Opening a restaurant in Florida requires several licenses and permits, which are issued by different departments of the state government. The specific licenses you need depend on the type of food service you plan to provide. The process involves registering with the Florida Department of State, the IRS, and the Florida Department of Revenue. Then, you must apply for a business license from one of several Florida agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and the Department of Health.
A plan review process is also required for new establishments, those converted from another use, remodeled establishments, and those reopening after being closed for at least 18 months.
1. Registration with the Florida Department of State, the IRS, and the Florida Department of Revenue
- Purpose: This is the initial step in setting up your business. It ensures that your business is legally recognized and that you are compliant with tax laws.
- How to Register: You can register your business with the Florida Department of State website. For the IRS and Florida Department of Revenue, please visit their respective websites.
2. Business License from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Purpose: This license is required for food prepared in grocery and convenience stores, bakeries, coffee shops, juice and smoothie bars, pre-packaged food vendors, and mobile food vendors that sell non-potentially hazardous food.
- How to Register: You can apply for this license through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. More information can be found on their website.
3. Business License from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Purpose: This license is required for most alcoholic beverage licenses, free-standing restaurants, take-out, food courts, and temporary food service events.
- Estimated Cost: The fees for the application are calculated by the application date and are due at the time of application.
- How to Register: You can apply for this license through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation website.
4. Business License from the Department of Health
- Purpose: This license is required for bars and lounges that do not prepare food, civic and fraternal organizations, food service establishments in institutions, schools, universities, detention centers, etc., and theaters that limit their food service to items customarily served at theaters.
- How to Register: You can apply for this license through the Department of Health. More information can be found on their website.
5. Plan Review Process
- Purpose: This process is necessary for new establishments, those converted from another use, remodeled establishments, those reopening after being closed for at least 18 months, and for establishments applying for a remodel. The Plan Review process is designed to review establishment plans for sanitation and safety concerns.
- How to Register: You can complete the process online on the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation website.
For more detailed information, please refer to the original sources:
- Florida Department of State
- Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation
- Plan Review Process
- DBPR Forms and Publications
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