A type of food service license that does not offer dine-in, delivery, or take-out of usually individual made-to-order food.
Generally, food or drink is prepared in one place (a licensed kitchen) in order to serve it at another location (customer’s event). Caterers are most often:
- used for events like weddings, parties, and meetings
- hired to prepare certain foods
- paid by one individual
- taking food to a predetermined location where it is served
View our Catering Brochure / Spanish
You may not conduct food operations in a private residence
Food safety requirements for Catering are the same as other fixed food service licenses available from the division. Catering operations must meet all applicable standards of a public food service establishment. You must conduct all food storage and food preparation operations in an approved, licensed food service establishment.
Food service businesses should get a catering license if the only thing they intend to do is cater food
There are 2 alternatives to holding a catering license that may suit your needs better:
Option 1 – Any licensed public food service establishment may also provide catering services without holding a separate catering license from the division. A Seating (SEAT) or Non-Seating (NOST) license can also perform catering services.
Option 2 – Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles (MFDVs) can travel from place to place and sell or serve food to anyone, unlike vehicles used only to transport catered food to a contracted service location. For more information about MFDVs, see the division’s Guide to MFDVs and Hot Dog Carts. Guide to MFDVs and Hot Dog Carts
Steps to acquiring a Catering License
- Create a DBPR online account
- Determine if plan review is required
- Apply for a license (with plan review if required) and pay the license fee
- Schedule and pass the licensing Inspection
Note: Steps 1 – 3 can be completed online. If plan review is required, we recommend applying for both license and plan review at the same time using one of the combination applications available via DBPR online services. This COMBO is the fastest way to apply and get open.
Application Tips
- Applicants are welcome to send in a cover letter with their completed application explaining their specific situation.
- All DBPR food service licenses have a 7 digit numerical license number. Before purchasing a food service business, making an agreement with a commissary, or sharing a kitchen verify the license by searching here.
- If changing ownership or sharing a kitchen ensure the location address on the application matches the location of the licensed kitchen.
- If a plan review is required check the plan review page before submitting your application. Remember that plan review applications can be submitted via email.
If you plan to share an existing DBPR licensed kitchen
No plan review is required if sharing a kitchen and the kitchen is licensed by DBPR (example: renting space in a DBPR licensed commercial kitchen). However, each independent business needs a separate license. Obtain the license number from the existing operator and verify the license status with the division by searching here. Save the license number; it will be needed for the license application. A ‘shared kitchen’ option is not available online, when ready to apply please complete the HR 7035-Application and mail it in with the appropriate fees. In Section 3 on the application make sure to mark the “Sharing an existing DBPR licensed kitchen” checkbox and include the license number of the DBPR licensed kitchen on the application.
Exception – If sharing a commercial kitchen permitted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, such as a bakery or grocery or coffee shop, a plan review would be required.
Exception – If sharing a kitchen permitted by the Department of Health, such as a school or fraternal organization or bar, then the Department of Health would be the permitting agency.
If buying an existing business with a licensed kitchen intact and no changes are made – No Plan Review required
No plan review is required if the kitchen is already licensed by the division and no changes were made. Get the license number from the operator of the kitchen and verify it’s currently licensed by searching here. Save the license number, it will be needed for the license application. When ready apply online or complete the HR 7035-Application as a change of ownership and mail it in with the appropriate fees.
If building a new kitchen or taking over and remodeling any kitchen – Plan Review required
Plan review is required if a caterer constructs or uses a space that has never been licensed by the division, has been closed for more than one year, or has been remodeled. The following documents are must be submitted with a plan review application: plan, proof of connection to approved water and sewer and a menu. For more details about plan review visit the plan review page. When ready, apply online or complete the HR 7030 combo application. Mail it in or email the completed application to dhr.hqsupport@myfloridalicense.com.
Fees
For a detailed breakdown of fees see the food service fee page.
Opening Inspection
All new licensees are required to pass a sanitation and safety inspection prior to opening. After meeting all requirements of the plan review and submitting your license application and fees, check your approved plan review packet for Inspector contact information or contact the department at 850.487.1395 to schedule an opening inspection. For more information about inspections view the inspections page.
Ongoing Requirements
Division personnel inspect as often as necessary for enforcement of the provisions of law and rule, and the protection of the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Catering operators must permit division personnel right of entry at any reasonable time to observe food preparation and service. If necessary, division personnel may examine records of the unit to obtain pertinent information regarding food and supplies purchased, received or used.
Please print out and fill out the paper application to the best of your ability and set up a consultation appointment to discuss your State licensing application and review your answers before submitting to the State.
