Food Establishments

In Florida, three agencies share responsibilities for ensuring that only safe, and wholesome food is provided to the public. Those agencies are the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) , the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR), and the Department of Health.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services  conducts inspection and testing programs for the more than 30,000 retail food stores, food processing plants, food storage and distribution points, and other locations in Florida where food is sold to the public.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation regulates and inspects public food service facilities -- primarily restaurants. DBPR maintains the listing of restaurant disciplinary activities on their web site. You can also check a restaurant's last inspection here

The Lee County Health Department is responsible for regulating and inspecting food service establishments that include:

·         institutions,

·         child care facilities,

·         schools,

·         hospitals,

·         civic or fraternal organizations,

·         bars and lounges,

·         and theaters that serve traditional theater foods (such as soft drinks, popcorn, hot dogs, etc.)

The Lee County Health Department inspects and issues food certificates to these facilities. Depending on the type of population serviced, and the type of food served, these facilities are inspected either twice or four times per year. Unless exempted, these food operations are required to comply with food manager certification requirements. The Lee County Health Department also regulates temporary food events, mobile food units, and vending machines that operate at or through any of these facilities.

Rules regarding DOH-regulated food facilities can be found in Chapter 64E-11 F.A.C.

Sanitation certificates for Department of Health-regulated food hygiene facilities are issued by the Lee County Health Department after submitting the permit application, and the plan review application with the required fee.  The fee is based on the type of food operation.  A plan review will also be required. Please contact our office if you are planning on opening a new DOH regulated food operation.

See the Bureau of Community Health’s Food Safety website for more information on the state’s role in these programs

How safe is your kitchen??? Can Your Kitchen Pass the Food Safety Test?

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