Food Hygiene

The Department of Health works with food operations located in:

• Schools
• Assisted living facilities
• Detention facilities
• Adult day cares
• Civic and fraternal organizations
• Bars and lounges that don’t prepare foods
• Theaters that limit their food service to items such as beverages, popcorn, hot dogs and nachos.

The Department of Health does not regulate restaurants. Most restaurants in Florida are licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You can contact them at 850-487-1395.

The Department of Health does not work with food service facilities in hospitals, nursing homes, child care facilities, many group homes, and churches and other not-for-profit religious organizations.

For information regarding child care facilities, please contact the Florida Department of  Children and  Families.

Most grocery stores and convenience stores in Florida are permitted by the Department of  Agriculture and Consumer Services.

If you are trying to make a complaint about the cleanliness, employee practices, or sanitation of a food establishment, please visit How to Report a Problem with Food in Florida.

You can get information on Department of Health food service inspectionsat the Department’sInspection Reports and Datapage.