Who needs a public food service establishment license in Florida?

Issued by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

6 of the 20 kinds of business in Florida

For restaurants, bars and any place that serves food to eat there. Plan review is required for a new build, a remodel, a conversion from another use or a space closed 18 months, and the license is issued after the opening inspection passes. Submit the license application and plan review together.

Checked Oct 17, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants.

Sources and dates

DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants food license fee page and food service guide. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.