Food permits
- Restaurants, food trucks, and caterers: license from DBPR's Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
- Grocery stores, retail bakeries, and food processors: food permit from FDACS.
- Cottage food: no license, permit, or inspection needed for shelf-stable homemade foods, up to $250,000 in gross sales per year.
- Cottage food sellers can sell in person, online, and by mail within Florida, but not wholesale. Products must carry the required label statement.
- Serving alcohol requires a license from DBPR's Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.
- Most food sellers need a free Florida sales tax certificate of registration.
Local health department requirements
- In Florida, food service inspections are done by DBPR or FDACS, not your county health department.
- DBPR-licensed establishments need a certified food protection manager, and employees must complete approved food handler training.
- Temporary event licenses from DBPR cost $91 for 1–3 days, $105 for 4–30 days, or $456 for a year.
- Food made under the cottage food law can't be sold at DBPR-licensed temporary food events.
- Your county and city usually require a local business tax receipt.
Facility permits
- DBPR plan review is required for new, converted, or remodeled restaurants, or ones reopening after 18+ months. Online reviews take about 30 days.
- FDACS handles plan review for grocery and processing facilities.
- Check zoning, building permits, and the fire marshal's requirements before signing a lease.
- Commercial kitchens usually need a grease trap approved by the local utility.
These are Florida state and federal requirements. Cities and counties often add their own. Requirements and fees change — confirm with the agency before you apply. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Other Florida Business Types
Florida Construction & Trades: Licenses and Permits
Construction / Trades license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.
Florida Transportation Business: Licenses and Permits
Transportation license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.
Florida Ecommerce Business: Licenses and Permits
Ecommerce license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.
Florida Consulting & Freelance Business: Licenses and Permits
Consulting / Freelance license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.