Private & Public Schools Inspection Program

The Private and Public School Inspection Program is designed to protect the health and safety of the public through education in good sanitation and safety practices in a school setting. A partnering agency for this program is the Department of Education

Food Hygiene Inspections of school kitchens are conducted at a minimum of two times a year with a facility inspection twice a year in Escambia County schools. The governing authority for this program is Florida Statute 381, 6A-2.0010 Sanitation in public schools and 6A-2.0040 Sanitation in K-12 Private Schools.

Inspections consist of: 

• Ensuring that 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. 

• The school building is clean, sanitary and safe for students, faculty and staff.

Food Safety Permitting: 

The school will receive a permit to serve food after:

1. Application for a Sanitation Certificate(13kb; pdf)is submitted

2. Payment of required Permit Fees (see fee schedule)

3. Facility Plans are submitted and approved (if opening business)

4. Construction site evaluation conducted and approved (if opening business)

5. Proof of “required training” through the Department of Health (if applies)

6. Final Inspection is conducted and given a rating of “Satisfactory”

Location & Contact Information 

Downtown Service Center, 1300 West Gregory Street

The Private & Public Schools Inspection office is open Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Call 850-595-6700 to file a complaint or for more information.