purchased from those persons legally licensed to sell fish in their state.

If an out-of-state seller brings seafood into Louisiana, the out-of-state seller must be licensed to sell seafood in Louisiana.

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If you only purchase seafood from a licensed Wholesale/Retail Dealer and you only sell cooked seafood for immediate consumption by a consumer, you are exempt from license requirements. If you are exempt from licensing requirements, you will still need to follow all reporting and records requirements.

Restaurants or grocers selling raw seafood (such as oysters) or sushi are required to obtain a Retail Seafood Dealers license if purchasing the seafood from a licensed Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealer.

If you own a restaurant or retail grocer and you acquire seafood directly from Wholesale/Retail Dealer and transport this seafood yourself, you are required to have a Retail Seafood Dealers License and applicable transport license.

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You will probably need a Mobile Vendors Permit from the Department of Health and Hospitals. This permit must be approved by the Department. There is a $10 per month permit fee for food vendor pushcarts, stands, and mobile units.

If you require a Mobile Vendors Permit, you should contact your parish health unit to obtain a permit. You may also need a Permit to Operate issued by the Department of Health and Hospitals.

If you plan on processing (cleaning, shucking, picking, peeling, or packing), even on your own property, you will need a Permit to Operate. In order to get a Permit to Operate, the location must be inspected and approved by a Louisiana State Health officer. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals will not grant a permit for processing in a home or on a boat.

If you are not processing (cleaning, shucking, picking, peeling, or packing) your catch,you do not need a Permit to Operate.

Remember: Even though the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries allows a commercial fisherman to sell peeled and de-headed shrimp and/or gutted, filleted and de-headed fish, this activity requires a permit under the Department of Health and Hospitals.

The Department of Health and Hospital regulations are distinct from those mobile vendor regulations that may be mandated by your parish or municipality. Please make sure to check with your local parish for mobile vendor permit requirements.

Please call the Department of Health and Hospitals for details: 225-342-7773.

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Yes. At least once a year, your scale must be inspected by the Department of Agriculture. This is to ensure that it is accurate and suitable for commercial use. The cost of having your scale certified varies by the amount of weight it can measure.

Please call The Department of Agriculture for details: 225-922-1341.

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Most parishes require that each fisherman selling his catch register with the parish to pays ales tax.

Please call The Department of Revenue, Sales Tax Division (225-219-7356) and your parish for details.

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All seafood products intended to be marketed as „Louisiana Wild Seafood. certified must meet all criteria and requirements as set out in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rules and regulations.

Any fisherman or seafood dealer who wishes to participate in the Louisiana Wild Seafood Certification Program can apply to the department. You must be issued a participation permit by the department in order to market your seafood under this name.

Please call The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for details: 225-765-2898.

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A crawfish harvester is a person who harvests wild crawfish commercially without participating in the growing of crawfish.

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In order to harvest wild crawfish, one must hold two licenses: a commercial fisherman’s license and a commercial crawfish trap license.

The commercial fisherman license allows the permit holder to land crawfish and other seafood species. The license costs $55.00 for residents and $460.00 for non-residents. 

The commercial crawfish trap license allows the commercial fisherman to deploy and harvest any number of legal crawfish traps. This license costs $25.00 for residents and$100.00 for non-residents.

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Commercial fisherman must provide trip tickets for all sales of wild commercial seafood. Trip tickets include details regarding the type of species, the volume of the harvest in pounds, the dollar value and the area from which the harvest was taken.

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The State of Louisiana does not have a defined crawfish season. Licensed commercial fisherman can harvest crawfish using legally acceptable methods throughout the year.

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Crawfish may be taken commercially with approved crawfish traps. The openings of the flues or throats on crawfish traps shall not exceed two inches.

For the east side portion of the Atchafalaya Basin extending from Morgan City at the Intracoastal Canal to I-10, commercial wild crawfish traps must have a minimum mesh size of ¾ of 1 inch.

Louisiana wild crawfish harvesters are not required to affix tags identifying ownership on their crawfish traps.

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Crawfish harvesters are subject to the rules and regulations of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.

The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission promulgates the rules and regulations relating to the seasons, times, places, size limits, quotas, daily take and possession limits for all wildlife and fish. These rules aim to conserve, preserve, replenish and manage the species for continuing social and economic benefit to the state.

The Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has the authority to close or alter seasons in order to protect fish and wildlife resources. The LDWF also has the authority to supervise the harvest in special cases such as Wildlife Management Areas.

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A crawfish farmer is a person who farms or cultivates crawfish in ponds.

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The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry does not require a license to raise crawfish on agricultural lands.

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If you have a private pond you do not need a license to sell your harvest. A crawfish farmer does not need a license to sell to the average consumer.

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Any person may purchase your harvest for consumption. If the purchaser plans to resell the crawfish, that person must have a Wholesale/Retail Seafood Dealers License.

