Restaurant permits — Florida
The stack below is the state framework: the food permit, who issues it, whether plan review stands in front of your build-out, and the certificate layer for your team. Where Florida hands a number to your county, the page says so and names the office — that honesty is the product.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Public food service establishment license (DBPR) | Issued at state level. Fee: Set by the issuing office — State-issued by DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants — there is no one flat fee: DBPR charges a $50 application fee on a new license or change of ownership, plan review is provided at no charge, and the license fee itself varies by classification and seating capacity on the DBPR fee schedule.. |
| Plan review | Required before build-out — drawings first, construction second. |
| Certificate of occupancy | Certificate of occupancy / certificate of use from the local building department is usually required before the food permit is issued; confirm zoning allows a restaurant use first. |
| Fire & signs | Fire inspection, fire-suppression (hood/Ansul) sign-off, and sign permits are separate and issued locally by the fire marshal and city/county — never part of the state food permit. |
| Grease / wastewater | Grease interceptor/trap sizing and approval is local (building/plumbing or wastewater); many cities also require a FOG (fats, oils, grease) permit and service records. |
DBPR plan review approval (no charge) before construction → build to approved plans → apply for the DBPR license and pay the $50 application fee plus the seating-based license fee → get the local business tax receipt and certificate of occupancy/use → pass the DBPR licensing (pre-opening) inspection → license issued
Food handler cards: mandated statewide — All food service employees of DBPR-licensed establishments — DBPR-approved training (not a state-issued card; the approved provider issues the certificate), within 60 days of starting, valid 3 years. Typical cost $15–$30.
Certified Food Protection Manager: required — At least one certified food manager per establishment, in charge during operating hours; managers must pass an approved exam (within 30 days of hire/promotion in DBPR guidance). Accredited exam cost runs $36–$175. Florida uses 'certified food manager' under Ch. 509 / Rule 61C; ANAB-CFP accredited exams are accepted.
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The fee is set by the issuing office in Florida — State-issued by DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants — there is no one flat fee: DBPR charges a $50 application fee on a new license or change of ownership, plan review is provided at no charge, and the license fee itself varies by classification and seating capacity on the DBPR fee schedule. Anyone quoting you a single statewide number is guessing.
At state level — the Public food service establishment license (DBPR) comes from there, and that office runs your pre-opening inspection.
Sources: Florida Statutes §509.049 (employee training, 60 days, valid 3 years) via Justia; DBPR fee facts via MyFloridaLicense summaries on LegalClarity. This row was verified against the primary source named below.. Dataset checked October 23, 2026. Where a fee or rule is set by a county or city, this page says so instead of guessing a number.