Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Church Kitchens and Hospitals FAQ

All information on this page is current and was last reviewed by the division on March 28, 2012.

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Church Kitchens FAQ

1. Q.  Does the Department of Health license church kitchens?

A. No.  The Department of Health stopped licensing church kitchens on July 1, 2010, when a new state law removed church kitchen licenses from the Department of Health's authority.

2. Q. Who licenses church kitchens now that the Department of Health does not license them?

A. Church kitchens are not currently licensed by any state agency. 

3. Q. Can I operate my catering business out of a church kitchen?

A.Yes.  You can operate a catering business out of a church kitchen if the kitchen meets the minimum requirements of the Food Code and the operator can demonstrate control of the food production areas while using the kitchen. You must conduct your catering operations separate from church-related food service operations and restrict kitchen access to only those personnel working for you. The division cannot license food service operations conducted by a church or religious organization for its members and associates.

4. Q. Can I use a church kitchen as a commissary for my mobile food dispensing vehicle (MFDV) license?

A. You may use a church kitchen as a MFDV commissary to obtain potable water and dispose of wastewater. You must provide proof that the church kitchen is connected to an approved water source and sewer system. Please contact us by email at dhr.planreview@dbpr.state.fl.us or call 850-487-1395 regarding the specifics of using a church as a commissary for a MFDV.

5. Q. Will the Department of Health still issue my caterer or MFDV license?

A. The Department of Health can only issue a caterer or MFDV license if you use a kitchen licensed by that agency, such as civic or fraternal organizations or schools. If you use a church kitchen for your caterer license or as a commissary for your MFDV license, the Department of Health will no longer license your business. Please contact us by email at dhr.planreview@dbpr.state.fl.us or call 850-487-1395 regarding the specifics of using a church as a commissary for a MFDV.

6. Q. Who will issue my caterer or MFDV license, if the Department of Health cannot?

A. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants licenses public food service establishments in Florida, including caterers and MFDVs. If the Department of Health cannot issue your license, you will need to obtain a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants to continue operating as a public food service establishment.

7. Q. How do I obtain a caterer or MFDV license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants?

A. To obtain a license from the division, you would need to locate a food establishment licensed by the division or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that you can use as a commissary and apply for a license with the division. You may also need to complete a plan review. More information on licensure and plan review is available on our website and through our FAQ.

Food Service in Hospitals FAQ

7. Q. Does the Department of Health still license any food service establishments in hospitals?

A. No. The Department of Health stopped licensing all food services in hospitals on July 1, 2010, when a new state law removed hospital food service licenses from the Department of Health’s authority.

8. Q. Who licenses public food service establishments in hospitals now that the Department of Health does not license them?

A. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants now licenses public food service establishments located in hospitals when they are owned and operated by an entity other than the hospital.  However, food service establishments located in hospitals that are owned and operated by the hospital are not within our authority. The definition of a public food service establishment is available on our website.

9. Q. I own and operate a public food service located in a hospital. How do I obtain a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants?

A. You will need to apply for a license with the division.  You may also need to complete plan review.  More information on licensure and plan review is available on our website and through our FAQ.