If a crawfish farmer sells to a restaurant, the sale will be governed by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

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If you harvest your own crawfish from a private pond, you do not need to have a transport license in order to transport your harvest to the first point of sale.

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The net weight of crawfish in bags or sacks must be clearly labeled in indelible ink or otherwise waterproof lettering.

These labels must remain on all bags or sacks of live or boiled crawfish once they leave the possession of farmer or fisherman.

The net weight of boiled crawfish shall be the net weight after boiling.

Boiled crawfish when sold for immediate consumption on the premises are exempt from this requirement.

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Peeled crawfish are defined as crawfish which have been processed to remove the shells.

Peeled crawfish which have been washed or cleaned of naturally adhering fat shall be labeled “cleaned” or “washed.”

The net weight of the washed crawfish shall be the drained weight.

Peeled crawfish sold with naturally adhering fat.

The naturally adhering fat content of packages of peeled crawfish shall not exceed 10 percent of the net weight of the crawfish in the package.

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Farm raised crawfish must meet one or more of the following grading and certification standards and specifications:

1. United States Department of Commerce standards;
2. State of Louisiana, Division of Administration, State Purchasing general requirements for fish and fishery products;
3. Standards and specifications set by the appropriate division of the department’s grading and certification service for the particular seafood product;
4. The bid specifications or purchase order issued by the public entity;
5. Fresh seafood shall not have any offensive odors or be slick to the touch.

No crawfish may be held, offered for sale or sold in Louisiana if the crawfish is contaminated with Chloramphenicol.

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All commercial aquaculture operations must comply with Louisiana law regarding taxes and assessments. This includes, but is not limited to, sales tax payments, employee income tax collections and corporate and personal state income taxes.

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Crawfish farmers and harvesters may be eligible for a tax exemption. There is a 1 percent sales tax exemption for equipment and supplies used in the harvesting or production of catfish and crawfish. This 1 percent reduction reduces the state sales tax on materials,supplies, equipment, fuel, bait and other required items. The boat or vessel used in the harvesting activity is not eligible for this exemption. The farmer or harvester who purchases the exempt items must complete and submit to the Louisiana Department of Revenue form number LGST-30 at the time of purchase.

The state sales tax does not apply to the sale or use of bait and feed used in the production or harvesting of crawfish. The person who purchases the exempt items shall claim the exemption by executing a certificate at the time of purchase.

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The Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research Board (LCPRB) was created to aid in the development of markets for farm-raised and wild-caught Louisiana crawfish and to fund research which will increase production of farm-raised and wild-caught Louisiana crawfish.

The Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research Board is within the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This Board uses assessments on bags used to package live crawfish and assessments on artificial crawfish bait to raise funds to promote the Louisiana crawfish industry. The Board, with the approval of a majority of crawfish tail meat producers in a referendum vote, can also place assessments on the sale of tail meat.

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No product labeled “crawfish” may be sold in Louisiana unless it consists of, or is derived from, the red swamp crawfish (Procambarus clarkii), the white river crawfish(Procambarus zonangulus) or the Louisiana pond-raised crawfish.

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No person, firm or corporation shall operate or conduct an establishment for the cleaning, shucking, picking, peeling or packing of any fresh-water animal food product within the state of Louisiana until it has been inspected and approved by the Louisiana state health officer.

The application for inspection must be made in writing. After inspection and approval the Louisiana state health officer will issue a permit to operate, which is numbered.

The permit to operate may be revoked for violation of any of the provisions of the sanitary code. The serial number of said permit shall appear on every package,can, carton or other container in which shellfish are packed for distribution and sale.

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Act 506 of 2001 Regular Legislative Session requires the owner or a designated employee of all food establishments to obtain a state food safety certificate.

The application requires general applicant information, information regarding the establishment, and information regarding the completion of a food safety training program.

Boiled seafood must be cooked and handled in accordance with guidelines set by the state health officer.

Live crawfish sold by the bushel or sack must be stored either on ice in an enclosed,insulated vehicle or in an enclosed mechanically refrigerated vehicle.

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In order to operate a mobile food establishment, mobile retail food store/market or pushcart, the salesman must possess a valid permit to operate issued by the state health officer.

The permit application must include the name and address of each applicant,the location and type of the proposed mobile food establishment, mobile retail food store/market or pushcart, and the signature of each applicant.

For the first permit, the cost is $100.00. For permits numbering 2-5, the cost is$75.00 per permit. For six or more permits, the cost is $50.00 per permit.

If a mobile unit is permitted in one parish, it does not need another permit with additional fees to operate in another parish.

In some parishes or cities, another application for permit to operate may be necessary or required by that parish prior to issuance of the city occupational license. Contact the sanitarian in the parish for details.

