Food Hygiene

The regulation of food service establishments in Florida is divided between several state agencies. These agencies include the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), The Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Department of Health (DOH).

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

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates food service in grocery and convenience stores, food processing plants, food storage and distribution points. Information regarding permitting or inspections of these facilities can be found online or by calling the Division of Food Safety at 850-254-5595.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation regulates food service in restaurants, mobile food units, and caterers. Information regarding permitting or inspections of these facilities can be found online or by calling the Customer Care Center at 850-487-1395.

The Agency for Health Care Administration regulates food service in hospitals and nursing homes. Information regarding permitting or inspections of these facilities can be found online or at the state site or by calling 888-419-3456.

The Department of Children and Families regulates food service in child care facilities. Information regarding permitting or inspections of these facilities can be found online or by calling 850-483-6728.

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County regulates food service in various facilities including:

• Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Family Care Homes, Adult Day Care Centers
• Certain Residential Treatment Centers
• Bars and Lounges that do not prepare food
• Civic/Fraternal Organizations
• Detention Facilities
• Schools (Public and Private)
• Theaters that serve traditional theater foods

Environmental Health inspectors conduct 2 to 4 routine inspections per year depending on the type of food operation at the facility and the population being served.

Food service establishments that are regulated by the FDOH are regulated under Chapter 64E-11 Florida Administrative Code and must apply for a Food Hygiene Sanitation Certificate. The following items are required to permit a Food Service Establishment:

• Application for Sanitation Certificate (DH 4086)
• Food Service Establishment Plan Review Application (DH 8003)

Persons looking for a sanitation sign off for an Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco license (COP) must go to the agency of jurisdiction for the signature. The Florida Department of Health can only sign this application form if it is a facility type that is listed above, and we have regulatory jurisdiction over it. It may need to be signed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulations Hotel and Restaurant division or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (listed and linked above).

Foodborne illness complaint?

Online complaint form

Restaurant complaint?

Phone the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 850-487-1395 or submit a complaint online on their Complaint Filing webpage.

Convenience store or grocery store complaint?

Phone the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 850-245-5520 or 1-800-435-7352 or visit their Food Safety webpage for additional information.