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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Food Hygiene Program

Environmental Public Health (EH)

The Food Hygiene Program is designed to promote, protect, and improve the health of the public by monitoring and regulating food handling and sanitary conditions of food service in institutional settings such as:

  • After school meal programs
  • Adult day cares
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Bars and lounges
  • Civic and fraternal organizations
  • Crisis stabilization units
  • Detention facilities
  • Domestic violence shelters
  • Hospices
  • Intermediate care facilities
  • Mobile food units
  • Movie theaters
  • Prescribed pediatric extended care
  • Recreation camps
  • Residential treatment facilities (ACHA)
  • Schools
  • Summer school food service programs
  • Transitional living facilities

Inspections

Inspections are conducted within Osceola County two to four times a year depending on the type of establishment. These facilities are regulated under Florida Statute 381.0101 and Florida Administrative Code 64E-11.

Inspections Consist of:

  • Ensuring food is stored, handled, and served in a sanitary manner to prevent cross contamination and the spread of food-borne illness.
  • Utensils and serving equipment are properly cleaned and sanitized.
  • Work areas and equipment are kept clean, safe, and sanitized.
  • Sanitary facilities are operational, clean and equipped with hand-washing facilities.

Permits

The Client will Receive a Permit to Conduct Business after:

  1. Completing a Food Establishment Plan Review Guide
  2. Completing an Application for a Sanitation Certificate
  3. Completing a Food Facility Application, if opening business
  4. Payments of required Permit Fees are received
  5. Plans are submitted and approved
  6. Construction site evaluation conducted and approved, if opening business
  7. Proof of “required training” through the Department of Health, if applicable
  8. A Food Manager Certification is required for certain facilities
  9. Final Inspection is conducted and given a rating of “Satisfactory”

Regulation of Food Safety in Specific Facilities

The Florida Department of Health does not regulate restaurants, food safety in hospitals, nursing homes, or childcare centers.

Restaurant inspections are handled by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

For regulations related to hospitals and nursing homes, please contact the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

For childcare centers, please reach out to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Resources