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Those restaurants and seafood markets that do not possess a grocery permit must have a permit to operate. For the first permit, the cost is $100.00. For permits numbering 2-5, the cost is $75.00 per permit. For six or more permits, the cost is$50.00 per permit.

Grocery store permits are based on a sliding scale according to revenue.

Restaurants, bars and seafood markets must also have a food safety certificate issued by the state.

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The sponsor of the event must send a written request for an event permit. The permit is issued to the sponsor of the event. A permit is issued to each stand that is approved for operation, but no fee is collected from the individual vendors.

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Individual vendors may apply for a temporary permit. The fee is $25.00.

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Retail sales from a fixed location require an annual occupational license. The cost of this license varies by the gross sales of the business. If sales are below $50,000annually, the cost of the occupational license is $50.00. If gross sales are between$50,000 and $250,000 each year, the cost of the license is $100.00.

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If you are selling someone else.s catch, the occupational license shall be a flat fee of $100.00. If you harvest and sell your own agricultural or seafood products, you are exempt from this tax.

If you want to make any sale within the parish, you will need to file with the office of the parish government. The registration fee is $20.00. There is no fee if the sales are to take place on private property with the permission of the owner.

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• Public Property: You cannot sell any seafood from automobiles, trucks or any other vehicle located on public property or public right-of-way.
• Private Property: If you are going to sell seafood on private property, you need a permit and license from the parish at a cost $20.00. You will also need to furnish a bond in favor of the parish for $5,000.00. The permit, license and bond are valid for one year and must be issued and obtained each year.

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Mobile seafood sales require a permit from the Department of Health and Hospitals.

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A vendors permit is required for all seafood sales. This includes sales of your own catch or someone else.s. In order to get a vendors permit, you must apply tot he Sheriff. The application must include a letter of permission from the owner oft he property, a state and parish occupational license and sales tax number and a letter of approval by the planning and zoning department showing that the property is properly zoned for the intended use by the applicant.

The vendors permit costs $50.00 for one year. If you plan to sell from separate locations, you will need multiple permits.

You will also need an occupational license. If you have harvested the seafood yourself or purchased directly from a commercial fisherman an occupational license is a flat fee not to exceed $100.00. If this is not the case, the fee is not to exceed $200.00.

Any seafood sales require a permit from the parish health department.

Finally, make sure to check with the parish zoning commission.

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• Public Property: It is illegal to sell any food product from any vehicle on any public rights-of-way such as a street, highway or shoulder of a road or any other public property dedicated for specific use.
• Private Property: You may conduct sales on private property, but not within 20feet of a public right-of-way.

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Every food service establishment requires a valid permit from the parish health unit. This applies to any building or mobile unit used for manufacturing,preparing or serving any food product to the public.

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If you have either harvested the seafood yourself, or purchased the seafood directly from commercial fishermen or shrimper, you must obtain a $100.00license. You will also need to purchase a $5.00 occupational license each year.

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Retail sales require an occupational license. The cost of this license is based on retail sales. If you sell less than $50,000 of product each year, the license costs$50.00. If you sell between $50,000 and $75,000 each year, the annual license fee is $60.00. If you sell between $75,000 and $100,000 each year, the cost of the license is $90.00 each year.

Applications for occupational licenses shall be submitted along with a health certificate from the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Resources,Office of Health Services and Environmental Quality and St. Mary Parish Health Unit certifying that the premises to be occupied are sanitary.

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All mobile vendors will need a peddlers license. The cost of the license will beset from time to time by the parish council.

You will also need an occupational license. The cost of this license is based on retail sales. If you sell less than $50,000 of product each year, the license costs$50.00. If you sell between $50,000 and $75,000 each year, the annual license fee is $60.00. If you sell between $75,000 and $100,000 each year, the cost of the license is $90.00 each year.

Applications for occupational licenses shall be submitted along with a health certificate from the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Resources,Office of Health Services and Environmental Quality and St. Mary Parish Health Unit certifying that the premises to be occupied are sanitary.

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• Public Property: Seafood may not be sold on a public highway.

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You will need a permit from the Health Department in order to get an occupational license.

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You will need an occupational license. This license costs $100.00. You will also need to be cleared by the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

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• Public Property: You may not sell any type of seafood, from any type vehicle on or over the streets of the city of New Iberia. Commercial fisherman may sell their catch from the side of the road only if they are outside the city limits.
• Private Property: When selling seafood, you may not obstruct the free passage of any sidewalk or street for the purpose of selling.

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In order to sell seafood, you will need to be cleared by the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

In Iberia Parish, sales tax is collected through the School Board Office. The tax is paid according to where the transaction is made, whether from your boat, home,or roadside vehicle.

