The Florida Department of Health works with food service establishments as defined by section 381.0072, Florida Statutes to help ensure their products are not a source of foodborne illness.
Generally this includes food service operations located in institutional settings (such as schools, assisted living facilities, hospice, detention facilities, adult day cares, in-patient drug, alcohol and mental health facilities etc.), civic and fraternal organizations, bars and lounges that don’t prepare time temperature control (potentially hazardous) non-beverage foods, and theaters that limit their food service to items customarily served at theaters (such as beverages, popcorn, hot dogs and nachos).
Inspections are conducted within Escambia County one to four times a permit cycle depending on the type of establishment, in accordance with section 381.0101, F.S., and Rule 64E-11, F.A.C., and the 2013 FDA Food Code. Inspections include:
Restaurant Regulation
The Department of Health does not regulate restaurants – inspections and permitting is handled by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (850-487-1395).
- Ensuring that food is stored, handled and served in a sanitary manner to prevent cross contamination and the spread of foodborne 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 handwashing facilities
The Florida Department of Health no longer regulates food safety in hospitals, nursing homes and child care centers. Please contact the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration in regards to hospitals and nursing homes, and the Florida Department of Children and Families for child care.
Learn more, call 850-595-6700.
Permits
A food safety manager certificate is required for certain facilities. Please review the Food Manager Certification Requirements for more information. The client will receive a permit to conduct business after:
- Food Establishment Guide
- Application for a Sanitation Certificate
- Payment of required permit fees are received
- Facility plans are submitted and approved (if opening business)
- Construction site evaluation conducted and approved (if opening business)
- Proof of required training through the Florida Department of Health (if applicable)
- Final Inspection is conducted and given a rating of satisfactory
Fees
Environmental Public Health bills and fees can be paid in-person, by mail, or can pay online. We accept cash, credit cards, and checks (returned check fee is $25).
- Downtown Service Center (1300 West Gregory St.)
- Open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| School (3 inspections per year) Annual Permit | $270 |
| School (4 inspections per year) Annual Permit | $406 |
| Concession stand | $125 |
| Residential Facilities Annual Permit | $341 |
| Bars/lounges Annual Permit | $396 |
| Fraternal/civic Annual Permit | $255 |
| Jails/prisons Annual Permit | $456 |
| Limited Food Service Annual Permit | $235 |
| Vending Machines Annual Permit | $100 |
| MAX Umbrella Annual Permit | $506 |
| Other Food Service Annual Permit | $396 |
| Movie Theaters Inspection Request | $40 |
| Religious Exempt – Inspection Request | $51 |
| Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco (AB&T) license Sign-off | $95 |
| Plan review | $55 |
| Re-inspection (after 1st re-inspection) | $90 |
| Late Fee | $77 |
| Food worker training, per person | $25 |