Food Service Establishment Permit: Nashville restaurant guide

Metro Public Health Department

What it is

The health permit you need to operate a restaurant in Davidson County. It is issued after a passing pre-opening inspection and must be displayed where the public can see it.

When a restaurant needs it

Before serving food to the public.

How to apply

Once construction is finished and plans are approved, schedule the pre-opening inspection with Metro Food Protection Services (615-340-5620). Pay the permit, or renew it later, through Metro's online payment portal.

Documents you’ll need

Approved kitchen plans
Business information and owner contact
Employee Disease Reporting Agreements
Permit number for online payment

Fee

Varies by seating capacity — set by the Tennessee Food Safety Act permit fee schedule; confirm the amount with Metro Health

Processing time

Inspection typically within days of request; varies

Renewal

Annual — Tennessee food permits expire June 30

Who files

Applied for by the operator. The permit is issued to the owner of the establishment.

Good to know

Permits can't be transferred to a new owner or location. TABC asks for a current health permit, or an inspection within the last 12 months, with a liquor license application.

Official source

Metro Health — Food Protection Services · Metro Health — Pay your permit online

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