DBPR Public Food Service Establishment License (Permanent, Seating or Non-Seating): Miami restaurant guide

Florida DBPR — Division of Hotels & Restaurants

What it is

The state license to operate a restaurant in Florida (Miami-Dade restaurants are licensed by DBPR, not the county health department).

When a restaurant needs it

Before serving the public. Issued after you pass the pre-opening sanitation and safety inspection.

How to apply

Apply in DBPR Online Services (seating or non-seating license), pay fees, then call 850-487-1395 to schedule the opening inspection.

Documents you’ll need

Approved plan review (if required)
Business entity and FEIN
Seat count
Certified food manager information

Fee

$50 application fee for new or change-of-ownership applications, plus the annual license by seats: 1–49 seats $262; 50–149 $273; 150–249 $294; 250–349 $315; 350–499 $336; 500+ $357 (includes the $10 Hospitality Education Program fee).

Processing time

Inspection scheduled after plan review is met; typically 1–3 weeks.

Renewal

Annually.

Who files

The licensee (owner) or an authorized agent applies online.

Good to know

Taking over a recently licensed restaurant? Apply for a 'Change of Owner' instead of a new license. Grocery-type operations fall under FDACS, and institutional kitchens (schools, hospitals) fall under the Department of Health.

Official source

DBPR H&R — food service licensing guide · DBPR H&R — food service license fees

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.