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Are you looking to obtain Restaurant Licenses in Florida, or perhaps you’re interested in acquiring permits for your food truck business in the Sunshine State? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into all the licenses and permits you’ll need to kickstart your food truck or restaurant venture in Florida. We’ll also provide you with an estimate of the total cost involved in obtaining these licenses. Let’s dive right in!
Florida, known as the Sunshine State, boasts a warm climate and a plethora of attractions that draw in hordes of tourists. From specialty cuisines to Michelin-starred restaurants, Florida’s dining scene is diverse and vibrant. Aspiring entrepreneurs may consider venturing into the world of food trucks in Florida, where food trucks and mobile vendors can be found all around.
Obtaining a license for your food business in Florida depends on the type of food operation you intend to run. However, certain common licenses are required for restaurants, food trucks, and catering services in Florida. The process shares similarities with our article on licenses and permits in California.
The first step you should take is to register with the government to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This registration is free of charge and grants you legal permission to withhold and pay income taxes. You can apply for an EIN at irs.gov.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOACS) mandates that any facility engaged in manufacturing, packaging, processing, preparing, or selling food wholesale or retail in Florida must hold an annual food permit. This includes businesses involved in manufacturing, packaging, processing, preserving, or preparing food. You can register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOACS) at myfwc.com. The annual cost of a food permit in Florida varies based on the type of food operation you conduct. A list of fees can be found at fdacs.gov. New operations must undergo a safety inspection, and the licensing process typically takes about a month.
You must register with the state to collect state sales tax in Florida. While the state does not have a specific seller’s permit for Florida per se, you can register at floridarevenue.com. You can find more information about potential taxes, including other applicable taxes such as those for amusement machines in your restaurant, at floridarevenue.com.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) handles commercial licenses statewide. The cost of a DBPR license in Florida varies depending on the type of restaurant and the number of seats it has. You can apply for one at myfloridalicense.com.
Florida law requires that you provide a floor plan for a new seating establishment license. The plan must be approved before proceeding with your license. You can download the application form for this at the time of writing this article. While online applications were not being accepted, that could change rapidly as restaurants prepare for full occupancy.
In Florida, you must apply for the right to use a fictitious name for your restaurant or food truck. You can submit your application at sunbiz.org. Fictitious business names are the names you operate your business under, such as “Good Eats” or “Jerry’s Gator Gumbo.” You must announce your intention to use the name in a local newspaper at least once and certify that you’ve done so when submitting the application. The registration lasts for five years and expires on December 31 of the fifth year. The registration fee is $50, plus $10 for a Certificate of Status and $30 for a certified copy of the registration. You do not need to file a fictitious name if you are a registered corporation or opt to use your legal name, such as “Chuck Anderson’s Tacos.”
Florida counties have different regulations for restaurant permits that may apply to your establishment. These include various requirements and permits that may be necessary for your new restaurant. These can include:
Food safety is regulated by three main agencies in Florida:
The DBPR handles most of the regulations for granting commercial licenses for restaurants and food trucks. However, you’ll need to obtain your food permit from the Department of Health and secure food handler permits for yourself and any employees. You can find more information about Department of Health requirements at floridahealth.gov. Obtaining a health permit for your food truck or restaurant requires a fee and a facility inspection for food safety.
Every restaurant or food truck in Florida must have a Certified Food Manager present during all hours of operation. Other employees also need food handler permits. These permits apply to catering operations as well. More information on Certified Food Managers and food handler permits can be found at floridahealth.gov.
Restaurants can significantly increase revenue by obtaining licenses to serve alcohol. In Florida, obtaining such a license is a crucial part of most restaurant business plans. You will need a license such as the 4COP. What is a 4COP license in Florida? It allows you to sell alcoholic beverages, wine, beer, and package deals. The qualifications include having a reputable restaurant. Requirements include at least 2,500 to 5,000 square feet of space with permanent seating, but this can vary by county. You must derive at least 51% of sales from non-alcoholic food and beverages. A typical example is Broward County, which requires a minimum of 2,000 square feet and 150 seats. The cost of a 4COP-SRX license there is $1,820.
There are several options for obtaining an alcohol license in Florida:
Florida counties have various regulations for special permits that may apply to your restaurant. These include permits for various functions of restaurants, and these are discussed in the restaurant-only section.
According to orlandosentinel.com, home cooks can sell certain items they prepare without obtaining a restaurant license in Florida. The types of foods people can sell from their homes include cookies, bread, cakes, pastries, flavored popcorn, and flavored vinegar. Gross sales are limited to $15,000 per year.
Your Florida food permit application is not the only license you need for a food truck or mobile vendor service. Food trucks must obtain a general business license and a mobile food establishment permit to sell food from a mobile cart or food truck.
This doesn’t mean that food permits are unnecessary if you only plan to sell vegetables, fruits, or legumes at a farmers’ market, roadside stand, truck, or mobile cart. However, a business license is required. You also need to register with the state and federal governments to collect sales tax and pay your state and federal taxes.
Unfortunately, food trucks cannot sell alcoholic beverages except with a special city permit for festivals, celebrations, and the like.
There are some workarounds that allow food trucks to sell alcohol. You can obtain a temporary city permit for festivals, catering events, etc. If you have a good relationship with government officials, your chances of qualifying for various festivals throughout the year increase.
Another option is to sell food alongside an authorized bar. You can deliver food to people at the bar, but you cannot deliver liquor to the food truck. The third option is to partner with a craft brewery. Breweries often host food truck nights with a variety of foods.
Before starting a food truck in Florida, aspiring entrepreneurs must obtain a fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department. Without the inspection, you will not be allowed to operate a food truck.
Your food truck must undergo a food safety and sanitation inspection before a health permit is issued for food truck operation. Your truck will be periodically inspected by the local health department to ensure compliance with all food quality and safety standards.
The licensing process consists of three steps. The first step is reviewing regulations and requirements on fdacs.gov.
The second step is obtaining a Letter of Agreement from the Commissioner. Food trucks must have access to an approved facility for food truck service, sanitation, food storage, and more. The facility can be a kitchen with dining service or catering, a restaurant, or a commissary designed exclusively for serving multiple food vendors.
The third step is submitting an Application for Mobile Food Establishment Inspection. You must have the commissary inspected and obtain your food permit within 14 days of the opening date.
Understanding the costs associated with licenses and permits for your food business in Florida is essential. The total cost varies based on factors such as the type of food operation, location, and specific licenses required. It is recommended that you consult with the relevant authorities and agencies to get accurate and up-to-date information on the costs involved.
In conclusion, starting a food truck or restaurant in Florida involves navigating a series of licenses and permits. Ensuring compliance with all legal requirements is crucial for the successful launch and operation of your culinary business in the Sunshine State. Remember to stay informed about any changes in regulations and seek professional guidance when needed to make your venture a success.
Article authored on behalf of Bay Area Restaurant Supply – bayarearestaurantsupply.com.
Bay Area Restaurant Supplies is a dedicated provider of top-quality equipment and tools to the food service industry, drawing upon years of proven experience. We pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to delivering reliable and effective commercial kitchen solutions, backed by our unyielding support and steadfast customer service. Our knowledgeable representatives are adept at guiding customers through our extensive inventory to help them find the optimal product for their needs, and we remain at their disposal to ensure their satisfaction well beyond the point of delivery. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards, and believe that our success hinges on the complete satisfaction of our valued clientele.
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