Retail Food Establishment Permitting Requirements
Our services are getting better! Beginning September 12, 2012 the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Department), Division of Food Safety (Division) will accept on-line payments for new and renewing food permits, inspection fees, and export certificates. The Department hopes the on-line system will allow you the flexibility and convenience to easily make your payment. To utilize this on-line payment system, simply visit http://www.FreshFromFlorida.com and click “Online Payments”. If you have any questions regarding on-line payments you may call the Division at 850-245-5520.Use free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print
forms.
Permit References
- Getting Permitted ( )
- Chapter 500, F.S., Food Products
- Chapter 5K-4, F.A.C., Food
- Food Code (U.S. Public Health Service FDA) 2001 with Supplement 1 ( )
- Minimum Construction Standards ( )
- Minimum Construction Standards - Spanish ( )
- Plan Review Information Guide (DACS Form 14222) ( )
- Food Protection Manager Certification Information ( )
- Food Permit Fees ( )
- Guidelines for Mobile Food Establishments ( )
- A Food Labeling Guide (FDA)
- Guidelines for Self Vending Ice Making Units ( )
- Boil Water Notice Guidelines ( )
- Marketing Processed Agricultural Products in Florida ( )
- Complying with Regulations to Sell Farm Fresh Eggs ( )
- Evaluation of Onsite Sewage (Septic) and Water Supply Capacity Form ( )
- Outdoor cooking guidelines( )
Opening Inspection
-
An "Opening Inspection" is required before
operation as a Food Establishment to determine that the requirements
of the Florida Food Act (Chapter 500 F.S.),
the Retail Food Store Sanitation Code, and the Florida Administrative Rules (5K-4 F.A.C.) have been complied with. The criteria that apply to the
construction, renovation, or conversion of a structure for a Food
Establishment are contained in the
Minimum Construction Standards
and
Evaluation of Onsite Sewage (Septic) and Water Supply Capacity Form
Links to Web Sites containing Related Rules and Regulations.
Plan Review
-
Voluntary Plan Review is available. Please read
the Plan Review Information and Plan Review Application for
additional information.
Mobile Food Units, Push Carts, and Semipermanent Food Establishments
-
A booklet has been compiled to provide a
concise reference to rules and guidelines governing Mobile Food
Units, Push Carts, and Semipermanent Food Establishments.
Requesting an opening or initial inspection
Download form
-
An "Opening Inspection" should be
requested two weeks before opening by calling 850- 245-5520. When
calling for the opening inspection you can give a phone number,
business location address and person to contact. An Inspector will
be assigned who will contact you in 3-5 working days for the opening
inspection. At the time of the opening inspection you should be
prepared to supply all of the information contained on the Food Permit
Application. Please do not fill out this application before the
inspection. The Inspector will assist you with this at the time of
the inspection. The Food Establishment cannot open if the rating is
Poor.
Inspection Rating
- The Sanitation and Safety Inspector
will issue the Food Establishment a Sanitation Rating at the end of
the inspection of Good, Fair, or Poor.
Expiration of Permits
- Permits expire annually on December 31st.
Annual renewal
- An Annual Renewal Permit Application
and Fee Notice will be mailed to you at your current business
mailing address in adequate time for you're to renew your
application, pay your fees and get your Renewal Permit before
January 1st of each year.
Renewal Requirements
- Before receiving a Renewal Permit you
must submit the required fee along with the signed annual
application.
Food Permit Fees
- The link below contains a listing of the
Permit Fees for various Food Establishment Types. If a new
establishment opens after July 1st the fee is 60% of the listed
amount. A $10 epidemiology fee is collected for The Department of
Health for each food establishment in addition to The Department of
Agriculture's fees.
Permit Fees (22K )
Late Fees
- Late Fees are $100 and are required
if payment for Renewal Food Permits is not received by February
1st. Permits will not be issued until all Fees including the late
fee are received.
Change of Ownership
- Permits are not transferable. A "change of ownership" inspection must be requested in the same method as requesting an
"opening inspection."
Change of Location
- Permits are not transferable from
one location to another except mobile vendors. An
"opening inspection" must be requested.
Change in type of business
- If you add a new type of
business, for example, if you add a deli or bakery to your current
establishment, this may require a change in firm type. You must
notify the Department at (850) 245-5520 to determine if the change
requires an inspection. Additional requirements may be necessary
when you make changes to your current business.
Change in an owner/business mailing address
- The Records
section at (850) 245-5520 must be notified when there is a change
in either the owner's or the business' mailing address. This is
necessary so that we can get business correspondence to
you (your Permit, product recalls, notices, etc.).
If you have questions regarding Food Establishment Permitting requirements, please contact:
Dr. John T. Fruin, Bureau Chief
3125 Conner Boulevard, Suite H
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650
Phone: (850) 245 - 5520
FAX: (850) 245 - 5553
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