The Florida Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety and Sanitation Program’s works to ensure that food establishments as defined by section 381.0072, Florida Statutes, are designed, operated, and maintained in a safe and sanitary manner so that risk to foodborne illness is minimized in institutional settings.

Food service establishments that are permitted through byt the Florida Department of Health include:

Inspection Reports

Route inspections are conducted annually, based on the type of food operation. Staff also conduct inspections in response to citizen complaints.

Search Inspection Reports
  • Detention facilities
  • Public, private, and boarding schools
  • Migrant labor camps
  • Assisted living facilities
  • United States Department of Agriculture Afterschool Meal Program
  • Adult family care home
  • Adult day care center
  • Short-term residential treatment center
  • Residential treatment facility
  • Transitional living facilities
  • Crisis stabilization units
  • Hospices
  • Prescribed pediatric extended care center
  • Intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities
  • Civic and fraternal organizations
  • Bars and lounges
  • Domestic violence center certified by the Florida Department of Children and Families
  • Vending machines that dispense potentially hazardous foods at facilities regulated by the Department
  • Temporary events or mobile food units at facility regulated by the Department

Permitting Requirements

Food service establishments that are regulated by the Florida Department of Health must apply for a food hygiene sanitation certificate. Items required to permit a food service establishment:

Statewide Regulation

Commissary Letter Agreement
The regulation of food service establishments in Florida is divided between several state agencies. For information on other facility types please contact the appropriate agency.

  • Department of Business and Professional Regulation
    Handles the inspection of restaurants, mobile food vehicles, and caterers. Information regarding permitting or inspections of these facilities regulated by DBPR can be found online or by calling the Customer Care Center at 850-487-1395.
  • Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
    Regulates grocery stores, convenience stores, and food processors. Information regarding permitting or inspections of these facilities by DACS can be found online or by calling the Division of Food Safety at 850-254-5595.
  • Florida Department of Children and Families
    Regulates food service in child care facilities. Information regarding permitting or inspections of these facilities by DCF can be found online.
  • Agency for Health Care Administration
    Regulates food service in hospitals and nursing homes. Information on the permitting or inspections of these facilities by AHCA can be found online or by calling 888-419-3456.
  • Agency for Persons with Disabilities
    Regulates food service in group homes that serve persons with disabilities. Information on the permitting or inspections of these facilities by APD can be found online or by calling 866-273-2273.
Regulation of Food Service Establishments by the Florida Department of Health