What licenses and permits are required to open a restaurant in Miami, Florida?

Jan 11, 2024 | 2 min read

Planning to open a restaurant in the city of Miami, FL? This guide simplifies the process by detailing the required licenses and permits, and explaining the registration steps involved, making it easier for restaurant owners to get started.

1. Business Registration

Purpose: Legally establishes your business in the State of Florida.

How to Register: Register your business online at the State of Florida Division of Corporation website.

2. Certificate of Use (CU)

Purpose: Confirms that the business is operating legally and safely.

Application Instructions: Apply online at the Miami city government website and undergo an inspection by the Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM).

3. Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

Purpose: Required to operate a business in the city. Also known as an Occupational License.

Application Instructions: Apply online at the city's website.

4. State License for Business

Purpose: Necessary if the restaurant is state-regulated, depending on the type of food service offered.

Application Instructions: Apply online at the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation website for the specific license needed.

5. Code Compliance/Fire Inspections

Purpose: Ensures the business meets all safety and code requirements.

How to Register: After obtaining your CU, you then schedule a code inspection and a fire inspection at the Miami city government website.

Resources

For further information, you can refer to the following sources:

Learn More About Miami

Jan 11, 2024 | 2 min read

About Otter

Otter helps your restaurant business grow. Here a few of our key results:
  • Increase revenue up to 10% with Marketing*
  • Reduce storefront downtime by up to 50% with Live Alerts*
  • Increase sales up to 50% with Digital Dine-In's QR code ordering*
  • Reduce missed orders to less than 1% with Order Manager's Auto-Accept feature*
  • Supercharge your food business with our all-in-one restaurant POS system*
* Results based on typical Otter customer performance

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. Otter does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

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