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If you plan to sell from a fixed location, you will need an occupational license. The cost of the occupational license varies according to gross sales each year. If gross sales are less than $5,000.00 the license costs $5.00 each year. If gross sales are between $5,000 and $10,000, the license shall be $10.00 each year. If gross sales are between $10,000 and $15,000, the cost of the annual license is $15.00. If gross sales are between $15,000 and $20,000 the cost of an annual license is$20.00.

If you plan to sell from your boat or house, you do not need an occupational license.

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If you are selling from a roadside vehicle you will need an occupational license specific to peddlers. This license costs $200.00. If you are selling within the city limits of Kaplan or Abbeville, you will need to obtain a peddlers license from the city.

In Abbeville, this permit costs $500.00 and lasts for six months. You will need to apply for a permit for each location you plan to sell from.

In order to get a permit, you must apply to the director of revenue. The application must include your full name and address, the location of your principle office and place of business, the location within the city where you plant to offer your goods, and the names and addresses of all employees. The application must be accompanied by a bond in the sum of not less than $5,000, and it shall be executed by the vendor as principal with one or more sureties.

If you are selling your catch along with the catches of other fisherman,you will need to purchase a vendors permit. However, if you are selling your own catch, and can verify this to the director of administration, there is no need for a vendors permit.

In Vermillion Parish, sales tax is collected through the School Board Office. The tax is paid according to where the transaction is made, whether from your boat,home or roadside vehicle.

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The City of Abbeville has adopted the Louisiana Sanitary Code. You will not need to receive a permit from the Department of Health and Hospitals if you are selling your own catch. You will need a permit if you plan on selling another person’s catch (even if it is mixed in with your own).

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The Twin Parish Port Commission has a direct marketing plan through which licensed commercial fishermen, who are residents of Vermillion or Iberia Parishes, may register their fishing operation online and potentially sell their catch directly to consumers.

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You must have an occupational license. The cost of this annual license is based on gross sales, but if sales are less than $50,000 each year, the cost of the license is$50.00. If your gross sales are between $50,000 and $75,000 each year, the cost of the license is $60.00. If your gross sales are between $75,000 and $100,000each year, the annual license fee is $90.00.

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If you are selling you own catch, you do not have to have a peddlers permit.

A peddlers permit is required if you want to sell other peoples catches. This permit costs $100.00 each year.

You will also need an occupational license. The cost of this annual license is based on gross sales, but if sales are less than $50,000 each year, the cost of the license is $50.00. If your gross sales are between $50,000 and $75,000 each year,the cost of the license is $60.00. If your gross sales are between $75,000 and$100,000 each year, the annual license fee is $90.00.

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You must have permission to occupy space from the landowner.

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The Parish Health Department does regulate mobile vendors, especially during festival season. Please contact the Parish Health Department for Details.

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The seller is licensed by the parish government to engage in business in the parish, by holding a valid occupational license or permit issued by the parish, a health permit and a sales tax number issued by the parish.

You must apply to the parish government sales tax department for a sales tax clearance prior to the issuance of the occupational license.

If you did business in the previous year, you must attach to your application a copy of your monthly reports to the parish sales tax collector for payment of state sales tax.

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The seller is licensed by the parish government to engage in business in the parish, by holding a valid occupational license or permit issued by the parish, a health permit and a sales tax number issued by the parish.

If you own, operate, lease, or exercise control over a seafood wholesale and/or retail business in Buras Boat Harbor, the Pointe a la Hache Boat Harbor, the Port Eads Marina and the Venice Boat Harbor, you must pay the parish council a monthly rental charge for the use of the property.

The rental fee will be determined by the council. You must get and maintain public liability insurance and property damage insurance in amounts set by the parish council.

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The unlicensed sale of any item of seafood on any private or public property in the parish is unlawful and is punishable as a misdemeanor.

• Public Property: Seafood sales on public property is prohibited.
• Private Property: You must have a license and the land owners permission.

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You will need a parish health permit. Please contact the parish health department for details.

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Within the city limits, it is illegal for you to sell fresh, frozen or cooked seafood at retail from any vehicle, ice chest or temporary structure on a public or private lot,sidewalk, public or private parking lot or any public street.

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You will need an occupational license. You must apply to the police jury for an occupational license. This application needs to include information about the facility and its purpose, the proposed location, and the name and address of the owner. The cost of an occupational license is $100.00 and it is valid for one month. However, special permits may be issued by the council.

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You may not sell you catch from the side of the road. 

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You will need a peddlers permit and an occupational permit. A peddlers permit costs $20.00. In order to get a peddlers permit, you must first get an occupational permit which costs $50.00 for each location. If you plan to sell from more than one location, you will need an occupational permit for each location.

Non-residents of the parish will need to file a $2,000 Surety Bond with the Secretary of the Police Jury.

If you plan to sell from a temporary structure, you will need an Administrative Permit.

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You will need a parish health permit. Please contact the parish health department for details.

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